The Rugby World Cup - a relatively unknown event to those of us from the southern parts of Australia - is a massive deal in the UK, especially since England were the reigning world champions. Although I know nothing about Rugby, I was invited by Canterbury to go to Wales to watch the France v New Zealand game and thought I should go if only to see the much lauded Millennium Stadium. We arrived mid-afternoon to the news that England, who had been pretty dismal since they won the World Cup, had - to everyone's surprise - somehow beaten Australia in France. This was very disappointing news and so we were supporting NZ to keep Australasia in the running which is apparently unusual as Australia and NZ are sworn enemies in Rugby, but we were oblivious to these kinds of rivalries. Most English fans were supporting France who they assumed they would have a better chance of beating in the next round. The stadium was amazing - about double the capacity of Telstra Dome and the atmosphere was awesome. One of the best things was seeing the All Blacks do the haka before the start - usually the competing team stands well back, but France - brilliantly decked out in blue, white and red shirts to represent the French flag - stood right in front. Unfortunately the result didn't go our way again with NZ losing 20-18. Fortunately South Africa went on to crush England in the finals 15-6, so victory for the antipodeans! Click play below to watch the haka (the scary looking French player with long hair is apparently a major celebrity in France!) -
