Last weekend was notable for the amount of sporting activity. Currently we are in the midst of “finals football” for the National Rugby League, which is providing lots of quality action, from relatively evenly matched teams. Three members of the household have been glued to the screen, and the Parramata Eels have become favourites, along with the rest of the league fraternity. The Bulldogs, my original team, remain in the competition.
Of greater interest to the wider nation and Wellington specifically, there was an All Blacks international on Saturday which Joe and I attended. They were playing Australia, the first time I have seen them play the lads from across the ditch. Going to the game was recognition of Joe’s hard work at school and his good school report.
The stadium was full, and we were seated by a whole block of Ozzies, which was good as they generated some noise for a while, and we were entertained at the end when some of them left early, and they were being waved “goodbye” by the Kiwis.
The noise was louder than usual, but most noticeably for the anthems. After that, it was only slightly louder than usual, and of course, the dorks pulled out the Mexican wave after about 20 minutes.
We were seated behind an end, and so had a good view of the running lines of both teams. Though the ABs won convincingly, their running and handing looked lacklustre. A little more of the “running straight” and “let the ball beat the man” stuff of days gone by would have helped. The Aussie backs looked better with ball in hand, though they had little of it, the forwards being soundly beaten.
For the nation a win is a win. The heat is back off the team and coaches, but there is obviously still plenty to deal with.
And the best parts of the evening?
The choir from Joe’s school leading the singing of the national anthem and rushing home and being in time to watch the Broncos play the Dragons in the NRL!
