- USA fans decked out in every possible patriotic gear: George Washington complete with powdered wig; Wonder Woman (2 in fact); Captain America; Elvis, Cowboy gear, Uncle Sam, etc
- Russia Fans came dressed up as Red Army Generals, Stalin, Bolsheviks, Cossacks, etc
- The local Kiwis did there part by wearing USA shirts and hats or Russia Shirts and hats. Sometimes even amongst the same family.
What was great was seeing fans of both countries sitting side by side, taking pictures of one another; singing each other's anthems, Americans being taught basic Russian expressions in the stands and vice versa. It was very cool.
On the rugby pitch things were not as nice. These two teams have started to develop a rivalry. Russia is new to rugby, have first started to field a team in 1997. The USA, well they have been around awhile but have not been a rugby power since they won the Olympic Gold in Rugby in 1924; which was the last time rugby was played in an Olympic Games. It will return in 2016 at the games in Brazil as Rugby Sevens which is a unique variation of rugby.
Russia got the first score, blocking a clearing kick and putting the US under pressure. A penalty by the US led to Russia taking a 3-0 lead. The US tied it a little later. The the US got a great try and extended the lead to 10-3 by halftime.
The 2nd half was sloppy as a torrential rainstorm hit during halftime. Both teams had numerous missed kick at goal. The US eventually converted a kick and went up 13-3 for a little breathing room. In the final 5 minutes Russia closed the gap to 13-6 and in the final minutes had the US under a lot of pressure and had an opportunity to score a try but critical errors took them out of scoring opportunities.
So the US held on for the win and post game handshakes were exchanged. The crowd was appreciative of both teams. The Russian team then circled the stadium thanking the crowd for their support by clapping the crowd. That is also a tradition in rugby. Then as they went to exit the field the US team lined the stadium tunnel and clapped the Russians off the pitch. Again, another tradition in rugby.
So, tomorrow I have my first chance to see the home team, and the number 1 team in the world, the All Blacks of New Zealand. They take on Japan. Then on Saturday I enjoy the Ireland vs Australia match which should be a great game. Australia looked unbeatable in their first game and the Irish are also good! Both teams have tens of thousands of supporters here so will be a great atmosphere. Sunday I have the France vs Canada match. Canada turned a lot of heads by upsetting favored Tonga earlier this week and the local Kiwis have taken notice since their All Blacks will take on Canada in a week or two.
Well today was mostly about rugby, as will the next few days. Then next week I change base location and move to the far north of the country. A whole new area to explore. For now, here is a video of some highlights from tonight's match:
Russia got the first score, blocking a clearing kick and putting the US under pressure. A penalty by the US led to Russia taking a 3-0 lead. The US tied it a little later. The the US got a great try and extended the lead to 10-3 by halftime.
The 2nd half was sloppy as a torrential rainstorm hit during halftime. Both teams had numerous missed kick at goal. The US eventually converted a kick and went up 13-3 for a little breathing room. In the final 5 minutes Russia closed the gap to 13-6 and in the final minutes had the US under a lot of pressure and had an opportunity to score a try but critical errors took them out of scoring opportunities.
So the US held on for the win and post game handshakes were exchanged. The crowd was appreciative of both teams. The Russian team then circled the stadium thanking the crowd for their support by clapping the crowd. That is also a tradition in rugby. Then as they went to exit the field the US team lined the stadium tunnel and clapped the Russians off the pitch. Again, another tradition in rugby.
So, tomorrow I have my first chance to see the home team, and the number 1 team in the world, the All Blacks of New Zealand. They take on Japan. Then on Saturday I enjoy the Ireland vs Australia match which should be a great game. Australia looked unbeatable in their first game and the Irish are also good! Both teams have tens of thousands of supporters here so will be a great atmosphere. Sunday I have the France vs Canada match. Canada turned a lot of heads by upsetting favored Tonga earlier this week and the local Kiwis have taken notice since their All Blacks will take on Canada in a week or two.
Well today was mostly about rugby, as will the next few days. Then next week I change base location and move to the far north of the country. A whole new area to explore. For now, here is a video of some highlights from tonight's match:
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