More rugby.....!

Trip Start Aug 17, 2003
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Trip End Jun 04, 2004


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Flag of New Zealand  ,
Friday, February 20, 2004

I had an interesting trip down from Te Anau to Invercargill, as the office had over-booked the bus I was supposed to be travelling on, and there wasn't a seat for me - so I ended up sitting on a rugby ball and 2 pillows between the driver and passenger seats of the minibus. Totally illegal, and incredibly dangerous (very glad that there wasn't any need to brake suddenly), but at least it meant I could get to Invercargill in time to watch the rugby I'd bought tickets for.

I was determined to watch a game of rugby in NZ to see the infamous passion they have for the game, and what better game to watch than the opening game of the Super 12 tournament?

Unfortunately it was absolutely pissing down with rain, I've never been so wet in all my life Being interviewed on Sky!!
Being interviewed on Sky!!
 . Which did seem to dampen the fans enthusiasm a little, but it was still a great game. I had to feel sorry though for the opposition, the Queensland Reds, who had been training in Brisbane in a heatwave and drought affected state - they probably hadn't seen that much rain for years! And it certainly showed in the way they played, as the Highlanders thrashed them by miles.

Possibly the highlight of the evening was getting interviewed on Sky by ex-All Black, Josh Kronfeld, which was very amusing! We managed to get great seats in the ground, just by the halfway line, and right at the front. As we sat down, Grant pointed to the nearby TV cameras and whispered "I bet you'll end up on TV". I was admittedly dressed in a Highlanders shirt and a stetson which I'd managed to pick up in a $2 shop, so I wasn't exactly inconspicuous. The next thing we know, a woman has come over and asked if I mind being interviewed. Very very funny. And then it took a while to realise that the interviewer was Josh Kronfeld (and I have to admit I had to ask who he was!)

Anyway, it was all very funny, I had a really long chat with him, and he was SUCH a nice bloke. We were talking about my travelling, and he invited me to meet up with him for a beer if I go near to where he lives on the North Island... (But I know from experience what rugby boys are like, so maybe not....) During the interview he asked me who my favourite England player was, which was quite embarassing, because I then went totally blank and couldn't think of any names!! But it was cool.

If anyone needs proof, I've got the photos, and the autographed shirt.... ;-)
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