Before coming to New Zealand, I remember reading a guide saying that there were really only three essential things necessary to survive in New Zealand. First and foremost was an enthusiasm for rugby, or the ability to fake enthusiasm for rugby. Last Saturday marked the first game of the 2013 Rugby Union season when New Zealand's team the All Blacks faced off against their rival, France at Eden Park Stadium just a short drive from where we live. To give you a little background, this was the very team and stadium where France and the All Blacks faced off in the final game of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand. The All Blacks emerged victorious and it was a proud day for all kiwis. The parties must have been epic.
This comparably insignificant game still had the stadium packed nearly to capacity and brought with it all the rambunctious fandom you would expect from a high stakes football game in the States. But if you think American football makes people go bonkers, hear this: Our roommate Ryan who is a policeman informed us that when the All Blacks lose a game domestic violence calls increase by 60%! As we settled into the living room drinks in hand to watch the game, something unusual happened. A lady began to sing the French national anthem. Naturally, I inquired about this and it was explained that here in New Zealand the other team is allowed to sing their national anthem first out of respect. I guess the sport isn't as uncivil as it first appears. After both anthems were sung the All Blacks performed a Haka dance which is a Maori dance traditionally used to intimidate a rival tribe before battle. This really seemed to rial up the French and the game commenced.
It quickly became apparent to me that while similar to American football, it is much faster paced and therefore much more compelling to watch. Sorry football fans. Rugby Union games are 80 minutes long with no clock stops and no real stopping between plays. There are 15 players on each team and it is played on a field almost exactly the same as a football field. There are no quarterback or receivers. Instead you can only pass the ball laterally or backward while rushing towards the end zone. A play is over when the man with the ball is tackled or brought down by the opposing team whereby a sort of dog pile is formed on top of the player with the ball in an attempt the wretch the ball from his hands. Once the ball is taken or he successfully rolls it to one of his teammates the game continues. It really is just as brutal as it sounds; even more so because they do not wear any pads. Not even cups. Ryan was telling me stories of a few guys who had testicles smashed and still went out to finish the game.
By about thirty minutes into the game it wasn't looking good for the All Blacks, who were performing sloppily and trailed by 4. Luckily for women across New Zealand, they came back and soundly defeated France 23 to 13.
Kiwisms:
keen = committed/eager/into it/down (e.g. I'm keen to go snowboarding this weekend)
camp = a really polite word for gay
hori = ghetto/rough/unsophisticated (roughly equivalent to trailer trash)
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