September 24, 2011 3:06pm by David Farrar

Rugby World Cup 2011

Yesterday

Went to the USA vs Australia game last night. We grabbed dinner beforehand at the Trade Kitchen and even from there could see hundreds of people walking past in USA colours, many of them wearing US flags.

In the stadium, it was much the same. There were certainly a lot of Aussie supporters also, but far far more dressed up to support the US. And the crowd was so pro-US, that I suspect it might be the biggest home crowd they’ve ever had.

The first 30 minutes or so the US did amazingly well – especially considering it was their B team vs the Australian A team. The Wallabies went 10-0 up in the first 15 minutes, but then for around 10 minutes Team USA were all attack and constantly close to the Australian line, and finally at 25 minutes they scored a try and the stadium went wild.

Australia scored only two more tries in the first half so 22-5 was pretty respectable. However the difference between a professional and an amateur team shone through in the second half as USA were obviously exhausted and Australia scored seven tries in the second half with ease to make it 67-5. Just before full-time Faingaa knocked himself out an after tacking an American. It took almost ten minutes for him to be taken off the field.

The atmosphere was great, and people happy despite the result. I notice Derek Cheng went undercover as an Aussie fan to see if he got abused, and Wellingtonians were very well behaved.

Tonight

England play Romania in Dunedin at 6 pm. Let’s hope they can manage a gypsy curse or two.

Of course the big game is NZ v France at Eden Park starting 8.30 pm. I’m a bit nervous about this one. The French seem t be our bogeys at RWCs. I’ll be pleased with a win, regardless of the margin.

Am attending the Aotearoa Student Press Association Awards tonight , so unless they have coverage there will catch a recording of the game when I get home.

Tomorrow

  • 3.30 pm – Fiji v Samoa at Eden Park. Go Samoa, who should have a supportive crowd
  • 6.00 pm – Ireland v Russia at Rotorua. Russia are the under dogs but I have to support Ireland.
  • 8.30 pm – Argentina v Scotland in Wellington. As my maternal family tree includes 12 generations of Scots, they’re my pick.