From the 9th September through to the 23rd September, the Rugby World Cup 2011 is to be held here in New Zealand. Twenty rugby teams from all over the world have come to play and hopefully win the Webb Ellis Cup. Last night my parents, my sister and I all stayed up to watch the Opening Ceremony held at Mt Eden Stadium in Auckland. I expected it to just be a couple of speeches and some fireworks. BUT it was much, much better than that.
It started with a lone figure singing a waiata, placing a call to the rest of the world. Meanwhile Maori Warriors surround the filed in the shape of a rugby ball. Next, ten silver boats on wheels enter and drive around the shape representing the journey to New Zealand. After that, the Maori Warriors perform the Haka. Then a boy called Ethan, dressed in Red and Black, the Canterbury colours ran in holding a huge rugby ball. This was showing support for Canterbury and for the importance of grass routes rugby in New Zealand. He was met by Jonah Loma, who holds the highest try score in the RWC, he said ‘Do it for Christchurch’. Then we were treated to a breath taking trip through New Zealand while a seven metre high replica of the Webb Ellis Cup was wheeled in. All of the above was accompanied by a fantastic laser show. Next our Prime Minister, John Keys told everyone how proud he was to be a New Zealander and welcomed everyone. The president of the IRB, Bernard Lapasset greeted everyone in Maori and pronounced the games open. Fireworks were lit from the stadium followed by crafts in the harbour, from the Sky Tower and other buildings in central Auckland. This was accompanied with two men dancing on the side of a building. A pipe band played at the museum, with a number of groups performing in different locations. The cranes on the wharf where dancing and a tub was in the harbour spurting water. There was also a waka. I really enjoyed it all and was pleasantly surprised. I felt very proud to be a Kiwi and I think we all should be.
The opening game was between the ABs (All Blacks) and Tonga. This was the first rugby game I have watched the whole way through and I loved the experience. I think both teams played really well and was pleased that the ABs won with a good score of 41/10.
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September 12, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Breellen
A fantastic post on the opening ceremony of the RWC 2011. Yes I thought the ceremony was outstanding and at times got goosebumps. An evening to feel proud of being a New Zealander.
Miss T