Perhaps its because I've been living under a stone all these years and have never been compelled to go to a rugby game. But lately I've got thinking that as I'm living in a rugby crazy nation (where you can't go anywhere without some gigantic annoying screen screaming a rugby game at you), I might as well get to know something about this national obsession and get to know the natives.
So when I heard that there was going to be a game at a nearby stadium with our local team and the national Japanese team it seemed like a good idea to go. Poppy my little daughter was surprisingly keen and, even though it was a cold wintry night, urged us on to go. Venturing out to an open stadium was not, to me, as enticing as curling up on the sofa by the fire, but, as my hubby pointed out, with the World Cup's coming, we've got to make an effort to know more about rugby.
As in "when in Rome do as the Romans do".
So, off we drove to the stadium which is all flash-new and in a nearby suburb. These massive stadium lights literally lit up everything like daytime which is quite impressive. It was surprisingly easy to find a car park and even easier to get tickets and find seats in a throng of excited supporters. The atmosphere was quite electric and everyone was waving about these little flags, one for the local team North Harbour and one for the Japanese team. Poppy was very excited to have a flag to wave.
In our neck of the woods all sporting teams are called North Harbour, from rugby, to swimming, even my son's gymnastic team. And they all wear the same branded colours of maroon, black and white. So if you're at any sport event, just shout for "North Harbour" and you can't go wrong. Whilst the atmosphere was building up we got ourselves a cold beer and hot chips. The combination of this on a cold night in anticipation of a game was surprisingly most satisfying.
It started off with everyone standing up to sing the National Anthem. Poppy knew all the words, I was most impressed. Then a beautiful Japanese lady sang the Japanese National Anthem. And the game began. "Go North Harbour!" we shouted even tho' my flag was a Japanese one. The Japanese team were quite small in comparison to the Kiwi blokes, except one chap. "Isn't that Jonah Lomu?" I said, perhaps a bit too loud as I got a stern look from an onlooker. He seemed as awesome in the field.
At half time North Harbour were well on their way to winning. Whilst everyone was getting more chips and beer the Auckland Cultural Society came out with huge Japanese Drums known as Taiko which was performed with an ensemble of martial artists.
Taiko ensembles are groups that are nearly completely drum instruments, with a couple of exceptions. Each of the drums plays a very specific role to the overall aspect of the ensemble. Of the many different styles and shapes of Taiko drums, the most common drum found in an ensemble would likely be the nagado-daiko. It was interesting to later find out that in feudal Japan, Taiko were often used to motivate troops, to help set a marching pace, and to call out orders or announcements. Approaching or entering a battle, the taiko yaku (drummer) was responsible for setting the marching pace.
However this motivation did nothing to spur the Japanese team on to victory. In fact the second half saw the North Harbour team winning decisively. I still don't understand the rules such as when its off-side, but I have to agree, its good entertainment for a night out. No wonder it’s a hit with the masses. Rugby World Cup here I come!
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