Rugby anyone? The Rugby World Cup Sevens International tournament came to town and if views from outside AT&T Park were any indication, the 24 team, 3 day event was a total success.
American fans were in the minority as expected. I saw wild and pumped up fans from places that worship Rugby: Fiji, Australia, England, Scotland, South Africa, Uganda, Jamaica and Canada (Oh Canada, Oh Canada) . Of course America had a team and I believe they faired well against the competition.
Rugby is an exciting game to watch. Where else but in Rugby can a guy sit on teammates shoulders to snag a high pass? The more you watch the more you want to see. It's an organized team scrum. I once predicted it would someday become popular in America. Maybe that day has arrived. By the time I considered actually buying a ticket from the box office, remaining seats were priced at $176 per day. For a fan with no dog in the fight that's a helluva price tag.
I was drawn to the event by my affection for the All Blacks New Zealand team. I saw their black uniforms many years ago and simply equated them with my Silver and Black Oakland Raiders team. Their winning history and tradition mirrors that of the Raiders with bad boy mystique and all. What really sets the All Blacks apart in the rugby world is their legendary Haka performance done before and after games. The Haka chant and movements resemble that of primitive natives calling down the Gods of their forefathers to assist in a battle to the death. Faces with bulging eyes and elongated tongues sticking out are as intimidating as the roughness the sport is known for. It's enough to make any fan lose their mind in anticipation of a game.
Instead of kicking down $176 I took a few pics and was home in time to see the All Blacks squeak by France 12-7.
The New Zealand Women's Black Ferns team took down France 29-0 in the Championship Final today. They were as exciting to watch as the men, showing speed, toughness and team effort in a dominating performance. Those girls were on a mission and didn't let up until they'd reached their goal. U GO GURLS!
As for the Men's All Blacks team, they might've been mediocre in the first two days of the tournament, but on this the final third day they simply cranked up the juice and reminded fans exactly why they're the defending Rugby World Cup Sevens champion. From passing to their speed and overall heads up and hustle style of play, the All Blacks played championship level Rugby period.
If my Raiders can bring anything resembling the teamwork and commitment I saw in the champion All Blacks, we'll see silver and black making a run for the NFL championship this season Fo'Sho.
Congratulations New Zealand
All Blacks and Black Ferns Champions!
beat Fiji 22-17 in Semi-Finals
beat England 33-12 Championship Finals
beat USA 26-21 in Semi Finals
beat France 29-0 in Championship Round
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