OMG – WE WON the 2011 Rugby World Cup

I’m patriotic.

Always have been.

When Australia had the Commonwealth Games in 2006 I was there in Queensland cheering them on.

But on opening night of the Rugby World Cup

New Zealand blew me away

with the opening ceremony.

I was struggling with tears.

It got more emotional as the fireworks went off.

Naturally the boys issuing their challenge is always stirring.

It has been a crazy time here in N.Z.

The Tongan team arrived to a hero’s welcome.

New Zealand lined up to play France and the memories of their 2007 Rugby World Cup knock out still lingered in our collective psyche.

But – the All Blacks weren’t going down again and on the 24th of September they beat France 37 – 17

We whipped their arses people !!!!!!

The All Blacks/Australia match was a hard one for this Australian born Kiwi.

So – I did what any rational person would do.

I recited this Aussie version of a nursery rhyme.

Eenie, Meenie, Miney Mo,

Catch a tigger by the toe,

If it squeals, let it go,

Eenie, Meenie, Miney Mo,

My mum told me how to count to ten,

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten,

And Back again,

Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One,

Eenie, Meenie, Miney Mo,

Catch a tigger by the toe,

If it squeals, let it go,

Eenie, Meenie, Miney Mo!

And I still couldn’t decide – so I did what any smart person would do – I fence sat. There’s no way to lose right ?

Now it is understandable that as much as I love Australia I live in New Zealand.

And they are hosting the Rugby World Cup.

And it would be a very nice thing should they win.

So.

I’m sorry Australia.

But it’s RWC fever here.

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Tonight for the second time in this World Cup,

the All Blacks line up to face France.

But it’s for the big one !

THE CUP.

Everywhere you look are ALL BLACK flags.

They hang from office buildings, homes and cars.

I’ve seen them flying on kids’ pushbikes.

I’ve seen then waving in kids’ hands as they run around the street.

Facebook is full of support.

Photos of verandas drapped with the silver fern, the New Zealand flag, the ALL BLACK flag, or sometimes all three.

There are messages of support from ex-pats all over the world.

Family pets are draped to participate in ALL BLACK fever.

And tonight when they kick off the whole country will be hanging on every pass, every dropped ball, until the final whistle sounds, and we can hopefully say this time WE WON !!!!!!!!!!

Whatever happens – I am proud of our boys, and of our country.

Whatever way the score goes – we’re winners to me !!!!!!

I’ll see you after the game…

***

It’s over.

And WE WON !!!

8 – 7

Just how a final should be played.

Neither side ready to give in.

WE WON !!!

As Richie McCaw held the cup aloft

I cried tears of joy.

We’ve had the Christchurch earthquakes.

We’ve had the Rena oil spill.

And tonight we’ve had the joy of a win.

And I can’t stop the tears or the smiles.

I’m proud of the ALL BLACKS.

I’m proud to be a KIWI.

And by God we KIWIS know how to show the love !!!!!!!!!!