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WELLINGTON AS RUGBY SEVENS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD |
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By Peter Rees |
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Wellington rugby fans are a
special breed and that is not just coming from someone born and raised
there. Having sought greener pastures outside the kiwi capital for the
past eight years, it was not until I finally got to witness in the
flesh, the Wellington leg of the IRB Sevens Series in February, that I
realised how much I missed the place.
IRB organisers were again overwhelmed by the success of the Wellington
Sevens with this year’s event attracting another sell-out crowd.
A youthful New Zealand team beat Argentina in the final 31-7. Kenya,
the series’ sleeping giants, beat Tonga 17-12 in an entertaining Bowl
final, drawing big cheers from appreciative fans. The tiny Pacific
nation of Niue also warmed the hearts of many by beating Japan 29-19 in
the Shield Final and celebrating with war dance encores around the
ground.
Wellington now rivals Hong Kong as the rugby sevens capital of the
world. And this is coming from the players themselves. But even the
hype can’t match the experience of actually being there. Television
fails to recreate the awesome ambience of 35,000 spectators in full
voice. It’s hard to imagine another venue in New Zealand outdoing
Wellington.
The Westpac Trust Stadium can get much of the credit for the
tournament’s popularity. Its bowl shape amplifies the crowd noise to
another level and you are close to the action. The players would feel
like Gladiators battling it out in a Coliseum.
But the experience would not be complete without the spectators. It
makes you wonder whether the majority come to watch the rugby or party
in the stands. Just walking up the concourse to the Stadium is an
eye-opener that has to be seen to be believed. Listening to samba music
and drums beating, the atmosphere can best be described as a carnival
parade of colours. Thousands of revellers in festive mood got into the
spirit with their offbeat antics, singing, dancing and entertaining,
under the blazing sun.
Costume stores must have done good business – it was akin to a huge
fancy dress party. There was every type of theme costume thinkable.
People showed their originality and wit in their selections aiming to
catch the eye, and the cameras. |
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New Zealand and Fiji clash, the titanics of Rugby Sevens, at the
IRB Wellington Sevens in front of a 35,000 capacity crowd at
Westpac Trust Stadium.
(Photo: Peter Rees) |
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The various dance groups perform on the field during the IRB
Wellington Sevens opening ceremony, creating a colourful, albeit
panoramic view. (Photo: Peter Rees) |
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Peter Rees of Event Polynesia and Matthew Eagle of Rongotai
College get into the festive spirit showing their support for
the Manu Samoa Sevens team. |
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There were the Hulkamaniacs, a group of men paying homage to the famous
wrestler Hulk Hogan. Women dressed up as nurses and brides. Men came as
sheep shearers, firemen, policemen. Two men dressed up as
storm-troopers from the cult movie saga Star Wars drew a rapturous
applause when entering the famous ‘red zone’ on the northern part of
the grandstand. Others came in the national costume of the team they
were supporting. The Scots had a big following going by the number of
kilts seen.
As supporters of the Samoan team we dressed appropriately in lavalavas,
aloha shirts, sunglasses and woven hats. Seated, albeit standing in the
‘red zone’ with the huge TV screen as a backdrop, this part of the
stadium was reputedly the noisiest and there was no disputing that.
There was plenty going on there to compliment the on field action.
Mexican waves, DJ music and inflatable beach balls kept the masses
entertained besides the gallons of beer and wine that were consumed. It
seemed the only time attention diverted back to the field was when
another team led New Zealand. When Argentina scored first in the final,
there were some anxious supporters but these fears disappeared when New
Zealand romped to victory and a third title.
There was plenty for the Wellington supporters to cheer about. Big
Tongan Roy Kinikinilau was the hero with Tamati Ellison not far behind.
Auckland playmaker Orene Aii wowed everyone with his jinking sidesteps
while Tafai Ioasa and captain, Liam Messam toiled hard. Fans got an
extra treat during the opening ceremony on day one when following the
team’s parade there were cultural performances depicting the country of
every participating team.
The celebrations carried on well after the post match presentations. A
massive fireworks display was unleashed at the harbour waterfront into
the darkening sky as people filed out, providing a soothing contrast to
two days of hard core partying and sevens rugby. Phew, roll on 2006!
Final Results:
Quarterfinal 1: England 19-24 Fiji
Quarterfinal 2: Argentina 14-5 Scotland
Quarterfinal 3: South Africa 19-15 Australia
Quarterfinal 4: New Zealand 26-14 Samoa
Semi-final 1: Fiji 17-21 Argentina
Semi-final 2: South Africa 12-34 New Zealand
Shield Final: Japan 19-29 Niue
Bowl Final: Tonga 12-17 Kenya
Plate Final: Scotland 0-27 Australia
Cup Final: 7-31 New Zealand
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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