"They were more than brave. It took great courage by the Captain to go for the try. This result is right up there with my greatest experiences. I had to check whether this was a miracle or reality."--Japan head coach, Eddie Jones.
For those thinking it was going to be your average Rugby World Cup with the usual suspects kicking ass and taking names--well I bet your disappointed. England and Wales were full of people with a massive four games packed into one spectacular day of rugby!
Bit of a crowd - Sold out Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, UK
We'll start here with Saturday Sept 19. I was up early and out the door at the crack of 6am to catch the early train to Gloucester and Kingsholm Stadium (home of England's Twelvetrees--that's a player not a forest.) What lots of people don't know is that Gloucester Rugby is also home to Tongan rugby players David Halalfonua, Sione Kalamafoni and Sila Puafisi. With three players at "home" in Kingsholm the local crowd was very much behind the Tongan team! Fans entered in Tongan gear and hoped for the best against what was expected to be a strong Georgian crowd.
"It was a massive boost to play in front of the Gloucester fans. It was always going to be a special occasion wherever we played, but playing at Kingsholm was an extra boost and I was very excited."--Sione Kalamafoni (Tonga)
From my perspective, I was excited for this to be my first match on the field as a photographer. Admittedly, there were a few tears shed on the train. As my thoughts are prone to the negative, I thought why was I there? What am I doing? How did I end up on a train to Gloucester and an RWC match? What if I fall on my face or break my camera? What if I get there and it's all been a mistake and my credentials aren't in order?
Then, I scanned my facebook. There I found well wishes and hugs from those who have supported me on this journey around the world. The day would be epic. No. Doubt. And if I have any lingering fears--never show it. As the train pulled into the station I vowed--Today I am my father's daughter-proud, strong and fearless.
From the moment I stepped off the train, the rest of the day was a whirlwind. Unsure of direction and loaded down with gear, I opted for a cab to the stadium. He was helpful and clever and was glad to give me a lift without charging me. I missed the cab driver's name (which will NOT happen again.), but truly lovely and helpful fellow in making sure I got to the right gate and was well on my way. Clearly, I showed a bit of nerves in some way because as I left his cab he said, "You'll do well, don't sweat-remember your not on the pitch. Oh wait you are, well still you don't have to do with the ball so there's that!" HA!
Great rugby venue! Great rugby people!
Let me just say here that the RWC staff/volunteers are all amazing. The media have a 2-3 step process at each venue, our own little pre-game processing, if you will. All the staff were friendly and so helpful in making sure everyone has everything they need. And the best surprise I've ever had at any rugby event--LOCKERS IN THE PHOTO ROOM! OMG that was awesome! I don't know why they aren't standard issue everywhere! The ability to lockup your gear when your on the pitch and running around the stadium is just epic. Top that off with full English breakfast, lunch for the go after and all the coffee/tea you can drink. RWC is spoiling me rotten.
With a full belly and gear stored, I hit the stadium to find the fans. Which wasn't hard--it's a vocal bunch that arrived at Kingsholm that day. LOADS OF KIDS! And for many they'd made their way to the pitch for their first rugby matches.
Because this wasn't either Wales or USA match or either of their Pools, I was on the bottom of the list to pick my spot pitchside. I chose a spot in the far corner apart from the other photographers. I wanted a bit of space and a spot to be able to focus before focusing the camera.
During the anthems it hit me again-I'm here. We're all here. All of these amazing people in this stadium--players, supporters, staff, volunteers, media. All here in support of rugby. There is great honor in representing your country on the pitch. We all have our place of honor on the field and at the player's side.
Right, Anthems done--mad dash to my spot and OMG kick off here we go!
RWC Match #2: Tonga 10-Georgia 17 RWC Match Report here.
Full Set Match Photos here.
The match was definitely physical. Scoring remained quiet with most of the action taking place mid-pitch. Ref Nigel Owens kept a loose fast game which favored the supporters. Right before the half, the TMO played a pivotal role in a disallowed try--a forward pass moments before crossing the line cost Tonga a tie at the half. The difference between this one and the one Friday night. It's Nigel Owens, he did it right.
The second half seemed more physical than the first. Lots of scrummaging. Georgia have turned the scrum into a chess piece for themselves led by their front row of -- Nariashvili, Bregvadze and Zirakashvili.
A Try by Tkhilaishvili and conversion by Kvirikashivili put Georgia ahead 17-3 10 mins into the second half. Tonga had a try of their own 72 mins in by Vainikolo converted by Morath keeping Tonga hopes alive with a score of 17-10. At the same time Nigel handed out a yellow card to Kvirikashvili which would see him sit out the last 8 mins of the match. Tonga had a 7 minute window to make one last score and tie the match, but the Georgia defense proved too much. Match 2 ended with Georgia winning over Tonga 17-10
Back in the press rooom, we all began working away. I found myself a little flustered and talking to myself, wasn't another match kicking off in Cardiff - Ireland v Canada? Do I watch it? Do I jump on the train? Wait. Stop. You made a plan--stick to it Girlie! Then, I realized the next great thing about the press room--I'd set up my base camp right underneath the telly. Brilliant! Sometimes (not often) I'm a genius without trying.)
But wait...there's more!
The day wasn't over for me or for rugby. I wish it had been physically possible to photograph all the matches (which at one point was an idea). Let's face it--I wouldn't be able to do justice to any match that I only partially shot. But I did watch all the matches so of course I've got notes!
RWC 2015 Match #3: Ireland 50-Canada 7 Full Match Report here.
Wow Canada. While I didn't expect Canada to win, I did expect the score to be tighter. I've seen Canada play a number of times and with an experienced Captain in Jamie Cudmore who's well versed in the European side of the game (currently at Clermont Auvergne), I expected maybe too much from Canada. Canada should have been able to capitalize on a yellow card for Paul O'Connell the same way Ireland did with Cudmore's time in the sin bin. But it wasn't meant to be.
"We were a bit worried about our structure. We did create some chances but their forwards covered well and we need to get better in that area. Credit to their forwards because they did really well in the wider channels."--Canada head coach Kieran Crowley.
But wait...there's MORE!
Train Troubles
I found myself at a critical moment. I had to get to Brighton (thanks to no Sunday morning trains), but being who I am and wanting to watch every match I really wanted to find a spot and watch South Africa v Japan. But train schedules being train schedules.... I reluctantly packed up from Kingsholm and headed back to the station.
It was here I got just a minor glimpse of what was occurring with the train situation in Wales. If you haven't heard First Great Western simply did not anticipate the number of people traveling to Cardiff for the Ireland v Canada match. Now regularly for a match in Cardiff there are trains loaded with people traveling east from Swansea and south Wales to fill Millennium stadium. Usually if you have 70,000+ people packed into the stadium then at least 80% of them are Welsh! This Saturday, however, it was 70,000+ RWC fans from around the globe...most arriving from England and Ireland. All converging at once on the quaint little hamlet known as Bristol which is the last main train stop before Wales when traveling from London.
THOUSANDS of people were stranded in Bristol as there was absolutely ZERO room for them on trains heading into Cardiff. THOUSANDS. Many of them would end up missing the kick off as First Great Western suddenly realized their error and scrambled for additional trains and buses to transport people. Many reluctantly paid upwards of £150 for a cab to get to Cardiff in time for the match. When the match in Cardiff was over, folks were once again stranded in Cardiff by the thousands. Everyone seemed to be grabbing any train east they could and then making a course correction once they'd gotten back across the border into England. One couple told me they found themselves already in the queue for the train station before they even left the stadium grounds!
In Gloucester, the platforms were full but not over crowded. I listened to their harrowing stories on the platform as we waited for ages in Gloucester for a train to London. Many direct trains had been cancelled. We all scanned the schedule for less direct routes, I finally settled in on a train to Swindon then transfer to London Paddington. My train story here is nothing compared to those who went to the Ireland/Canada match. Let's hope First Great Western has their act together before the next match at Millenium--Australia v Fiji on Wednesday! Plan for a long commute if you are in Cardiff!
But wait....THERE'S MORE!!!
RWC 2015 Match #4: South Africa 32-Japan 34 (WAIT WHAT?!) Full Match Report here.
I can't even.... Click on the match report, watch the highlights.
I'll never forget where I was when I first received the text from Uncle Gareth. "Interesting first half score. Japan 10 South Africa 12" Hmm I thought, that is interesting. South Africa must be having an off day, must have started with their second string players....something like that. Then the chatter on the platform began. Have you heard what's happening in Brighton? I was headed to Brighton for the next day's USA v Samoa match, so I thought I'd take a look RWC app for a few updates. The second half was well underway as I boarded the train at Victoria station. Several people around me were also following the game on their phones. You could tell who the rugby fans were from the random shouts on board. JAPAN IS DOING IT! Half way to Brighton the news spread through the train--JAPAN SCORED! JAPAN HAS WON! JAPAN BEAT THE BOKS!! We yelled we hugged, up and down the train we were all Japanese for a moment.
Getting off the train in Brighton the atmosphere was unreal. Many people in Japan and SA kit were singing and drinking in the streets. Yes there were a few sad faces in the Bok green, but most were taking it in stride cheering and singing with Japan supporters. I cherish that I was in Brighton station that night. This is what rugby is all about. An epic battle on the pitch ending with laughter and camaraderie after the match. It was a beautiful sight. And of course my phone was dead and my cameras still packed away....
But wait....yada yada more! The day's rugby wasn't finished! There was still one more match on the day!
Before the last match notes, let me first say that I have the best friends a girl could ask for. My buddy, Andrew, hooked me up with a place to stay in Brighton - since among the train fails seems to be a lack of trains on Sunday mornings. Considering there are at minimum 2 matches every Sunday for the next few weeks in places like Leeds (which are far from everywhere) it seems to me that the UK railways could at least run a few trains to key cities! Alas, no. However, as I said, Andrew came through for me as he always does and I stayed with the lovely Lynn and Duncan near the stadium. Of course we watched the game.
RWC 2015 Match #5: France 32 - Italy 10 Full Match Report here.
It pains me to say, but I limped through watching this one. Not that it didn't have it's moments, but after an extensive day of train hopping and being out on the pitch I was wiped out! The first half of the match was pretty quiet. Penalty kicks all around made it 15-3 to France. The second half picked up right away with a try at minute 44 by Slimani and a conversion by Michalak for France bringing the score to 25-3. Italy countered with a try by Venditti and conversion by Allan making it 25-10 to France. We then had 10 substitutions (8 of them by France) over the next 15 game minutes. The announcers could barely keep up with them--on/off, on/off, on/off.... Another French try by Mas with an additional Michalak conversion rounded out the game. All in all it looked to me like an out of season friendly match. That's not a bad thing.
Well now to catch up on sleep for Day 3! USA USA USA!
Thanks again to my peeps at Canon! #CanonProUSA #CanonProEurope
Last, but not least, if any of my readers know this young man with Nigel, I'd love to give him a print of this picture. It was a fantastic day, amazing match and he was a large part of it!
For those thinking it was going to be your average Rugby World Cup with the usual suspects kicking ass and taking names--well I bet your disappointed. England and Wales were full of people with a massive four games packed into one spectacular day of rugby!
We'll start here with Saturday Sept 19. I was up early and out the door at the crack of 6am to catch the early train to Gloucester and Kingsholm Stadium (home of England's Twelvetrees--that's a player not a forest.) What lots of people don't know is that Gloucester Rugby is also home to Tongan rugby players David Halalfonua, Sione Kalamafoni and Sila Puafisi. With three players at "home" in Kingsholm the local crowd was very much behind the Tongan team! Fans entered in Tongan gear and hoped for the best against what was expected to be a strong Georgian crowd.
"It was a massive boost to play in front of the Gloucester fans. It was always going to be a special occasion wherever we played, but playing at Kingsholm was an extra boost and I was very excited."--Sione Kalamafoni (Tonga)
From my perspective, I was excited for this to be my first match on the field as a photographer. Admittedly, there were a few tears shed on the train. As my thoughts are prone to the negative, I thought why was I there? What am I doing? How did I end up on a train to Gloucester and an RWC match? What if I fall on my face or break my camera? What if I get there and it's all been a mistake and my credentials aren't in order?
Then, I scanned my facebook. There I found well wishes and hugs from those who have supported me on this journey around the world. The day would be epic. No. Doubt. And if I have any lingering fears--never show it. As the train pulled into the station I vowed--Today I am my father's daughter-proud, strong and fearless.
From the moment I stepped off the train, the rest of the day was a whirlwind. Unsure of direction and loaded down with gear, I opted for a cab to the stadium. He was helpful and clever and was glad to give me a lift without charging me. I missed the cab driver's name (which will NOT happen again.), but truly lovely and helpful fellow in making sure I got to the right gate and was well on my way. Clearly, I showed a bit of nerves in some way because as I left his cab he said, "You'll do well, don't sweat-remember your not on the pitch. Oh wait you are, well still you don't have to do with the ball so there's that!" HA!
Let me just say here that the RWC staff/volunteers are all amazing. The media have a 2-3 step process at each venue, our own little pre-game processing, if you will. All the staff were friendly and so helpful in making sure everyone has everything they need. And the best surprise I've ever had at any rugby event--LOCKERS IN THE PHOTO ROOM! OMG that was awesome! I don't know why they aren't standard issue everywhere! The ability to lockup your gear when your on the pitch and running around the stadium is just epic. Top that off with full English breakfast, lunch for the go after and all the coffee/tea you can drink. RWC is spoiling me rotten.
With a full belly and gear stored, I hit the stadium to find the fans. Which wasn't hard--it's a vocal bunch that arrived at Kingsholm that day. LOADS OF KIDS! And for many they'd made their way to the pitch for their first rugby matches.
Because this wasn't either Wales or USA match or either of their Pools, I was on the bottom of the list to pick my spot pitchside. I chose a spot in the far corner apart from the other photographers. I wanted a bit of space and a spot to be able to focus before focusing the camera.
During the anthems it hit me again-I'm here. We're all here. All of these amazing people in this stadium--players, supporters, staff, volunteers, media. All here in support of rugby. There is great honor in representing your country on the pitch. We all have our place of honor on the field and at the player's side.
Right, Anthems done--mad dash to my spot and OMG kick off here we go!
RWC Match #2: Tonga 10-Georgia 17 RWC Match Report here.
Full Set Match Photos here.
The match was definitely physical. Scoring remained quiet with most of the action taking place mid-pitch. Ref Nigel Owens kept a loose fast game which favored the supporters. Right before the half, the TMO played a pivotal role in a disallowed try--a forward pass moments before crossing the line cost Tonga a tie at the half. The difference between this one and the one Friday night. It's Nigel Owens, he did it right.
The second half seemed more physical than the first. Lots of scrummaging. Georgia have turned the scrum into a chess piece for themselves led by their front row of -- Nariashvili, Bregvadze and Zirakashvili.
A Try by Tkhilaishvili and conversion by Kvirikashivili put Georgia ahead 17-3 10 mins into the second half. Tonga had a try of their own 72 mins in by Vainikolo converted by Morath keeping Tonga hopes alive with a score of 17-10. At the same time Nigel handed out a yellow card to Kvirikashvili which would see him sit out the last 8 mins of the match. Tonga had a 7 minute window to make one last score and tie the match, but the Georgia defense proved too much. Match 2 ended with Georgia winning over Tonga 17-10
Back in the press rooom, we all began working away. I found myself a little flustered and talking to myself, wasn't another match kicking off in Cardiff - Ireland v Canada? Do I watch it? Do I jump on the train? Wait. Stop. You made a plan--stick to it Girlie! Then, I realized the next great thing about the press room--I'd set up my base camp right underneath the telly. Brilliant! Sometimes (not often) I'm a genius without trying.)
But wait...there's more!
The day wasn't over for me or for rugby. I wish it had been physically possible to photograph all the matches (which at one point was an idea). Let's face it--I wouldn't be able to do justice to any match that I only partially shot. But I did watch all the matches so of course I've got notes!
RWC 2015 Match #3: Ireland 50-Canada 7 Full Match Report here.
Wow Canada. While I didn't expect Canada to win, I did expect the score to be tighter. I've seen Canada play a number of times and with an experienced Captain in Jamie Cudmore who's well versed in the European side of the game (currently at Clermont Auvergne), I expected maybe too much from Canada. Canada should have been able to capitalize on a yellow card for Paul O'Connell the same way Ireland did with Cudmore's time in the sin bin. But it wasn't meant to be.
"We were a bit worried about our structure. We did create some chances but their forwards covered well and we need to get better in that area. Credit to their forwards because they did really well in the wider channels."--Canada head coach Kieran Crowley.
But wait...there's MORE!
Train Troubles
I found myself at a critical moment. I had to get to Brighton (thanks to no Sunday morning trains), but being who I am and wanting to watch every match I really wanted to find a spot and watch South Africa v Japan. But train schedules being train schedules.... I reluctantly packed up from Kingsholm and headed back to the station.
It was here I got just a minor glimpse of what was occurring with the train situation in Wales. If you haven't heard First Great Western simply did not anticipate the number of people traveling to Cardiff for the Ireland v Canada match. Now regularly for a match in Cardiff there are trains loaded with people traveling east from Swansea and south Wales to fill Millennium stadium. Usually if you have 70,000+ people packed into the stadium then at least 80% of them are Welsh! This Saturday, however, it was 70,000+ RWC fans from around the globe...most arriving from England and Ireland. All converging at once on the quaint little hamlet known as Bristol which is the last main train stop before Wales when traveling from London.
THOUSANDS of people were stranded in Bristol as there was absolutely ZERO room for them on trains heading into Cardiff. THOUSANDS. Many of them would end up missing the kick off as First Great Western suddenly realized their error and scrambled for additional trains and buses to transport people. Many reluctantly paid upwards of £150 for a cab to get to Cardiff in time for the match. When the match in Cardiff was over, folks were once again stranded in Cardiff by the thousands. Everyone seemed to be grabbing any train east they could and then making a course correction once they'd gotten back across the border into England. One couple told me they found themselves already in the queue for the train station before they even left the stadium grounds!
In Gloucester, the platforms were full but not over crowded. I listened to their harrowing stories on the platform as we waited for ages in Gloucester for a train to London. Many direct trains had been cancelled. We all scanned the schedule for less direct routes, I finally settled in on a train to Swindon then transfer to London Paddington. My train story here is nothing compared to those who went to the Ireland/Canada match. Let's hope First Great Western has their act together before the next match at Millenium--Australia v Fiji on Wednesday! Plan for a long commute if you are in Cardiff!
But wait....THERE'S MORE!!!
RWC 2015 Match #4: South Africa 32-Japan 34 (WAIT WHAT?!) Full Match Report here.
I can't even.... Click on the match report, watch the highlights.
I'll never forget where I was when I first received the text from Uncle Gareth. "Interesting first half score. Japan 10 South Africa 12" Hmm I thought, that is interesting. South Africa must be having an off day, must have started with their second string players....something like that. Then the chatter on the platform began. Have you heard what's happening in Brighton? I was headed to Brighton for the next day's USA v Samoa match, so I thought I'd take a look RWC app for a few updates. The second half was well underway as I boarded the train at Victoria station. Several people around me were also following the game on their phones. You could tell who the rugby fans were from the random shouts on board. JAPAN IS DOING IT! Half way to Brighton the news spread through the train--JAPAN SCORED! JAPAN HAS WON! JAPAN BEAT THE BOKS!! We yelled we hugged, up and down the train we were all Japanese for a moment.
Getting off the train in Brighton the atmosphere was unreal. Many people in Japan and SA kit were singing and drinking in the streets. Yes there were a few sad faces in the Bok green, but most were taking it in stride cheering and singing with Japan supporters. I cherish that I was in Brighton station that night. This is what rugby is all about. An epic battle on the pitch ending with laughter and camaraderie after the match. It was a beautiful sight. And of course my phone was dead and my cameras still packed away....
But wait....yada yada more! The day's rugby wasn't finished! There was still one more match on the day!
Before the last match notes, let me first say that I have the best friends a girl could ask for. My buddy, Andrew, hooked me up with a place to stay in Brighton - since among the train fails seems to be a lack of trains on Sunday mornings. Considering there are at minimum 2 matches every Sunday for the next few weeks in places like Leeds (which are far from everywhere) it seems to me that the UK railways could at least run a few trains to key cities! Alas, no. However, as I said, Andrew came through for me as he always does and I stayed with the lovely Lynn and Duncan near the stadium. Of course we watched the game.
RWC 2015 Match #5: France 32 - Italy 10 Full Match Report here.
It pains me to say, but I limped through watching this one. Not that it didn't have it's moments, but after an extensive day of train hopping and being out on the pitch I was wiped out! The first half of the match was pretty quiet. Penalty kicks all around made it 15-3 to France. The second half picked up right away with a try at minute 44 by Slimani and a conversion by Michalak for France bringing the score to 25-3. Italy countered with a try by Venditti and conversion by Allan making it 25-10 to France. We then had 10 substitutions (8 of them by France) over the next 15 game minutes. The announcers could barely keep up with them--on/off, on/off, on/off.... Another French try by Mas with an additional Michalak conversion rounded out the game. All in all it looked to me like an out of season friendly match. That's not a bad thing.
Well now to catch up on sleep for Day 3! USA USA USA!
Thanks again to my peeps at Canon! #CanonProUSA #CanonProEurope
Last, but not least, if any of my readers know this young man with Nigel, I'd love to give him a print of this picture. It was a fantastic day, amazing match and he was a large part of it!
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