"We are here to express ourselves and to enjoy ourselves. And we do so together as a team. And we will fight and strain every sinew in our body, but we do so like men with honor and courage. And you will put the team first, but you will find the way to make your mark and do your duty. ....Should responsibility make you timid? No. Should discipline clip your wings? No. So lets go!"--Webb Ellis, Opening Ceremonies short film
To say that I'm excited would be the biggest understatement of the year. Quite quickly, those that follow me on FB and Twitter knew that I was going to be a potential annoyance to their social media. But how can you contain yourself when it's the opening say of the biggest sports spectacle of your life?
For six weeks, my world and that of so many other rugby fans, players and supporters stops. We are here and it is time for the Rugby World Cup 2015.
This diary will be an online record of my journey from Opening Ceremonies to the final. Thank you for joining me. I hope you enjoy the adventure. I've not worked as hard as the players, but I have done my time. All of us from the spectators in the stands to the players on the field, the media and the grounds keepers, the thousands of volunteers and the people watching at home have a role to play here. And mine starts now!
Twickenham Stadium
Opening Ceremonies:
Did anyone else tear up during the opening film? I did. Think about it. That film showed the first time anyone played "rugby". And it was simple. A young man with rebellious spirit chose to run with it. And that brings me to my first point. You don't get to the RWC by chance. No player certainly ever did and I know I didn't. You can watch the full opening ceremony at the link above.
You have to start with the choice. The choice to be who you are no matter if that's complacent or different. Some people will tell you that's the hardest part, but it's not. It's just the first step. When you know what you want from this world you have to choose it and then go and get it. It can take days, weeks, years or decades but keep working and you get there. Never expect to fall into your moment. It's not going to come and get you. You have to work for it.
The opening ceremony itself was short and very sweet. For my part, seeing Dan Lyle representing the USA was a great moment. When you think about where rugby in the USA is today and how far we have yet to go, to see us here in London is really something special. Currently, I work with one of the USA Eagle forwards as part of the Santa Monica Dolphins. How long before his opportunity to stand at an opening ceremony. How long before one of the kids playing in LA as part of PlayRugbyUSA is standing in that spotlight? It's only a matter of time.
Other world tournaments and the Olympics could take a lesson from the RWC Opening Ceremony. Keep it short and keep it simple. It doesn't need to be a 3-4 hour show. It can be just as poignant and inspirational with something small.
Match #1 - England v Fiji
Watching the coverage in the moments leading up to the first match, it was easy to see the media bias towards England. The hosts talked on and on as if it was a sure thing that England would win and get four tries. Another day at the office and your done. However, they should have been more realistic. Fiji is one of THE powerhouses of Sevens in the world. They bring lots of players with experience to the world stage. Also, they have nothing to lose in Pool A. It's the pool of death, every game for them is a chance to make a statement and a chance to prove not only can they dominate the 7s pitch but also the XVs.
Commentary by Jonny Wilkinson and Sir Clive Woodward did speak to the truth about the match. It would be physical, it would not be easy and we should not assume anything.
You could see it all on the players faces during the anthems. Fiji's players proudly sang their anthem with tears streaming down their faces. Proud and grateful to be standing on the grounds of Twickenham-knowing this was their chance to make a statement. This was in stark contrast to England players. Some sang along, others just appeared to be in their zone. I saw none who showed great emotion in the moment. I'd love to be proven wrong, someone please find me some footage or a photo of some emotion by the English players. You are playing on your home field in front of your people--supporters who I might add paid a HUGE amount of money to see you at the opening game. And yet they seemed complacent.
I was also very disappointed by the Twickenham crowd as Fiji performed their Bole (think Haka only Fijian). I think we all need to start showing some sign of respect-especially on this stage. Yet shots of the crowd during the Bole showed not just prideful singing but also some questionable arrogance. Yes we know "Swing Low Sweet Chariot"...got it. But maybe have some pride with a little respect.
Fiji bumbled their start, but found their step and gave a massive challenge to England. England seemed to be sleep walking most of the time on the field. Both teams had huge numbers of errors. At the half, the score was England 18-Fiji 8 - HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL! England had still be held to just 2 tries.
The first half also brought forth what is certain to be the most controversial moment of the tournament. Fiji's Matawalu broke away from the scrum on a brilliant run and crossed the line for a try. Or so we all thought. The try was awarded by referee Jaco Peyper and they were preparing for the conversion. Then the clip of the try was shown on the big screen and Peyper saw that possibly the try wasn't a try. He reversed his decision (based on what was on the big screen and went to TMO where it was clear that it was not a try, but rather a dropped ball.
Dammit dammit son of a.....
Now let's be clear, I am under no illusion that it was a try. It absolutely was not. But the ref had not initially gone to TMO. The try had been awarded. The ref's decision should be final. So why the reversal. Well, you'll have to ask the TV ref and the guy running the jumbotron. Where do we draw the line? Is the ref's decision-right or wrong-the final decision? I'll go into this more at a later date. Suffice to say it's my belief that Fiji was robbed of an opportunity.
England did make up for Fiji's denied try. They turned over the ball 11 times to Fiji with simple mistakes in the ruck. Even my Welsh friends were flinching and wincing in paint watching England play. At 70 mins, the score was England 18-Fiji 11 My God Fiji was one converted try from tying the match. And I think the excitement and fatigue got to them. It was an incredibly physical match and both teams struggled at times to keep their fingertips on the ball. The final play was another gut wrenching TMO wait as those of us watching said silent prayers. (Mine were for no try) It was no contest if England won, they did clearly and defiantly racking up the points in the last 10 mins, but the precious bonus point was at stake.
You see Pool A is the pool of death. Only two teams advance to the knockout rounds and everyone around the world agrees, it's going to come down to England v Wales. But what happens if England, Wales and Australia all beat each other? What if England and Wales end the pool tied in W/L It comes down to the bonus point. You get one point for scoring four tries in a match. So now, Wales must not just beat Uruguay on Sunday, but they must do it with four tries.
All in all an eventful day 1 for me! I'm off to Gloucester now for my first official match of the tournament. My first RWC match ever! I'll be bringing you coverage on the Behind The Ruck FB page and on my twitter (@dragonrider09) as well as photographing the match. There will be lots to talk about. The match may not be a tournament changer, but it's going to be one of the greatest days of my life.
Thanks again to my sponsors: #CanonProUSA and The Rugby Corner. Without you, my dreams would still be dreams. Thank you for your help.
No comments:
Post a Comment