Super 14's Rugby - Auckland Blues 19 - 17 Wellington Hurricanes

We were fortunate enough to still be in Auckland for a huge local rugby union game between the Blues and the Hurricanes. It was one of the last games of the season in the competition which includes teams from Australia and South Africa aswell. Kiwis take there rugby very seriously and there was a noisy 40,000 crowd at Eden Park to see the game. As part of a deal with ACB hostel, we were given some free food and drinks at the bar as well as some crazy face paints and then bused over to the ground for kick off. There was a completely different atmosphere to the AFL in Sydney - much less family orientated and more beer involved! The game was tight, with Wellington taking an early lead - much to the disgruntlement of the home supporters. The Rugby here is fast and furious and much more athletic than the premier league stuff at home. Both sets of players are athletes right through the team, no big clumsy forwards in this game! As a result there is not much forward play, most plays are run right from the back which made for an entertaining and thrilling end to our time in Auckland. Despite winning this game, the Blues just missed out on a spot in the play-offs - with Wellington and Canterbury Crusaders going through to represent NZ in the end of season finale.