Last weekend, Kate, Mandy and I watched the All Blacks crush South Africa's Springboks 21-11 here in Dunedin. The tickets were $90 each, but I was willing to fork over the cash since it's such a unique New Zealand experience to watch the All Blacks play and see their famous pre-game haka in person.
Despite barely understanding a lick of the sport I really enjoyed the game. The atmosphere in the stadium was awesome because thousands of fans were on the edge of their seats in anticipation and busy heckling the other team (the four young drunk guys sitting behind us were an added entertainment bonus).
Surprisingly, it's hard to say if watching the All Blacks win was the highlight of my day (I think if I were a New Zealander this would be a no brainer, though). Earlier in the day, a friend texted me to say that I needed to head to the rugby pitch just down the road for a 3pm naked rugby game. Surely, they wouldn't be completely naked, right? Being a curious gal, I walked over to watch the Nude Blacks take on the Nude Boks.
Much to my surprise, the field was lined several spectators deep on all four sides. There were hundreds of people watching some very naked men play rugby with some men who also became very naked when the boxes affixed around their waist finally fell off in competition! At first, I thought I'd have to duct tape my jaw back into place - it's quite a shock that there were men and women, children and adults, standing around watching such a spectacle. Interestingly, it didn't take too long to adjust to the fact that these men were playing a sport with no clothes on. In fact, it became quite hilarious as one by one the players were tackled to the ground.
So, who's ready to come visit me in New Zealand now?
This is fabulous Sara! It really goes to show you that it truly is just us Americans who are so prudish. When I was in Italy nudity was everywhere and no one batted an eye. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Thanks for your comment, Ang. =)
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