The Fever

I've got it. No not the glandular, dengue or boogie varieties but rather Rugby World Cup fever. I feel a bit naughty writing those words, like I should have some trademark licensing jazz in a disclaimer somewhere. Then again, I'm getting enough of that at work so this is my chance to break the rules. Watch out, I might start referring to it as RWC “two thousand and eleven” (apparently the world will implode or something if you don't stick to “twenty eleven”).

Pedantic advertising rules aside, I reckon the World Cup has been the best thing to happen to this country all year. Never before have I felt such a buzz around Auckland. It feels like everyone is in a better mood and all about having a good time. I'm living in the moment because I'm too worried at the prospect of living in a city where the entire population is grieving a loss.

I suppose right now it's literally all fun and games. The little guys are 'having a go' and we're all showing up (or at least drinking up) to support them. This afternoon I'm off to Wales vs Samoa...at the pub. Pretty much blew all my funds on tickets to the Opening Match- yeah I feel it deserves caps because it was a-may-zing.

Very few times in a New Zealander's life do you feel patriotic. We have some sort of inbuilt modesty from being the wee fellas down under or something. That night though, watching that little boy in his Canterbury colours running around with the giant glowing rugby ball...I had tears in my eyes.

The whole night was such an experience. Catching the train with half of the city, sitting next to a complete stranger because Tom and I couldn't afford seats together (my neighbour was about 90 and eventually warmed to my wine induced screaming and flag waving) and the walking procession home. Oh yeah and this...

I was officially hooked on the Cup.

I almost had an epic fail at the game though. I may have been a little hungover the day before and stumbling into a $2 dollar shop to collect face paint and other such supplies, I was told that the flag I was clutching was actually Australian. Doh. Clearly my patriotism is a new thing....along with being a rugby fan.

I'm the black sheep of my family when it comes to watching the ruggers. I grew up amazed by what the big fuss was whenever there was a game on. Usually I'd be in another room but could never quite drown out the sound of my mother yelling “HERE'S A GO” like a mad woman every time we approached the try line.

Now I'm happy to say I finally get it. I don't struggle to sit through a game and actually enjoy the action. Last night watching Ireland take the Wallabies to the cleaners (never really got that expression but it seems apt) I was this close to screaming “here's a go” myself.

I think I owe my new found obsession to the electric atmosphere around town. Sure there have been some fails like Auckland's public transport and those paper flags that lined the streets and now clutter the gutter. Oh and don't even get me started on Sean Fitzpatrick driving that 'fist' car. Really though, this is so not a time to dwell on lame things like that. This is a time to get amongst! So go out and get yourself one of those tacky car flags- you know you want to.