Wales - not too much singing...

Hey everyone,

Just got back from a really full-on week and weekend away, mostly at my uncle's place near Oxford, but also in Cardiff for the All Blacks v Wales game.

Last week was really full on at work with loads of deadlines etc to meet. But I managed to get most of it done, and we headed off Friday night after work. Had a nice meal with Mark (my uncle) and Fiona's parents on Friday night, and did loads of talking (which is always fun). Saturday morning I was up early, spending a bit of time with the kids, including computer games with Ben, and Scooby-doo with Josh and Jacob. Mark did a big cooked breakfast for everyone, and then it was off to the rugby. We had a good trip over, the drive taking just about an hour and a half. We got the last park (free too!) at the University, and headed for a pub to meet up with one or two others. The pubs were really packed with patrons, cheering on Scotland against the Aussies. All the locals we met were really nice, friendly people -rugby mad, and always willing to talk about rugby. We eventually got to the stadium, and I was quite blown away. The stadium is every bit as, if not slightly more, impressive that Stade de France. The shape of the stadium being so close to the field, and having the roof closed, really makes for an impressive atmosphere. The game itself was awesome (I'll come back to the haka at the end). The All Blacks took it to the Welsh right from the start, and really silenced the crowd with an early try and penalty. From then on, they looked threatening every time they had the ball in hand. Perhaps more impressive, their defence was rock-solid, only letting in one try when we were a man down and the Welsh managed a long period of sustained pressure. Aside from that, it was really only the individual skill and quick feet of Shane Williams that caused any unease. Much like they did against France in Paris, the defence was totally dominant. The boys are easily the best team in the world, and everyone knows it. But if we were to fall over again at the world cup, everything else would pale in comparison.

We got back to Oxford around 10pm, watched a bit of tv and headed for bed. Mr brother called me Sunday morning, and it was really great to talk to him. But we didn't really have much time to do anything else on Sunday - as the kids had places to go and things to do, and we had to get back to London. I would have really liked to have spent more time with the kids, but we'll be back in 4 weeks over Xmas and I'm really looking forward to a few more (hopefully relaxing) days.

On a final note, this business about the haka (on the part of the Welsh RFU) was pathetic. NZRU agreed to change the format last year, because the Welsh said they wanted to have the tradition from 100 years ago, which NZ agreed to. But clearly the WRFU had a different motive, trying to push NZ around and change the historical practice. They even had the gaul to say they had consulted a "high Maori Chief" to say the haka is always responded to. I fully supported what NZ did an why. The haka belongs to the All Blacks; it both a challenge and a sign of respect to the opposition. What Wales want to do is push NZ around, and have things their way to better suit them. What will happen, if Wales persist, is that every other country, player and fan that gets to see the All Blacks play will get to see the Haka, except Wales. This pathetic move by Wales is simply trying to re-establish themselves as a big power in rugby, as they once were, and to try and help their team cope with playing NZ. Frankly, I'd be happy to see our lads sell our Dublin and Murrayfield, than continue to put up with this from the Welsh and the disrespectful singing from the English. Full time!

Ole le Bleus!

No, no, I haven't lost my mind. Just the sound of 75,000+ Frenchmen shouting it kind of sticks in your head.

But before I get onto that, it was Fiona's birthday last Thursday and we went out to dinner with a few close friends. Went to a nice restaurant in Covent Garden, and was a nice occasion for everyone.

Friday, we hit the road on the Eurostar to Paris. The Eurostar is fantastic for getting around. You only need to check in 30 min before it leaves, security is enough but minimal and it's very comfortable and efficient. Our coach was 98% kiwis on their way to the footie, and the whole train would have been at least 60-70% Kiwis. After checking into our hotel, Fiona and I did a big walk through Paris, taking in the sights and sounds of Parisian life, before heading to the Eiffel Tower. We got there just before dusk, took some great photos and sat and had a crepe with chocolate! Yummmmmmmm! As it was getting dark, we went up the Tower and got to see the lights of Paris, which is really beautiful. The Eiffel Tower is even more spectacular by night, and I got a superb photo - one of my all-time favourites. From the tower we headed to a very nice, posh meal in the Louvre restaurant. As it was open late (and at its most quiet) we got to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the French (former) crown jewels. There really is something magical about the Mona Lisa, and it's hard to take yourself away from it. We had a good browse around, but you don't even scratch the surface in 2 hours. But the Louvre is really impressive (got some great photos of the big glass pyramid etc) and it's top of the list to see on our second visit.

Saturday was a nice, sunny day. After taking in the Arc de Triomphe (which is bigger than I had expected) we wandered down the Champs Elysees, visiting the Adidas and Peugeot store along the way. We had a nice walk over the Pont Neuf bridge on our to seeing Notre Dame, and then headed back to meet up with Mary, Bill and Bob (Bill's friend) for lunch. We also got to see Place de la Concorde and the obelisque. After watching the England v Sth Africa game in pub full of kiwis, we headed off to our hotel en route to Stade de France. What an amazing stadium! Despite its size, its design made it feel very intimate. The French crowd were superb, and the singing of the French national anthem and the constant cheers of "Ole le Bleus" (go the Blues) were great. It was a tough game, but the All Black defence was superb and we never really looked like losing. Baguette's before the game was very French, and a bit different, as were the brass bands outside and inside the stadium. But, much to the contrary of what a lot of kiwis think, I found the French public to be very friendly. They showed true cultural awareness and respect for NZ when the Haka was done in virtual silence, and (despite sitting in front of a couple of foul-mouth, semi-drunk couple of kids that were next to me) the French guys sitting in front turned around and shook our hands afterwards - acknowledging how well the All Blacks had played and deserved to win.

Sunday was nice and relaxed. Fiona and I went and saw the Bastille monument and wandered around an authentic marche (market) for quite some time. We also found a really nice square/courtyard called Place des Vosges, where a statue of Louis XIII stands in the middle. Victor Hugo's house makes up part of the square, and the surrounding areas has loads of art galleries, cafes etc. One particular neighbourhood bustled with people, while most of the streets were reasonably quiet and peaceful.

All in all, we had a great time in Paris. We did everything we wanted to do, and the All Blacks had a good win. Still lots to see and do, so there is no doubt we'll be back.

And onto the Sport...

Saturday was also a superb day to be a Kiwi sports fan! I thoroughly enjoyed watching Westpac Stadium from afar where the Kiwis dealt to the Lions in a big way. But it was even more satisfying to watch the All Blacks destroy the French in such commanding style. The man with the toughest job is now Graham Henry, who has to decide on a starting 15. Some very tough calls to be made. Personally, I'd give the Mauger-Smith combination a go. My concern was always a lack of punch/size, but I do think Conrad is big enough for that not to matter now - and such are all three's running skills - I don't think that matters quite so much now. Although I'd still be worried v a big midfield like the Boks or the Irish.

So, with such a great occasion as the dedication of the NZ Memorial in Hyde park and the All Blacks thrashing France, needless to say we had a great weekend. It was quite tough standing for so long at the ceremony, but well worth while. Both Fiona and I really enjoyed ourselves. Had a nice lunch with a friend before hand, ran into a couple of people we knew (Nick and B) and I then headed off to watch the rugby. Watching the rugby on French tv coverage, being shown on a Welsh tv channel with commentary all in Welsh, and watching it in an Aussie Bar, was very unique to say the least. So too was having a South African saying we (NZ) had the best team in the world...

Sunday was nice and relaxing. I bought a bike to do my training on, so I'm very pleased with that. And then, Arsenal capped off a great weekend for me with a 3-0 thumping of Liverpool - which of course I won't let Mike or Brent forget for the next few months :-) Another busy week ahead, before a weekend we've been looking forward to for a long time.

As I said to my mother-in-law last week: "See you in Paris!"

A special day...

Saturday, the dedication of the NZ Memorial in Hyde Park corner, really was a great day for NZ. It was great recognition for NZ that Tony Blair and eight members of the Royal family were in attendance. The most popular of which, Prince William, was clearly the favourite among the female members of the NZ crowd, who let out a huge "oooooooohhhhhhhh!" (followed by a huge fit of laughter from the rest of the crowd) when it was announced he would be in attendance.

The ceremony itself was quite emotional and moving - a bit more that one or two teary eyes in the NZ crowd. Helen Clark gave a good speech, which talked a lot about the NZ-UK relationship in quite some detail that was good, if a little too long. Tony Blair gave a superb speech, showing once again what a great orator and leader he is. Despite some of his recent actions, I think no matter what your politics, I think he will be greatly missed. The Queen looked nice with a poppy-corsage and a silver fern broach. Despite not being his biggest fan, I thought Dave Dobbyn's performance was excellent, and Hayley Westenra was again superb singing both national anthems.

The NZ Memorial is a great tribute to the enduring relationship between NZ and the UK. Although I did have my reservations when I first saw the design many months ago, the bronze "Southern Stand" in Hyde Park corner, illustrating the many aspects of NZ society, culture and history, really is a superb memorial that will be a focal point for Kiwis in London for many years to come. I was really proud to be a Kiwi in London on Saturday, and I know thousands of other who felt the same.

Day at Twickers

Bill and Mary arrived safely from NZ on Saturday, and we met them at Paddington Station. They were pretty exhausted, but we did go out for a couple of drinks before dinner at home, and watched the local Guy Fawkes fireworks from our balcony.

Sunday and it was off to home of English rugby, Twickenham. We left home at 10.30am for a 3.30pm kick-off. Never in my life have I had to leave so early, but I wasn't complaining and it was all part of the experience. We caught the train from Waterloo to Twickenham, which was jam-packed, even at midday. But, the Twickenham railway station is tiny. Imagine trying to get 82,000 people onto trains at Johnsonville, and you'll get the idea.

Anyway, we got out there and met Bill's good friend Bob and his son Andrew. Had lunch and one or two drinks in the hospitality area behind the West stand and soaked up the atmosphere. Unlike the football crowds here, everyone was in really good spirits and enjoying the build up to the game.

We had pretty good seats, in the bottom corner of the Northern stand where Tony Johnson and Murray Mexted did their pre-match talk from. We had two English guys sitting in front of us who had come with a couple of kiwi friends, and chatted with them throughout the game. The rest of the section we were sitting in were all NZders, and everyone was decked out in AB jerseys, flags etc. The use of 50 or 60,000 red and white cards to make giant England flags in the stands was really impressive. Far less was the English crowds attitude to the Haka. Why, as a passionate, rugby-loving country they can't just cheer or shut-up I'll never know. It's just ignorance I guess.

The game itself was superb. England started very well, and took it to the AB's. I'm still not sure about the non-try. I know Paddy's come out and said it was a mistake, but as a referee I was always told you had to see the ball grounded, and I can't see why its any different when you have a TMO. Surely the TMO and/or any referee needs to see the ball grounded, especially if another player has his hands under the player with the ball. Surely the same rules should apply? This isn't league, and there isn't a practice of saying "benefit of the doubt."

The AB's, despite not really getting out of third gear, were just too fit, too fast and too skillful for the English. Dan Carter showed why he IS the best player in the world and scored a great try right in front of us. The game was gone at half time and when we lost Masoe to the sin bin, the ABs showed real control of the game. Importantly, the ABs largely took the crowd out of the game, which they needed to do.

All in all it was an excellent experience and great to see the All Blacks get a great win at Twickenham in person. Roll on Paris and Cardiff! :-)

28 yesterday!

Happy Birthday to me!

Yes, 28 yesterday and I had a really nice day. Thanks to everyone for the card and emails - greatly appreciated. Had a really full-on day at work, and then went out for a nice dinner with Fiona to a French restaurant in Covent Garden. Bought myself some new shoes, which I've wanted since we were in NZ, so was very happy with that.

Work had been pretty full, and a few interesting things happening too. Can't say much, but it's keeping me busy and I'm enjoying it a lot. Clerked my first meeting by myself last week, so that was pretty interesting, and I'm really enjoying the strategic work. Did a short visit to Liverpool on Thursday. Again, didn't really get to see much, but I thought the city had a nice feel to it, and I enjoyed a very quick visit to the Beatles store!

Found another great, NZ owned cafe just off Carnaby St. Best hot chocolate I've ever had - even better than fuel! Fiona also had the best flat white she's had in a while too. Had an enjoyable walk around Oxford st etc on Sunday, and a nice lunch with Fiona and Adarsh.

Bill and Mary arrive on Saturday and it will be nice to see them for a few days, and to have them stay with us. All Blacks play England on Sunday, and that should be an excellent game. I just hope Henry & Co (as John Drake would say) don't underestimate England and not play a near-full strength team.

Winter has certainly arrive. Barely double figures at the moment, and dropping to 6 or 7 later in the week. Winter has just "kicked in the door" and I suppose the London honeymoon is all but over. Still, having only had 2 weeks of winter in the last 10 months - not going to complain. It is very, very different leaving work at 5pm in total darkness, but then again it's not really a surprise. Just going to take some getting use to.

Hope everyone is well, drop me a line when you can. Cheers!