Rugby Fanatic

Joe has gone completely rugby mad. He has been collecting cards from packs of chippies (crisps) for a couple of months and now has 30 out of the 50 available. Thanks to all those who have been supplying him! They represent the players in the NZ teams of the Super 14. Matt took him to a game at the AMI stadium to see the local Crusaders play the Higlanders (based in Dunedin). Unfortunately the Crusaders lost but Joe's enthusiasm did not fade. He was desperate to go again, but missed the semi-final match because we were at Brunner.

Luckily Matt got tickets for the final - Crusaders vs Waratahs (Sydney). Match day was red and black day here in Christchurch and kindy added to the hype by having a rugby themed day. The children played with a rugby ball for the whole session and they made flags etc.
Joe was beside himself all day and couldn't eat his tea as he was so concerned about being late for the game. They headed off with Joe wearing his colours in the form of a new Crusaders cap. Crusaders won 20-12 and the pair of them returned home exhausted. Joe had very little voice left after shouting himself hoarse.

The whole set-up is lovely and child friendly. They receive a pack with chippies, drink, vouchers and a cardboard helmet to assemble. There are fireworks, flame throwers when the Crusaders score and Knights in armour circle the pitch on horseback. Joe is completely addicted - he knows the names of players from all the teams and even some of the statistics. He can't wait for the All-Blacks vs England in a couple of weeks time. Divided loyalties will be tested as Joe is convinced he will play for the All-Blacks one day and is cheering for them, Matt says 40 years of hurt supporting England have ingrained a certain loyalty!