So my cousin and I set off from home at 4pm on Friday to make our way to Telstra Stadium. Thankfully, it wasn't too much of a squeeze. Cityrail provided enough trains before and after the match to not have people packed like sardines. So kudos to them. (This is probably about the only time you hear me give praise to Cityrail).
When we arrived at the stadium, there were already heaps of people there. Many of them were wearing Wallabies' jersey, scarves, beanies and other paraphernalia. I didn't bother buying any 'cos the queue was too long. And really, I wouldn't have any use for it after the game. My bright yellow beanie and scarf were subtle, but enough shows of support. People were also having their faces, or whatever (decent) part of their bodies painted for free. I decided to have my face painted with a green and yellow stripe on each cheek. One man in front of me had the back of his bald head painted with the shape of a green wallaby.
It was freezing that night, so my bright yellow beanie and bright yellow scarf (the latter was really part of my cousin's winter school uniform from her school Abbotsleigh) came in very useful though I still felt cold. The sky looked very ominous at first with black clouds hovering above the stadium. Thankfully that blew over.
My cousin and I went to take our seats first while we waited for my uncle to arrive. We had really good seats - in the middle section and just a couple of rows from the field. Very close to all the action!
There was the customary opening ceremony with the usual song, dance and pyrotechnics. That was pretty fun. Not spectacular but good enough. Australian Prime Minister John Howard appeared amidst a mix of jeers and cheers (he isn't very popular these days 'cos of the war and recent tax reforms etc) to declare the World Cup open.
Then it was kick-off time! The match was alright....it wasn't VERY exciting. Australia scored only two tries. And guess what? When the first try was scored, where could I possibly be but in the toilet????? Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's Murphy's Law. There I was in the cubicle and then I hear these maddeningly loud cheers and I knew I must have missed a try! So annoying. At least they scored another try almost to the end of the match.
Some parts of the match were pretty boring. Too much kicking and no passing to get the crowds reved up. At some points, the crowds were so sedated. Everyone just sat in their seats not making a sound 'cos there really wasn't very much action on the field.
There were some fun moments where the crowds started doing the wave, people started singing "Waltzing Matilda" and one man several rows in front from where I was seated started playing "Waltzing Matilda" on his trumpet and we just sang along.
At the end of the match, Australia scored a victory over Argentina with a 24 - 8 win. I was a little disappointed by the Wallabies' seemingly indifference to the fans after the match was over. No PR efforts made whatsoever to acknowledge the fans for their support. I mean really, the fans are the ones who are responsible for the players' pay checks when the money spiral is traced to the bottom. Advertising dollars and all come from the popularity with the fans of the game.
All in all, the atmosphere was electric and everyone was in good spirits. Australians really know how to have a good time. Everyone was so friendly and relaxed. The amount of beer that was flowing down the throats of Australians was scary. People were just going back and forth to the Heineken beer counter. Heineken's laughing all the way to the bank!
Apparently, that night's turnout was the biggest turnout ever for a rugby match. A record-breaking 81,350 people! So it was pretty cool to be part of that crowd!
Posted by DSD at October 12, 2003 12:37 PM