Mission Accomplished

And so our 7 week sabbatical in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup comes to an end.

We can honestly say that we accomplished everything we set out to achieve. Be tourists, explore, relax, have fun and spend time together as a family. And of course watch and be part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

What summary is a summary without some statistics ?

• Number of islands explored: 2
• Number of museums visited: lots
• Modes of transport utilised: planes, train, cars, bus, ferry
• Approximate number of km travelled: 4100+ km
• Artworks purchased: 4
• Rugby World Cup tipping competitions won: 1
• Breweries visited: Lots
• Number of new beers sampled and enjoyed: 190+
• Chocolate factories visited: 2
• Number of Rugby World Cup Games attended: 7
• World Cups won: 1
• New Champagnes/Sparkling wines sampled and enjoyed: 30+
• Items to declare at customs in Sydney: heaps
• Total cost: Priceless

Highlights of the trip are too numerous to list as for sure I'd miss something out. Having said that one highlight is;

• The All Blacks winning the Rugby World Cup.

This week we return to Australia. Aidan and Abbey will return to school. Sam has a few more days before she returns to work, and I don't head back until mid November. I have commercial beer to brew for summer for Doctor's Orders Brewing, as well as a number of NZ trip inspired beers formulated to pilot in the pilot brewhouse. 

Next big holiday; Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. mmmm, probably not. 2019 in Japan. A distinct possibility.

Rugby 1870's Style

Today in Nelson as part of the Rugby World Cup celebrations there was a re-enactment of the first game of rugby played in NZ (the first recognised game of rugby played in New Zealand took place on Saturday, May 14, 1870 between a Nelson College side and the Nelson Football Club) at the same location (The Botanics).

The re-enactment started with a gathering of both teams at the Cathedral Steps at the top of Trafalgar Street and a haka from 1200 boys from Nelson Boys School.

A short walk to The Botanics and the game was on.

Nelson Boys and Nelson Rugby Club were both decked out in traditional uniforms. A traditional shaped ball was used for the most part the original rules played. Even the posts were manuka sticks.

A scum/maul consisting of the majority of the 18 members of each team happened quite often.

One handed throw into the lineouts (and uncontested as we know them).

There was even a streaker (in his onesy) that got arrested and put in the gallows.

It was a top entertaining event. Below is from the programme that details some of the original rules that would have been played in 1870.

Tonight we are off to some modern rugby with Italy vs Russia.