Denominator
Frank Row (1)
My experience attending the Wallabies match tonight (as an avid sports fan, but new to rugby):@Denominator also don't forget to post your review here after the game! Curious to see how you find it.
The stadium is stunningly beautiful. I would have guessed it held a lot more than it does. they said the attendance was 35k and change. I'm used to going to college football games with 100k+, the crowd fit the stadium nicely, it looked pretty full. It did feel rather quiet to me. I'm used to cheering, chanting, singing throughout. Crowd got loud at exciting moments (like Tom Wright's try), but it often felt quiet.
I had 3rd row seat in the corner. I got what I paid for. it was hard to see things well and I found myself watching the jumbo-tron at times. I ended up seated next to a group of late 20's English and Irish guys who ran their mouths (about their tech jobs and women) the whole time. I believe you folks would have called them a bunch of fluffybunnys. It definitely detracted from the experience, but I eventually tuned them out. Apparently there was a fight behind me (between I think two Aussie fans), I totally missed it but did get to see the police remove a guy.
The concessions were pretty good and very reasonably priced relative to American sporting events. I had a couple Cooper's and they were good. I'm trying different Australian Beers while I'm here.
I was amazed at how the game doesn't stop much (just like some of y'all said). I was amazed that players were warming up on the field, while the match was going on. The medical personal were working on players, while the match was going on. The opposing team were walking around while they were attempting the conversions. It all was strange feeling compared to how regimented american football is.
I was struck by the physicality that the Wallabies played with near the try line. The first try was just pounding the ball in. Later they did the same tactic and ended up getting some sort of a penalty. Wales was dying. When the penalty got called and the ball turned over, 2 Welsh guys literally fell to the ground. They were warn the hell out. That raw physicality was fun to watch.
Tom Wright did that double move on his try and made that welsh guy literally fall down. That was awesome. Really awesome. I stood up cheering and realized I was the only one in my section who stood up cheering. I was honestly disappointed with the fans on that one.
I watched the last 3/4 of the women's game. Fijiana was scary bad. The Wallaroos were dominant. I was really blown away the support the team got after the match. Several of the players came to sign autographs and see their families. One of them, I'm guessing one new to the team, came to meet her family right in front of me. Her family and friends were so excited for her. Her dad was a few drinks in kept asking me who I was cheering for. I didn't answer him quickly or correctly enough and he playfully gave me shit for it. All in good fun. It was just beautiful to see a family loving on their girl.
Overall was an amazing experience. So happy I got to see it. Would totally do it again.
Thanks for humoring me on this.