I have a confession to make. I was tying myself in a knot for the whole game, screaming my heart out but trying not to get optimistic. Not sure I could handle another game ripped away by the kiwis. I couldn't watch the last 15 minutes. I sat in my seat with my head in my hands just listening to the crowd. It was quite surreal just relying on the sound. As the crowd roared I couldn't tell if the Tahs had made a break or they were chasing down a Crusader. I would glance up from my hands, scream some more, sit down with my head in my hands.
I believed, but we've all been hurt so many times just before the siren. I waited for the penalty goal, the field goal or the steam rolling Nadolo run. Then with 4 minutes to go it happened. Right in front. Crusaders kick the penalty to take the lead by two.
Fuck that I screamed. Com'on Tahs. 3 minutes to go. I joins in the chorus of 'NSW' as they rumbled back up the field. 2 minutes to go.
Then right in front of me, McCaw infringes. I let out an almighty roar.
Then I look at the distance to the posts. Crap that's tough. Foley takes the ball. No I say, you can't kick it that far. Give it to Beale. The Lions Test flashes through the mind and the kick that missed. Oh fuck oh fuck.
I sit in my seat again, while everyone stands. My head in my hands just listening. Listening for a sign of success, but as Foley lines up its quiet around me. I'm in a stadium of 62,000 but I'm alone. Not sure how I'm going take this if we lose. Can we do this again next year? Can we get another home final? Will the stars align again? Can I go through the highs and lows of the season again just believing? 19 years. Fuck you Crusaders, you have 7 titles, this is ours.
I listen, the crowd roars. It's over the cross bar. How long to go? 15 seconds my mates calls out. So close. I feel sick, surely they can't come back now?
I stand up to see McKibbin kick the ball out.
I scream out years of pent up anguish and disappointment. My head spins and I fall to my knees. I just start weeping and then I'm filled with adrenaline and I stand and start roaring. With tears rolling down my face I bear hug anyone near me.
No fucking way. They've done it. We've done it!
I just stand there, grinning with my mates, soaking in the euphoria. We're Super Rugby Champions.
Thank you Tahs. Thank you.