Let’s be honest – it’s been a little while since an Australian rugby team won anything. So, about a week ago, when the Reds were getting ready to host the Blues in the first semi of the Super Rugby tournament, I vowed that if they won that game and with it the right to host the final, I would go to the final.
The only problem – I live on the other side of the Earth, in London.
So, this post comes to you from an airline lounge in Singapore, to where I have just flown 12 hours and have another 12 to go before I arrive in Sydney on Thursday. I’ve already had a sign from God that this is a holy mission via an upgrade to business class. Very nize.
There’ll be a little Sydney G&GR get together on Friday from 5pm at the Heritage Belgian Beer Café at 135 Harrington Street, near Wynyard. You’re very welcome to join, just bring those magic beer drinking tokens you can find at any bank or hole in the wall.
Saturday morning the trip up to Brisbane. It’s only an hours flight, but for what I paid for it I’m expecting it to be on the last serviceable Concorde, so we could be early. My white sand shoes are packed.
For those going to the game, the G&GR meet-up before hand will be at the Caxton Hotel from about 4. I believe they accept the same drinking tokens in Queensland.
And then it’s showtime – with the best tickets in the house courtesy of RedsHappy. What a match up – the guys that put the BBQ into footy against the evil empire that knows no bounds – including off side lines. As we said on the podcast earlier this week after our chat with Beau Robinson, I suspect the Reds brains trust has been planning for this showdown since the beginning of the season, and regardless of how formidable the Cru are, if the Reds stick to their gameplan, the good guys are in with every chance of turning over world rugby’s highest air miles earners.
Ewen and the boys – no pressure!
Paracetamol for breakfast on Sunday, a celebratory lunch and back to Sydney. Flight back to London Monday. All very sensible.
You can follow my progress on this holy mission via Twitter (@Matt_Gagger), and there are rumours of a video documentary to come next week (Spielberg cuts a hard bargain).
Until then – GO THE REDS!
