Sure it's half way around the world for most of you, but that does not mean Walker Sports does not have their finger on the pulse of international rugby. Thanks to our friends over at UR7s.com we are proud to bring you live updates from the Adelaide Sevens which is currently in progress, and the Hong Kong Sevens which is just around the corner.
Be sure to catch up with friend of Walker Sports Robin Heymann as he brings all the latest action from both of these amazing tournaments. Adelaide Sevens are already underway and the US Eagles are making headlines for all the right reasons. On the first day they managed to knock off powerhouse England 24-21. That's right there's never a dull moment on the sevens pitch. Catch up on what you missed yesterday, and get ready for the games today.
Once again, we are back and talking rugby with none other than Jeremy Beynon from HeavensGame.com. This week we get into a bit of dicey territory when we take a look at the Mid-Year report provided by U.S.A. Rugby. Take a listen and see how we interpret this massive document.
In an effort to class up this joint a little bit (Just kidding guys) I decided to bring this story to the Bad News Bloggers community. Despite being an American rugby is a passion for me, I played overseas and had the opportunity to watch Munster play, it truly is a magical experience. However, what took place at Thomond Stadium on Tuesday night was something for the ages.
While the majority of people in the United States were at work on a Tuesday afternoon, across the pond in Ireland rugby history was nearly made in one of the most memorable matches I have ever witness. It is the fall test season, and current the New Zealand All Blacks are on a tour of Europe. Tuesday night they made their way into Southern Ireland and found themselves in an hostile environment in Thomond Park in Limmerick where they would take on European powerhouse Munster RFC.
The matched the 30thanniversary of when a Munster side took out the All Blacks, and became the first and only Irish side to beat the New Zealand team. Tuesday's match was meant to be a friendly between the two historic sides. As both team turned to many of their reserve players to carry the bulk of the minutes because the All Blacks were fresh off a tough match on Saturday where they took on Ireland and many of the Munster starters were members of that Irish side. Backups or not, Tuesday night's game was a special occasion.
The atmosphere in Thomond Park is always loud, and everyone in attendance knew they were in for a special treat. However, the Park was ready to explode as both teams met at midfield field pregame in preparation for the All Blacks Haka. Munster, which now sports four of their own New Zealanders had a surprise for the visiting side. The four Munster imports stepped in front of their teammates and proceeded to perform the Haka, challenging the New Zealand side and letting them know this would not be a typical game. The crowd was electric as they watch the Munster players perform the ritual dance. Once they were finished the New Zealanders answered with their versions of the traditional chant. And both teams were ready for the battle of their life.
Munster played one of the best games I have ever seen a side put together, and it is unclear if they caught the Kiwi's off guard or what, but they took the All Blacks to the limit. With four minutes to go in the contest, Munster was leading 16-13, before the New Zealand back line was finally able to show their ability on the outside and dot a try down.
New Zealand would hold on manage to come away with the win, but it took everything they had to do so. In the end there is no doubt that the All Blacks have a new found respect for Irish rugby and for Munster and its strong traditions. After the game the All Blacks showed their appreciation for the crowd and for Munster by applauding the fans who had been on their feet for the entire evening. Truly Tuesday's game marked a special moment in rugby history.
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