GO REDS GO!

Rugby. It's an interesting sport. The only experience I've had with rugby is in high school, when I used to go to the senior games after school to show "school support". We used to go the rubgy games after school because there were certain boys playing... but after going to a professional game, I think I owe the game of rugby an apology! I did not give it enough credit!

From a general level, rugby is understandable. You got the touchdown thing, the conversion thing, the scrum, the weird throw in where the guys are lifted into the air, those caps that look like they're moulding and the concept of pummeling your opponent into the ground. Easy peasy. Granted there are plenty and plenty of rules that I do not and will probably never understand, but the game is enjoyable. The Brisbane Reds are a Rugby Union team (vs rugby league)... or maybe its the other way around. Anyways, the point is that there are two types of leagues, and one is a bit different. Apparently the one that I went to is the more complicated version... and the guys who play the other type are generally thinner and quicker. I'll have to check that out. A friend of mine (who taught me the rules of rugby mid-game) also told me that American Football was created at a University rugby game versus McGill and Harvard. Just a fun fact for you. 

I was unaware that the game was the season opener. I also did not get the memo that everyone wore red. Now that I look back, the team is called the Brisbane Reds. I would wear a blue shirt (with my luck, the color of the opposition). I went with three other UBC students - what are the chances I end up at a rugby game with three people from my own school? Awesome really. 

Please note the child grabbing the koala's crotch - 

the koala that has an odd and freaky human resemblance. 

The Suncorp stadium is great, with an open roof (or however you say it... lack of roof?). At one point, I thought about how birds must get to see so much. They get into every event for free. Then, I thought it would be hilarious if birds had their own system of getting into special events.. like a bird ticket. A true bird's eye view of life. Unfortunately I didn't keep that train of thought to myself and costed myself a bit of dignity, and potentially a few friends. I guess people will just have to get used to me, or I'll just have to keep those thoughts to myself - awkward. 

Thank goodness our seats were in the shade! It was 34 degrees! 

One of my favorite moments of the game was when (pardon my lack of correct terminology) our player looked like he scored a try (that's 5 points.. if you didn't know..) but he actually didn't because he fumbled the ball.. but the guy in charge of the fireworks, which go off every try or conversion, thought he did and set them off anyways. It was sad, but hilarious. A lot of moments in the game I just pretended that I understood certain calls.. I booed with the locals, cheered with them, etc. 

Overall, I had a great time. I am definitely down to go to another game. I'd really like my next big sporting event to be an Aussie rules football game... I may be going to the season opener at the end of March! Lucky me! 

Oh, and we won! ... I think.