Prabhash and I arrived in Auckland at the end of August to find the city swamped with excited and slightly demented rugby fans from all over the globe.... driven to this edge of the world with rugger missionary zeal and the same migratory enthusiasm that brought the Maori people here in their canoes a thousand years ago, spreading polynesian culture to the farthest corner of the planet.
On the opening night of the World Rugby Cup, the streets filled with shouting Samoans, singing Tongans, reeling Irishmen disguised as large leprechauns, dragon-flag clad Welsh and a confused medley of local folk choosing to dress in the black of the home team or in empathy with favourite visiting teams. Then the sky erupted with fireworks from every possible launch pad including the Sky Tower that looms over the city centre.
We decided to hurry home for shelter, as the 200,000 strong crowd tried to fit into public areas and public transport designed for an expected 50,000, but we felt thoroughly welcomed to our new home.
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