In Wales it's very different. They sing hymns at matches! The Welsh association is now largely historical (see the article in The Independent), but even those cynical about Christianity will concede that there's nothing quite like a rousing chorus of "Bread of Heaven" rocking the stands. BBC Radio Wales digs deeper, appropriate listening for the current Rugby World Cup. Worth a listen if only to enjoy the wonderful Welsh accents. Be quick though, it's only available for a couple of weeks.
And of course, the final showdown will be an all Antipodean affair - the All Blacks versus the ancient enemy from across the ditch (name escapes me for the moment). No hymns are expected, but a few prayers of a non-standard variety will doubtless be offered up if the score turns on a knife point. Not that it worked for the Welsh who got knocked out in the quarter-finals.
Good news for American viewers: The final game will be broadcast free-to-air on NBC at 12:00 ET Saturday!
ReplyDeleteOther games in this exciting series of international rivalry were only on pay TV in US (eliminates me) but last week's semifinal, I discover, was also free on NBC (missed it, damn it)
I thought from the outset that Australia should win because of its plethora of professional teams, the big money, and strong interstate competition. This would, by the laws of nature, have to make new Zealand (and other countries) distinct underdogs. Can the high-achieving little nation prevail against the odds? We will find out Saturday/Sunday western Pacific.
Game lived up to the hype, NZ team impressive.
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