A
highly-anticipated and most historic Rugby Union occasion took centre
stage on Saturday at Soldier Field, Chicago, USA. The test between
the New Zealand All Blacks and USA Eagles needed a mouth-watering
starter tempting the taste buds for the mammoth main course. It was
served when Heathrow Express teamed up with some of America's finest
rugby players with the likes of Carlin Isles, Hayden Smith and Olive
Kilifi racing off on their Segways! Take a look...
So
the All Blacks had landed in the 'Windy City', the excitement at
boiling point, Soldier Field a sell out and it was time for 61,500
supporters to witness the occasion on home soil.
There
was that air of anticipatory awe and admiring expectation of a purely
professional performance from the All Blacks and they didn’t
disappoint. It was a bruising battle for the USA Rugby Team losing
74-6 and conceding 12 tries but rugby union made history this
weekend, in America.
A
succession of seven tries alone in the first half from the All Blacks
saw them rocketing into the stratosphere leaving the USA Eagles no
where to be seen. Nathan Harris scored early on and with New Zealand
not committing too many players at the break down, it aided them in
controlling the game beautifully. With their successful style of
running rugby in full swing, moments of magic came from Israel Dagg
with a stunning backhand off load to Corey Jane who crossed with
ease, Patrick Tuipulotu and Charles Piutau following suit. Sonny
Bill Williams marking his return to the code in an All Blacks jersey,
dodged defenders like a bullet to score twice and if that wasn't
enough, in the first forty, Julian Savea scored off a clean flick
offload from skilful Captain, Kieran Read.
The
offloads and intensity from the All Blacks was superior, superb and
succinct. Support runners on both the inside shoulder and outside
opened the flood gates for them and the dominant and determined
visitors played impeccable rugby... doing what they are renowned for
- making it look easy.
The
USA Eagles did reciprocate at times, with powerful punches on the
attack from the likes of Samu Manoa but they were met by the
resilient brick wall in the All Blacks defence. New Zealand were
penalised twice at the breakdown and successful penalty kicks by Adam
Siddall put consolatory points on the board for the home side.
HT
43-6
The
second half rustled up another tasty treat for the onlookers as the
All Blacks continued to fire on all cylinders. Early tries came from
Joe Moody and Aaron Cruden, who was quickly replaced by Dan Carter.
And then it didn't take long for Dagg, Sam Cane and Savea to add to
the tally, with Carter converting all three tries successfully.
FT
74-6
The
World Champions and most famous rugby team in the world had breezed
into town, and this dazzling demolition was one to be expected
wouldn't you say?
But
looking outside the proverbial box, what did this event symbolise?
It
raised awareness of rugby as a sport, it united the rugby community
across the globe and enhanced it's exposure to a wider sporting
community.
Rugby
is developing, spreading and becoming increasingly embedded and
established, from grass roots to professional level.
It
was a fantastic spectacle to watch.
The
question is, has the American appetite been whet? Will rugby
continue to grow in the United States? Well if the interest and
attendance numbers are any indication, I think and hope it will.