The arrival of the Wallabies at Nelson Airport saw the temporary set aside of the Trans-Tasman rivalry, as they were greeted by locals eager to offer hugs.
As the Rugby World Cup 2011 progressed, Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio proclaimed Wednesday as ‘Hug an Aussie Day’, inviting his community to embrace visiting Australians literally, in a bid to ease the recent strains between fans of the Wallabies and All Blacks.
“There will always be tension between us, and it’s a positive kind of tension,” Miccio mentioned. “However, there have been a few individuals who spoil the fun, so a day like this helps restore everything to its rightful place.”
Unbeknownst to the Wallabies, their unannounced arrival in Nelson prior to their Pool D match against Russia at Trafalgar Park on Saturday turned out to be quite the event. News of their arrival quickly circulated through the small coastal city, and by early evening, a lively crowd had formed at the airport terminal. Mayor Miccio, who spent seven years in Australia and is married to an Australian, was present to warmly welcome the team, taking Radike Samo and James O’Connor into his embrace.
“We aspire to be the friendliest host city in New Zealand. I believe this will significantly contribute to winning that title,” he expressed.
Eleven-year-old Soren Bercoe, who aimed to hug as many players as possible, declared that Wallaby wing Drew Mitchell was the standout hugger.
“I had a hug fight with Drew Mitchell,” Soren recounted. “We were patting each other on the back to see who would prevail, and eventually, he just said, ‘Alright, you win’.”
While it’s a lovely gesture, the atmosphere becomes charged when the Wallabies and Kiwis face off. It’s different from the silly fights among the Poms on the terraces; without the rivalry and the fervor, the sport would lack excitement.
I hold a great deal of respect for the Kiwis… but this is the World Cup… it happens every four years. Both sides crave the competitive edge… emotions run high. What would The Ashes be without a dash of passion and heritage?
The All Blacks and Wallabies cherish their rivalry.
One player who sidestepped the more vigorous hugs was centre Pat McCabe, who continues to heal from the dislocated shoulder he incurred during Australia’s tough victory over the USA last Friday.
by Terence Johns
