Wales v New Zealand-divided loyalties
I was very fortunate that our business trip to the UK ended up coinciding with Wales playing New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium. Once I found that this was on I was determined to see the match and thanks to eBay and the nice people at Ticketbooth Derek and I managed to get tickets.
I have been a Welsh rugby fan since the 70s and spent quite some time in my youth and uni days on the terraces of Cardiff Arms Park, with old friend Julia. It was lovely that she was able to travel over from Llandeilo with her son and that we spent the day together as they also had tickets. However it was an odd feeling- I am now at the stage where for 364 days a year I cheer on the ABs and I found it very hard cheering against them. So in the end although it would have been lovely if Wales had finally done it (and Alyn Wynn-Jones nearly did!) I cheered on everyone, and sang all the anthems.
It was very special being back in Wales on match day and singing the Welsh National anthem (Hen Wlad fy Nhadau) with 74,000 other people (rather than on my own in my lounge in the middle of the night when watching Welsh rugby from NZ). The sound in the new stadium was amazing, and although the crowd I thought was quieter than usual (in terms of their singing throughout the match) it was a memorable experience and one I am very glad I had the chance to participate in…. and Derek and I are still talking which is a good sign.
