It was another early start in the land of the long white cloud. The boys arrived at school sore after two hard fought games with a fresh group of stories from their billets ready for a day sight-seeing in Wellington. Unfortunately Jamie Stevenson was suffering with a cold and so stayed in bed in order to recover. After a short but tuneful bus ride we arrived at the headquarters of NZ Rugby where one of the Paraparaumu parents worked and had kindly arranged a tour for the boys. We were shown around by former all-black Brent Anderson and the group got the opportunity to have photo's with the Bledisloe and Tri-Nation's trophies as well as the Edmund Hillary Shield. They also had a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of a highly organised and well run professional sporting environment.
Following this the group moved on to the Westpac Stadium, better known to some as the Cake Tin Stadium. It became apparent early on that the guide was intent upon giving us a detailed personal history rather than an informative tour. As intertesting as details of the New Zealand state pension, the guide's marriage and recent holidays were the boys lost interest after a while and the comedy set in, there were a few notable questions that raised an interesting response!
Once we had escaped from 'Stinky Pete' the tour guide the boys were given some free time to have a look around Wellington. It really is an amazing place with a beautiful harbour and some amazing colonial buildings, it also has a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere that all the tour party appreciated. After purchasing some Hurricanes stash the boys returned to the coaches and we set off back to Paraparaumu to return to the billets for their final night's stay on the North Island.
The boys returned to school in the morning for a training sessions. Both sets of coaches had lots to work on and sessions were intenses and successful. They also seemed to impress the girls of Paraparaumu College as there were a few photo's being taken, a first taste of press intrusion for a few of the boys!
Showered and changed the squad are about top make their way to Wellington for the ferry crossing to the South Island. It has been a great stay up North with some good tough rugby played, long lasting friendships made and tour bonds cemented. A fond farewell to Ben and Brian the drivers who have served us so well and we look forward to seeing the sights of the South Island and turning over some more Kiwis in their own back yard!
No comments:
Post a Comment