Of The Rugby World Cup

OK. I’m going to do it. I’m going to comment on the Rugby World Cup.I was overseas when it launched. Thank God. I am still staggered at the miscalculations by those in charge. Even lay-people knew it was going to get busy. No research done on expected numbers? Really?I live in Kingsland, Auckland so it has been good to see local business get great traction (and most importantly, revenues) from the vast numbers of people who flood in on game days.I do have to say though, the somewhat irritating downside is that my local bars get over-filled and getting a drink isn’t straightforward. Or my Glengarrys is inaccessible due to a throng outside the door.I have dutifully installed ‘All Black’ banners on my balcony and am starting to get into the spirit of the Cup. It is fun waving at people as they walk to and from Eden Park.Of the rugby itself. As I’m not watching the game for a voyeuristic view of the lads on the paddock, I am getting frustrated. The players, refs and commentators never really seem to agree on the laws of the game. For me, someone who isn’t an armchair ‘expert’, it is confusing. Trying to figure out why a penalty was awarded, why one wasn’t, why play is allowed to run over an injured player being tended to by medics, is all just a little annoying. It is nice when 'my' team wins though.Of Party Central. Actually I’m impressed. I think having gotten through the infrastructure issues of opening weekend, the organisers have done well. It was easy to get to and a really great vibe wandering in Quay St then on to the wharf itself.The Cloud is impressive as was the support structures around the place. An overabundance of big screens, food and alcohol vendors and exhibits was fantastic. I do hope it remains but I guess we simply don’t have the population to maintain its existence.I have learned something about myself though. I despise crowds. Actually it’s more specific than that. I despise unstructured crowds. I’m fine with being at a match at Eden Park. I’m fine in Asian countries (the people are very structured and aware of those around them) and playing on Mass Transit (dense-packed carriages), but I really don’t like New Zealand crowds with no structure. I don’t like watching games whilst being pushed-past and shoved and having people poke me with their silly hats. I don’t like people spilling their drinks on me. I don’t like being in a crowd at a concert where you’re being shoved and you’re having to avoid people who are incapable of dancing in time with the music. It really kills my buzz, and the joy of being a part of something big is offset by annoyance with people. Is this just me? It’s not agoraphobia. I don’t react that strongly. Maybe I just need to spend more time in that environment. Who knows. Need to experiment some more.So, my overall impression is that we’re doing OK with the #RWC2011. It looks like the tournament is going well. The tourists are having fun. The good people of New Zealand are having fun. The merchants are having fun. Bring on the knock-out rounds.- S.