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Post by Jeff on Oct 13, 2007 9:06:30 GMT
A French victory today ? Excusez-moi !
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Post by Belinda on Oct 13, 2007 10:00:34 GMT
The All Blacks looked terrible on TV at the airport in UK
I think they were dreading coming home.
But they were plesantly surprised on their arrival in Christchurch.
Heroes' welcome for All Blacks
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - RugbyHeaven | Wednesday, 10 October 2007
WARM WELCOME: All Blacks captain Richie McCaw led the squad through Christchurch airport and a throng of supportive fans who used air horns, cheering and chanting to ensure the All Blacks knew they still had loyal supporters back home.
More than 2000 fans screamed with delight as Richie McCaw lead the All Blacks out into Christchurch airport this morning after returning home from their World Cup campaign.
Huge applause and cheers greeted McCaw as he led the team through followed by Chris Jack and Anton Oliver.
The rest of the team followed including Cantabrians Leon McDonald, Aaron Mauger and Andrew Ellis.
McCaw, who spent several minutes talking to people on fans' cellphones, said it had been a tough couple of days since the loss.
"I'm blown away, I can't believe it," he said.
"Coming back to this, I don't know what to say."
A spontaneous haka broke out from among fans and was warmly appreciated by the 17-strong players, coaches and officials who had travelled back from Britain via Japan.
Air horns blared amongst screams of delight and applause.
Imagine what would have happened had they actually won the World Cup!
And imagine what might have happened if they had returned home through Auckland as was originally planned. Certainly nothing like this.
The Cantabrians did themselves and the All Blacks proud.
Jack told The Press the reception was "very humbling".
Die-hard fans waving flags and wearing All Black jerseys had waited all morning for the team to return home from the World Cup.
The team walked out to rapturous applause and chants of "All Blacks, All Blacks" despite some of the country bagging their favourite team for losing to France in the quarter-finals last Sunday.
The welcome became so boisterous that a policeman had to be stationed on the shoulder of Dan Carter to ensure the All Blacks' playmaker wasn't overwhelmed as the crowd pushed through the barriers once the fallen stars appeared through the doors of the arrivals hall.
Leon MacDonald said the welcome was "awesome".
"I suppose it's a couple of days since we lost and we didn't know the feeling back home. We were devastated and I thought everyone else was devastated.
"The country has grown up a bit more since the previous years. This is awesome."
The crowd cheered "Henry, Henry" when All Blacks coach Graham Henry walked into the airport.
Backs coach Wayne Smith seemed overwhelmed at the turnout in his home city: "I though it would just be my wife and the family dog," he joked.
Fans called out to their favourite players as they streamed into the terminal.
Many of the fans were dressed in Crusaders and Canterbury colorus and the loudest cheers were reserved for their lcoal heroes.
Only 17 of the 30-man squad landed at Christchurch with other players staying on in Europe or arriving back home later in the week.
The return flight from London landed almost 40 minutes late but fans were boisterous in their reception of the team, which exited the World Cup at the hands of France in the quarter-finals in Cardiff last weekend.
All public car parks were full and airport officials had to direct fans to staff car parks to cater for the crush.
Fans were sympathetic to the All Blacks' Cup performance, many saying it was the lack of tough pool match play that cost the side dearly when it finally fronted France.
There was also no open hostility towards coach Henry - unlike in 1999 when coach John Hart copped a battering from Cantabrians - but it was fair to say a lot of the fans we spoke to wanted to see Crusaders boss Robbie Deans take over.
Henry and the All Blacks held a press conference at the Christchurch airport before the squad broke up and travelled to their home cities via domestic flights home.
That was an emotional time for the players with several having played their last matches for New Zealand and are about to head back overseas to contracts with European clubs.
Henry said the warm reception was marvellous and hugeoly appreciated by his squad. He believed the turnout reflected the overall achievements of the side rather than what might have been at another World Cup disappointment.
"They have been an outstanding rugby team They have won 42 matches out of 48 over the last four years and it was just a pity that we just couldn?t do it and bring that little yellow cup back," said Henry.
Surprisingly, it seemd that was OK with these die-hard supporters.
Banners like "we still love you" and "you are still winners" to us were waved around.
Long-time fan Francis Kara said he was proud of the team.
"It's not a bad turnout for losers, but they've done their best and have done a great job, especially the Canterbury boys."
"The main thing is the Aussies never got through either," he said.
Students from St Thomas College came to welcome home their French teacher, Alki Lafcal, who is the All Blacks translator.
Sam Noonan said: "He's (Akli Lafcal) the winner at the end of the day (because he's French)."
All Black fan Anny Ma said she would always support the team.
"We still love them. You can't judge them on one match.
"We're here to show that people still love them and show our support."
Four Shirley Boys' High School students - the alma mater of lock Chris Jack - risked detention to join a throng of supporters that steadily swelled .
"We don't care about school. We're supporting our team for the last 16 years so why not now," the 16-year-olds chorused.
"We're gutted, I was in tears mate, but we still support them," Cam Rickerby said.
"We decided to come out last night when we heard the plane was coming here."
It wasn't the time to apportion blame, with Zak Burroughs reflecting that while the team "choked again" they still warranted unqualified support.
"They didn't pick an experienced enough team against France. No (Doug) Howlett, (Aaron) Mauger and (Reuben) Thorne on the bench instead of (Chris) Masoe," Rickerby said.
At the other end of the age spectrum, pensioner Margaret Johnson, 74, was among the first of the black-clad clan to assemble.
She and travel mate Audrey Browning experienced better times on last year's trip to the northern hemisphere, the unbeaten romp intended to be a precursor to World Cup success.
"We want them to know we still love them, they've done us proud so often," Johnson said.
"I know they'll be hurting and I just wanted them to know they're still all right by us."
Johnson said this was no time for animosity.
"I remember one of the times I was really depressed (after a Cup bid failed) but I realised how ridiculous are we to rely on these young men to make us feel good?
"It's totally unfair. I hope they don't feel too down - I think it's really awful they're scared to come home." -with NZPA and The Press
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Post by Belinda on Oct 13, 2007 10:10:08 GMT
Hi All Should be an interesting game But now forgetting last weeks old news I've said it before and i'll say it again  Belinda |
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Post by Stephany on Oct 13, 2007 12:00:15 GMT
We'll see. As long as it is a good match, I won't complain. Either way, I'll support the winner for the final  My mother told me that the weather is okay in Paris today. Not very sunny, but no rain! Good luck to England for the football match too. Stephany |
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Post by drew on Oct 13, 2007 18:31:19 GMT
Tonight Stephany, as an aperitif to the main course of the day, I am drinking the French classic - Kir Royale. A subtle blend of the red and the white, with added sparkle. That reminds me of something.
Good luck.
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Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
Posts: 7,700
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Post by Dave on Oct 13, 2007 20:42:24 GMT
Some tears for Stephany  Then... Bring on Argentina! (I hope!  )  Dave |
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Steve H
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team / Official Site Photographer & Videographer
Posts: 1,756
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Post by Steve H on Oct 13, 2007 21:00:41 GMT
Hi Dave - and Well done ENGLANDYes it was a good day for both the England teams, and hard luck France and Stephany. Steve |
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Post by Stephany on Oct 13, 2007 21:13:23 GMT
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Post by Stuart H on Oct 13, 2007 21:24:04 GMT
Great game England!
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Joe
Administrator
Supporting Hayley since 2003!
Posts: 6,715 
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Post by Joe on Oct 14, 2007 0:45:57 GMT
Hooray!
England Win 14-9...France played some good rubgy throught the tournament.
Come on lads,
Here we go, here we go, here we go!
On to the final on 20th October
with Argentina or South Africa
Joe
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Post by fusilier23 on Oct 14, 2007 1:40:42 GMT
Bravo, England! Here's hoping they go all the way.
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Post by Belinda on Oct 14, 2007 4:14:47 GMT
Hi Stephany Hello Stephany!  I'm not really into rugby, but I will admit that I was rooting for the All Blacks because of their association with Hayley. Now I'm switching my allegiance and supporting France, and you! Love, Richard  Like Richard I'm not at all into Rugby (sorry Hayley) but I thought I would have a look at this thread to see what was going on. IF I was into Rugby, I would have to support NZ - now that they are out it seems, I will also switch my allgiance to you & France Stephany, as I know you are so passionate about your team Lots of love Mark |
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Post by Richard on Oct 14, 2007 8:10:15 GMT
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Post by Jeff on Oct 14, 2007 10:20:31 GMT
Wow ! What a fantastic night and there's nothing like a walk through the park to the internet cafe to clear the head !! It's a magnificent achievement to reach two World Cup Finals in a row in stark contrast to Mr Beckham and his overpaid friends ! How long has it been now........ah yes, way back in 1966 !! |
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Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,339
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Post by Martin on Oct 14, 2007 10:41:33 GMT
VIVE L'ANGLETERRE Martin |
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