A semester in Scotland would not be
complete without attending a rugby match. So, this past weekend I set out to do
just that. We went to the Scotland versus New Zealand match, which is one of
the most awaited contests of the year! From Princes Street we took the tram
down to Murrayfield Stadium for an evening of cheering and hollering for our
team.
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| Murrayfield Stadium. Go Scotland! |
We arrived at the match grounds by
mid-afternoon and spent a couple of hours enjoying the pre-match atmosphere. The
surrounding grounds were full of fields where all ages of people played sports
and vendors sold fan gear. Across the road there were a series of pop-up pub
tents where we watched ongoing matches and cheered along with fans. It was
quite the lively atmosphere, prepping us for the very anticipated match ahead.
For me personally, this was a great chance to learn a little bit more about
rugby prior to watching my very first match.
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| Our seats were really well located. We spent our time cheering for Scotland with the rest of the crowd! |
We made our way into the stadium as
the sun was beginning to set. Cascades of orange and purple streamed across the
sky and I knew it would be quite the magical evening. After grabbing a bite to
eat, we navigated our way into the stadium and up to our seats. We had a little
under an hour until the opening ceremonies began and spent the time catching up
on our weekends and learning a little bit more about the sport we were all
excited to watch!
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| Opening cermonies for the big match! The sparking lights and music sent waves of energy and excitement through the stadium! |
It was almost game time! As a
prelude to the opening ceremonies, the entire crowd coordinated lighting up the
stadium with their cell phones behind a night sky and sporting green field.
Sparkles flickered every way I turned and magic streamed through the stadium.
This moment invited in the electric spirit that would personify the opening
ceremonies and carry into the game. Following this fantastical moment, the
opening ceremonies began where each team was called out to the field and
players announced. I was particularly excited to see the Hakka. This
traditional ceremony invites in the fighter spirit and excites both the team
and the crowd for what is soon to be an action packed match. Scotland marched
out onto the field and faced the rivaling New Zealand team. In uniform, they
performed the chant. I love how one player takes the lead and performs his
rendition in which the squad follows. The Hakka ignited the night in the spirit
of the sport. The teams marched back to their sidelines for their final
preparation of what would be an action packed match.
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| The Hakka! This was really something special to see live and at such an important match. |
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| Opening ceremonies and the Hakka! Everyone was so excited for the very anticipated rugby match to begin! |
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| Hot Cocoa at the Ruby Match. A sweet treat to stay warm! |
The players took to the field and
the match began. I was intrigued, yet slightly bewildered in my first few
seconds of the game. Having seen rugby in bits on television and learning about
the game from friends, I knew what to expect but not necessarily in such force
as I was seeing played in front of me. I found it particularly interesting how
long each play goes on for. A player is tackled down and he passes the rugby
onto another player who continues the play in a different direction. The game
is nonstop. I had such appreciation for the players whose stamina allowed them
to persist through the long plays and whose power they allowed them to push
through defense players. With the heart of a warrior, they refused to
relinquish a second of the game to their opponent. It was a bit of a chilly
night, but in the spirit of such an intense game the cold was almost lost on
us. Even more, delightful hot cocoa was sure to warm us up. The match was close
almost the whole way through. Try after try the crowd went wild. New Zealand
pulled away in the last few minutes. Scotland put up quite the fight and
despite a loss it was an extremely well played match. We rooted for our team,
excited to be part of a very monumental match.
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| This was quite an intense match! We had so much fun this Saturday evening in Scotland! |
My
first rugby match was quite the magical night. The evening came to a close and
we left the stadium in smiles and hype from such an intense match. A few
minutes to the end of the game, we made our way to the train to avoid the
crowds of people headed back to the city center. On our way home we went over
all the highlights of the match. Even after one match, I found myself better
able to understand the sport. Hopefully, I will see this progress as I watch future
matches. I always hoped to attend a rugby match prior to leaving Edinburgh. The
Scotland versus New Zealand match could not have been a better pick! I said
goodnight to the evening, still floating on all the rugby excitement. This
match has been one of my favorite memories from Edinburgh thus far and a
special moment of my trip I may share with family and friends. Abroad in
Scotland, I felt part of a team, all cheering for the same team and celebrating
the hope for. In moments like these, I know how welcoming Scotland is and the
comforts of feeling at home. This experience inspires me to go after other ventures
in Scotland and experience as much as I can in a city I now call a home abroad.
There is so much of Edinburgh, rather Scotland I have left to see. I plan to go
after all the adventures I can find. For curiosity is the spark to constantly
expand my mind. Until then, Go Scotland!
