THE Webb Ellis Cup

Last Friday our principal announced that the All Blacks would be visiting our school. I was so excited, as were the rest of the female staff. Oh and probably the kids too. The All blacks belong to New Zealand like no other team belongs to it's respective country. They are part of our country's psyche, part of its identity. They are revered. They are New Zealand.

We held an assembly. Every member of the school was there. I wore my highest heels, ready to lure Sonny Bill Williams in with my clever wit and charm. We all waited in anxious anticipation as the Web Ellis cup was wheeled in.. followed by.... ... two random old men?
Where were the All Blacks?
 Sonny?
 Ali?
 Piri????

They didn't come. Not one of them.

Six months ago Richie was interviewed for an article on the All Blacks website titled " All Blacks coming to a town near you" This is what he said “Fans are really important to us, and we never take their support for granted. That’s why these visits are pretty special and will give these towns a chance to be part of the Rugby World Cup excitement”

Bollocks.

I have never been stood up before but I can now tell you first hand- it hurts.

However, you can always find the good in every situation. I am the gate keeper of my destiny and I will have my glory day in the hot sun.  So, as soon as the assembly was over I ran up the front, stood next to the Web Ellis Cup and had my photo taken.

I realize now that even that is pretty special. Even if the All Blacks were a no-show there aren't many people in NZ who can say they have been inches away from the cup.