New Zealand All Blacks to play Rugby in the U.S..

[Kiwi]

Soldier Field Chicago 1 November 2014.

The A.B.'s play the Eagles on Soldier Field for a 1 off game.

I will take off my eye patch and say I have always been impressed with the Eagles Rugby Team.
You guys have some fast, strong, courageous and exciting players.
.
I'm aware Rugby is a minority sport in the U.S. but I am sure 1 or 2 of you may have an interest and check it out.

So here is a heads up.

[Kiwi]

This is Maori for lets get It on.

[clayusmcret]

My boys tried rugby for a couple seasons each. Their hearts were in it but they were just too small.

[Wheels]

Best sporting event I ever watched in my life was the Gold Medal Game between the USA and Australia Quad Rugby Teams during the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games. You MUST be a quad to play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMiPT7UaLX0

[Bucfan11]

Soldier Field Chicago 1 November 2014.

The A.B.'s play the Eagles on Soldier Field for a 1 off game.

I will take off my eye patch and say I have always been impressed with the Eagles Rugby Team.
You guys have some fast, strong, courageous and exciting players.
.
I'm aware Rugby is a minority sport in the U.S. but I am sure 1 or 2 of you may have an interest and check it out.

So here is a heads up.

The NFL and college football will be in full swing on Nov. 1st. That is tough competition in the U.S.

[Kiwi]

Well I wondered if there would be any response at all to this post as its such a minority sport up your way.
The team was passing through and they decided to have a hit up against your Eagles.

My boys tried rugby for a couple seasons each. Their hearts were in it but they were just too small.

Yeah I hear you. Some times I watch these little takkers playing and wonder if its really for them. Back in the day there was a position for everybody no matter your build. With the bigger ones playing forwards and the smaller ones in the backs. Nowadays they are all big and bigger with the odd exception..

Best sporting event I ever watched in my life was the Gold Medal Game between the USA and Australia Quad Rugby Teams during the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games. You MUST be a quad to play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMiPT7UaLX0

Those guys take no prisoners at all. Not for the faint hearted. Thanks for posting up the link.

[Z-Man]

I like to watch Rugby. It's much more entertaining than watching grown men run around in shorts emoting and kicking a soccer ball around.
WHAT KIND OF SPORT DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO USE YOUR HANDS?
Soccer that's what.
Sissy game.

[Dr Keghead]

I like to watch Rugby. It's much more entertaining than watching grown men run around in shorts emoting and kicking a soccer ball around. WHAT KIND OF SPORT DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO USE YOUR HANDS? Soccer that's what. Sissy game.

What Z said! Figure skating is more exciting than soccer... and that isn't saying much.

[Kiwi]

Go the A.B.'s.
1/2 time.

[Lone Ranger]

Back in the '80s rugby teams played in Grant Pk. Grant Pk. is the park on the east side of downtown Chicago running along the lake front.


By JIM LITKE
AP Sports Writer CHICAGO (AP) - What was billed as an exhibition quickly turned into a clinic.
New Zealand's mighty All Blacks turned their USA rugby rivals blue with a bruising defense, and then green with envy as they went on the offensive, spreading the field and sending a parade of ball carriers through the gaps and over the try line Saturday on the way to 74-6 win.

[Kiwi]

What an honour and a privilege it was to be given the opportunity to play at Soldier Field.

Man that venue is something else, some thing we can only dream about.
There were damaged players in both teams and its just as well the game is played for 40 minutes each way as I suspect both teams would have run out of replacement players.

[Kiwi]

I had to sigh when I saw this. It sort of demonstrates how little is known about N.Z. and how much rugby is a minority sport in the U.S.I guess.

[kenidaho]

I like watching Rugby, If I would of stayed at my last job and travling to the far east 3 or timrs a year i would have arranged a trip to make the Hong Kong 7. I have freinds that go every year.

[pearlblue1800]

I had to sigh when I saw this. It sort of demonstrates how little is known about N.Z. and how much rugby is a minority sport in the U.S.I guess.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]n29659[/ATTACH]

Unfortunately you are 100% accurate in your statement.
This not only applies to World sporting events but encompasses most everything else.
The lack of international travel likely possess the dominating impediment when it come to knowledge of events beyond those in the Homeland.

[silent67]

I did not know it was coming on and only got to see about 30 or 40 minutes of it. I have always liked Rugby, and the All Blacks are Bad A$$. I liked what one of the commentators said, The All Blacks don't have any 2nd string players, all of their players are first string players.

[Kiwi]

Yeah I didn't remember this post until 1/2 time and really should have posted a heads up / reminder for those interested before kick-off.

The team selectors are spoilt for choice with players and we could most probably field several teams that would dominate a lot of international sides.

[hparsons]

Unfortunately you are 100% accurate in your statement.
This not only applies to World sporting events but encompasses most everything else.
The lack of international travel likely possess the dominating impediment when it come to knowledge of events beyond those in the Homeland.

I've noticed that you bring up the bolded part fairly regularly. Do you have something to show the basis for your opinion that Americans are lacking in international travel? Don't get me wrong, you may be right; but that's not my personal experience (most of my friends have been out of country several times) and was curious if you have something that shows your view is the norm.

[pearlblue1800]

I've noticed that you bring up the bolded part fairly regularly. Do you have something to show the basis for your opinion that Americans are lacking in international travel? Don't get me wrong, you may be right; but that's not my personal experience (most of my friends have been out of country several times) and was curious if you have something that shows your view is the norm.

Google or any other search engine will aid you
You state that "most of your friends have been out of country" How many times have you left your homeland, and travelled beyond Canada or Mexico?
Have you travelled to either Canada or Mexico?
Are you like the majority of USA citizens and not in possession of a passport?

I state Mexico or Canada for obvious reasons.( ie: These two countries are border countries, and one can cross into either of these two nations in a matter of minutes, and are more than often just day trips/rides. Where there are options for Passport requirements.

" Passport issuance is the ultimate indicator for those that travel"." - Forbes

[hparsons]

Google or any other search engine will aid you
You state that "most of your friends have been out of country" How many times have you left your homeland, and travelled beyond Canada or Mexico?
Have you travelled to either Canada or Mexico?
Are you like the majority of USA citizens and not in possession of a passport?

I state Mexico or Canada for obvious reasons.( ie: These two countries are border countries, and one can cross into either of these two nations in a matter of minutes, and are more than often just day trips/rides. Where there are options for Passport requirements.

" Passport issuance is the ultimate indicator for those that travel"." - Forbes

You're funny.

I was born in Germany. I've lived in Japan. I've traveled much of the Caribbean and parts of Europe. Yes, I've been to Canada and Mexico (both of them more than once, Mexico several times).
The US, in my experience, is no less prone to travel to other continents than other nations. We just happen to have fewer nations on our continent. You appear to have eliminated Canada and Mexico from your inclusion of "international"; I suspect because they are our neighbors on this continent. I suspect where you to similarly eliminate neighboring countries in Europe or Asia, you would likely find them no more "traveled".

I'm not sure where you get your information, but one must possess a passport to travel to Mexico. Maybe it's been a while since you traveled there?

Most of Europe is a "day ride" for the rest of Europe. As a matter of fact, I could travel much of Europe in less time than it would take me to explore my own state (Texas).

And yes, I have a passport.

[hparsons]

I would refer you back to your original statement, and elaborate some:

Unfortunately you are 100% accurate in your statement.
This not only applies to World sporting events but encompasses most everything else.
The lack of international travel likely possess the dominating impediment when it come to knowledge of events beyond those in the Homeland.

I would submit that the very term "homeland" is quite different for the US than it is for most other nations. In European nations, their "homeland" is (typically) much smaller in size, and much more densely populated. But, in spite sparsely populated areas, virtually all parts of our country, north south east and west are populated - unlike say Canada which has a large land mass, but most of the population lives in the far southern area. Shoot, we have multiple states that are bigger than most nations.

Add to that the massive diversity within the nation, and you have a vastly different culture (or more accurately "shared cultures) than that of nations abroad.

For instance, the culture in Texas is very different than that in, say Maine. Texas isn't big into hockey, we don't get much in the way of ice, and I only know of one friend that even knows what curling is, let alone participates. Personally, I'm very much into sailing, but I doubt you'll find very many folks in Nebraska share that interest.

I say all of that to say this; your regular implication that Americans are somehow ignorant because of the lack of travel is probably more a relation of your own ignorance. It really is true that, because of the size and diversity, most of us don't need to travel outside the borders of our country to experience a diversity of culture and scenery.

Yet, some of us, many of us, still do so.

BTW, in spite of my somewhat extensive travels, I am still largely ignorant of rugby. That ignorance has nothing to do with travel (or the lack of it). Most international travelers don't suddenly gain some great interest in a sport just because they've visited the country.

Part of this thread appears to have been generated because of the lack of knowledge about the fact that New Zealand isn't Australia. Yes, I'm sure many Americans don't really know the difference. But then, I'm sure many Europeans don't realize that just because Amarillo and San Antonio are in the same state, it doesn't mean it's a quick drive right down the road.

[pearlblue1800]

You're funny.

I was born in Germany. I've lived in Japan. I've traveled much of the Caribbean and parts of Europe. Yes, I've been to Canada and Mexico (both of them more than once, Mexico several times).
The US, in my experience, is no less prone to travel to other continents than other nations. We just happen to have fewer nations on our continent. You appear to have eliminated Canada and Mexico from your inclusion of "international"; I suspect because they are our neighbors on this continent. I suspect where you to similarly eliminate neighboring countries in Europe or Asia, you would likely find them no more "traveled".

I'm not sure where you get your information, but one must possess a passport to travel to Mexico. Maybe it's been a while since you traveled there?

Most of Europe is a "day ride" for the rest of Europe. As a matter of fact, I could travel much of Europe in less time than it would take me to explore my own state (Texas).

And yes, I have a passport.

Congratulations, on your birthing being in Germany, (was on "American soil"? ), and having lived in Japan. It might be fair to suggest your parent(s) were federal employees. You're German experience was similar to your Japanese experience.
Meaning you were a child of a subject, that in all likelihood did not have any say as to where he/she would be sent to work as it was a government posting.

I specified Mexico and Canada as both of those countries are border nations, and many travel there as a matter of routine.
Which is why they were specified, since a Passport is NOT necessary to travel by land into either of those countries. A U.S. Passport Card, or an Enhanced Drivers Licence, Nexus, Sentri or Fast cards are sufficient. If the person is under 16 years there are three other forms of identification that are also valid.
A much better question might be where do you get your information from?

Are you now arguing that Forbes is incorrect that the statement - "Passport issuance is the ultimate indicator for those that travel abroad" - Forbes

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-kepnes/why-americans-dont-travel_b_790827.html

LOL,, "culture in Texas"
Thank you for bring a smile to a few members with that combination of words.
Your own statement that many Americans may not know that New Zealand is not Australia may be construed as an indicator of a severe lack of geographical knowledge.
This knowledge, or lack of knowledge is not limited to the Continent of Australia and the Country of New Zealand.

Yes the USA is a larger land mass than many other nations. However though there may be subtle differences in culture, it is akin to saying a McDonalds hamburger is different in Wyoming, compared to Florida. Yes there is a huge variety of geographical vistas. Though those vistas are limited to one region of the planet. Those views, vista's and experiences are definitely limited, when compared to the World.

If this is your belief, that is good. Remember you reside in a state where " Nearly a third of Texans believe humans and dinosaurs roamed the earth at the same time, and more than half disagree with the theory that humans developed from earlier species of animals, according to the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.