Friends for life made through rugby

BRING IT HOME BLACK: Kevin Ford (left) and Stu Blair celebrate the All Blacks’ success at Twickenham. The Gisborne pair were walking in the gate before the match when they were heckled by three men . . . . only to recognise them as Gizzy boys Grant Walsh, Mark Solomann and Andrew Lamont, who are living in London. Picture supplied

STU Blair and his good Marist mate Kevin Ford were tired but still joyous after the All Blacks’ successful defence. Following the semifinal victory against the Springboks, Stu detoured off to Poland.

There he enjoyed the attractions of Krakow and the famously spectacular salt mine 320 metres underground at nearby Wielicka, which incorporates chapels, statutes and carvings. He returned to London in time for the big game. The Herald thanks Stu for his reports.

THE Twickenham pub packed to capacity before kick-off for the Rugby World Cup final was “not a bad local”, said Stu, whose fellow patrons included Graham “Ted” Henry, Stephen “Beaver’’ Donald and legendary Wallaby John Eales.

There were New Zealanders and Australians everywhere, with plenty of friendly banter, he said. There was black all over the place, with the odd bit of green and gold.

“A lot of the people in black were not Kiwis but were supporting the All Blacks.”

Stu and Fordy walked into the “Cabbage Patch”, aka Twickenham, where they immediately “copped some friendly abuse from three Gizzy boys just inside the gate” — Grant Walsh, Mark Solomann and Andrew Lamont.

“They all live in London. We enjoyed the catch-up. We had a laugh, shared a couple of stories and headed into the stadium.”

Nervous but confidentStu said they were nervous but had confidence in the All Blacks.

“The first half was all the All Blacks and going into the second I was sure the game was in the bag. But with Ben Smith yellow-carded, the tide turned and the momentum swung to the Aussies. With them on top and only four points down, I started to sweat. One Aussie behind us said ‘the All Blacks are choking again’. The rest is history.’’

Stu and Fordy had a great night out.

“Back at the local we met up with an Aussie crew who were very gracious in defeat as we were in victory.

Stu said he was glad to be heading home via the Melbourne Cup last Tuesday.

“The hospitality shown to Fordy and myself by the British people was superb. Once again rugby has made us a lot more friends.”

Stu wanted to thank Barry Atkinson and Electrinet for allowing him so much time off work.

“Bring on Japan 2019!”