Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Late starter but catching up fast

Rotorua Boys' High School winning the national secondary schools title has led to an unexpected addiction for the national sport. Photo / File

Why did it have to happen at this stage in my life? All these years of managing to avoid being the least bit interested in rugby. Now I have to go and spoil it all. Partly to blame are Rotorua Boys' High School's 1st XV. Last weekend, they played Scots College in the National Secondary Schools finals and won. They played their hearts out and deserved the win.

A couple of days before, I happened to watch the television coverage of their semifinal match against New Plymouth Boys' High School. It certainly wasn't something I had planned to do but I got caught up with some friends who were watching the match. After Rotorua's win that day, it was on again to meet on the Sunday.

Hopefully to see Rotorua "bring it on home". I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed both games. "Pass it out, pass it out". "Go, go, go" I shouted, cheering them on. On numerous occasions. I don't know if I was using the right expressions but they sounded spot on to me. I just got caught up in the atmosphere. I did get a few odd looks from those around me though. They were a pretty subdued bunch only cheering loudly when a try was scored. I was giving it both barrels enjoying my new found enthusiasm for rugby.

For the life of me, I can't understand what has caused this turnaround. I have had family members who have played for New Zealand over the years. My father's uncles and my mother's brother. That seems like a 1000 years ago now. Maybe, as a family of three girls, much to my father's eternal regret, there wasn't enough emphasis put on the game in our home. Although my father loved rugby. For whatever reason, I was the odd one out. My sisters can follow the game, they know the rules. They can tell you who the players are, where they come from, who they play for and what positions they play.

The whole nine yards. I guess if you're interested you will want to learn the rules and know how the game is played. Enjoy watching not only local teams but the major games played around the country. On this occasion watching Rotorua playing hard made it a personal experience. This is our high school here in Rotorua. The players were putting it all on the line for their school, their families, friends and city. They wanted to win and they made it happen. Those watching the game, at school or via the television broadcast, all shared in their glory and success.

So, now that I am a very late starter, I intend to make up for lost time. I am going the whole hog. I will watch all the All Blacks' games during the Rugby World Cup. I'll learn more as I go along and get better as the games progress.

On the odd occasion when I have asked "what's happening now", when a game is under way, I received a curt response. You can't interrupt or disturb a game by asking daft questions. I will have to get some of the basics under my belt before the first game otherwise I could be shown the door. I already have a large World Cup wall chart ready to put up. And I've unearthed an old All Blacks rugby jersey I picked up in an op shop years ago. Like every true New Zealander, I hope the All Blacks win the World Cup. They are picked to win. They will put everything on the line too. And, for the first time, I will be watching our men in black. Cheering them on. Perhaps a missed mid-life crisis catching up with me.

-Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.