Nearly every New Zealand adult, and many children too, watched the game last night. Most people watched on television, at home or in a bar. Many thousands watched outside in a fan zone. These were places like the waterfront (by the harbour) in Auckland and Wellington, or Hagley Park in Christchurch. The fan zones provided entertainment before the game and a large video screen where the crowds could watch the game. The fan zones were exciting places. But even more exciting was having a seat at Eden Park stadium where the game was played. The stadium was full for this final – all 61,000 seats.
France played New Zealand in the final of the Rugby World Cup. It was a very close and tense game; however, the All Blacks (the New Zealand team) won 8 – 7. They won the gold cup. This is the first time the All Blacks have won the cup since 1987.
Today there was a victory parade through downtown Auckland. The team travelled in open cars along Queen St. At the end, team members held up the cup. Thousands of Aucklanders were in the city to celebrate the win and to congratulate the winners. Tomorrow there will be a parade in Christchurch and on Wednesday a parade in Wellington.
Vocabulary
A fan is a person who really likes a famous person or sport. Many pop stars have fans. A fan zone is an area where fans can meet together.
A close game is a game where both teams are nearly equal.
tense – people were worried because they did not know who would win
Victory means a win. It can be used for a win in a war.
Grammar
“This is the first time the All Blacks have won the cup…” Can you make other sentences using: This is the first time I have (ever) + past participle e.g. This is the first time I have seen a rugby game. This is the first time I have been … have had … have tasted … have tried …
Questions
The Rugby World Cup tournament cost a lot of money. What are some of the benefits to New Zealand from hosting the Rugby World Cup?