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Kiwis Win Rugby Crown
New Zealand proved
it is tops again when it won its third straight
International Rugby
Board Sevens title, defeating Argentina, 34-5, in Carson, Calif., in
February.
The Kiwis were the
tops among the 16 squads at the event. Played on the same size
field as traditional 15 a-side rugby, sevens rugby is played with
only seven players per team. Among the big news at the tournament
was Mexico getting a win in its
debut at an
international rugby tournament.
The
diversity of the teams playing were reflected in the crowd--from the
red, white and blue Playboy Bunny-eared to Samoan sumo
wrestlers--and very much cheering for the underdog. It was a very
smart crowd, knowing when great plays were made regardless of
the score.
And for all of the intense, sometimes bloody action on the field,
the players were quite friendly towards each other immediately
afterwards-, walking off laughing and talking with each other.
Its supporters are trying to get rugby established as an Olympic
sport, and we don't see why not. The game has a large international
following and enough nations to make it competitive. It is also
becoming a more popular game among gays and lesbians. A search in
Outsports' local groups finds 25 clubs around the world.
Photos by
Brent Mullins / Copyright
2005 / Outsports.com |
