Lineout time

The Mini-Eagles met the Massive Eagles today.

The junior touch rugby team from the Otaki School, about an hour north of Wellington, represented the USA at the recent RIPPA World Cup. The youngsters did well and received an invitation from the USA Eagles to come and watch a practise.

They had a blast. After the training, the students performed a ferocious haka at halfway for a few of the members of the Eagles. When the roaring from the haka began, though, the rest of the team sprinted over. Who knew such little people could make such a big noise? It filled the Eagles’ practise grounds and earning a hearty applause from the (big) players.

Todd Clever learns the hongi, the traditional Maori greeting

Captain Todd Clever thanked the Mini-Eagles for competing so ferociously in the name of the United States – they finished 3-3-1. Then it was time for a group photo and all the Otaki students and their teachers squeezed in beside their favorite player, or the one who wore their number.

After that it was lineout time. Two of the Eagles players hoisted each of the students in turn. Most of them loved that, but some found it scary.

Before it was time to leave the Eagles were wished “the best of best of luck” for Friday. It’s USA-Australia time and the Eagles were told they would have 4.5 million New Zealanders cheering for them.

View more photos here.

Go the Eagles!

The Eagles will play at 8:30PM (NZ time) in Wellington on Friday 23rd September.

The Haka