Test Rugby Experience

My name is Joseph van der Poel and age 52 years old. I consider myself as one of the unsung supporters of South African Rugby . I do not have DSTV  and follow all provincial and Springbok rugby games via the old and reliable   RSG radio station in the comfort of my lounge because the money is not there   to sit on the pavillion ( which is my big dream) 

 Part of my dreams came true when a friend of mine suprised me with 2  tickets  for the springboks game in Port Elizabeth on 20 August 2011.

Althouh i stay in George i plan to drive to PE and back on that day to fulfill my dream of wathing my first live rugby game. Currently i am
 working extra time after hours to get some funds to pay for my petrol to PE and  back to George

Letter

Left George early saturday morning at 06h00 full of anticipation on what the trip would hold in for me . Dressed in my sponsored tshirt ( thanks to my sponsor for this wonderful gift and may they more success in their bussiness) and my sponsored rugby tickets ( had to turn back after 5 km because left the rugby tickets at home wow that would have been a disaster) . Arrived in P E at my overnight stay location at Buhlebendalo THE RESORT at van Stadens Rivier Mond to book in. After negative reporting earlier this year in PE newspaper i was suprised to see that the accomodation was wel priced , clean and a real pleasure to stay in . The staff was friendly and this place will definitely be re-visited on my next holiday. Left for the stadium and easily and suprised and also at the correct entrance gate find a parking 1 block away from the stadium which helped because the wife has a slight hip problem. I must admit that it was a great feeling seeing the big and great stadium from closeby - breathtaking.

The staff , security etc at the stadium was some of the friendliest suppliers i have ever seen and was pronto with advice and trying to help and assist well before you noticed that you are unsure or wrong. Saw some nice looking females walking around with something like bussiness cards in their hands. Very nosy i asked them what is to offer. They replied promoting photo taking at Castle Corner . Wow. Jumped right in and got photo taken with   wife on hand. Taking photos at castle corner was a blissful event and the staff there gave 5 star service such as the staff at the staduium . Spend some time sipping some juice and enjoy the friendly crowd , music and the atmosphere while waiting for 14h00 to step onto the stand to watch the curtain raiser . was amazed to see the spirit of the people in the stadium waiting for the big moment.

EP rugby union with their sponsor has organised and set up a 5 star event that was enjoyed by everyone. The organisers could be proud and deserve a pat of recognition on this event. They pulled ou all steps to make this event a event to remember.

14h00 on the stadium - what a sight and a feeling for a person on the verge of seeing his first (and last unfortunately due to money) live rugby game on such a big and impressive stadium . Proudly wearing my sponsored shirt i sat down in relief and awaiting for the events to start. I now have the feeling as described my many who has watched live games. the awesomeness view , the feeling you share with rest of the spectators , the spirit and comradeship between the people and the feeling of belonging . Abandon the outside world with its problems and differences . Now you only live for whats happening and to happen in the stadium . A world inside a world . A world full of adrennelin , frienship and anticipation. Forgotten the outside world of problems , now you only live for the moment on hand.

Now you are out of the box , you are one with the players on the field , you share their feelings , their vision and their team spirit . you are on the field of play . you see more you experience their adrenelin their proud and instead of 45,000 people and 30 players you only feel one soul fighting for honour and pride . You see outside the box of the tv or the radio . You focus your attention on all corners of the field . You are part of the players in their decision making processes . You feel the ball in your hands and you aim for the poles with the player . You experience joy , sorrow and happiness and tiredness all in one . What a feeling that i have been missing all of my years  - 52 years in total.

The words to describe the day is awesome - awsome - awesome

Thanks to everyone who made it possible for me to enjoy the best day of my life

Now its back to old RSG and maybe if lucky a delayed broadcast on sabc2 - But will I always think back to the thrilling and envying experience i had for 1 day -