It was outstanding stuff! The spectators were more excited than the athletes...mexican wave, cheering on the teams, yelling, clapping, admiring skills and conditioning of the athletes and the efficiency of the match officials. Just 'lapping up' this new experience
Let me chuck out a few facts that I have made up:
• biggest event in the Asian Games outside the opening and closing ceremony and maybe the athletics (sounds good).
• We made it to CCTV 5 (apparently) unfortunately when we had the last 3 matches and most spectators had left.
• The most Chinese people to ever watch a rugby event live!
• For every foreigner there was 30 local population
• The best dressed match officials of any rugby event. They actually have enougj kit for 3 changes not including mix and match plus they have suits, hats, shoes, socks, ties, bags..however you can only work with what have you have and no amount of 'flash' and 'fancy' make up or clothing can make those brutes look television friendly.
• The most match officals for any rugby event...fully kitted out, with warm ups, whistle blowing and toy throwing.
Finally, interesting first day that was more about celebrating sport and the Asian Games and a pumping stadium...than on field performance however will be a competitive second day of rugby.
Scores day 1
| Event | Teams | |
|---|---|---|
1) Women's Pool |  vs  | 51-0 |
2) Women's Pool A |  vs  | 17-14 |
3) men's Pool A |  vs  | 55-0 |
4) Men's Pool A | vs  | 38-10 |
5) Women's Pool B |  vs  | 50-0 |
6) Women's Pool B | vs  | 19-12 |
7) Men's Pool B | vs | 43-5 |
8) Men's Pool B | vs  | 26 -5 |
9) Men's Pool A | vs | 52 -0 |
