365 Sporting Days

Having had something of a stupid journey to get to the MK Stadium – The King Power Stadium home of Leicester City was next. And there’s a parking tale to tell on this one too! I tried to book park and ride – but couldn’t because I’m on my own! Apparently if I’d paid and turned up I’d have been turned away!

Useful for a lady on her own I have to say! So, I booked with Just Park for £1.80 – I knocked at the wrong door to be told I was again a good few miles from the ground, so I simply drove up the road, parked in the street and had a short walk! Perfect in the end.

I had time to burn so did the very classy build up thing of having cake and tea in Morrisons – I know how to live! A short walk to the ground after the delights of a sort of lunch, I met my older brother Keith and so Matt, who’d seen England knocked out of the World Cup the night before.

A quick chat lamenting the England scenario and it was time to seek my seat – I again had a Category B seat and I’d say this was one of the best yet, between the 22 and the touch line, so a pretty good view.

We were treated to the Tongan ‘war dance’ the Sipi Tau after the National Anthems, again it was well observed; it’s going to be hard hearing the All Blacks Haka sung over at Twickenham next time that happens!

And so to the match – having been given the chance to play in the Rugby Championship in 2012 Argentina have improved as each year has gone by, they had a famous win against South Africa this year to prove that fact. In Group C along with The All Blacks, Namibia, Georgia and of course Tonga they were favourites to finish 2nd in the group.

In reality they’d have to play some physical teams to get there, and Tonga were no exception. In this case the stats don’t tell the story of the result, although they do tell the story of the game. Tonga had 59% possession and 61% territory.

They scored 2 great tries and really added to the excitement of the match, but their Fly Half needs more practice with the boot, he missed a number of kicks.

The Argentinians played an exciting fast paced game, spreading the ball across the field at speed time after time.  Their attacking prowess saw them score 5 tries, 4 of which were converted by Nicolas Sanchez, he also added 4 penalties.

Those statistics add up to a score line that wasn’t really an indication of the efforts of Tonga – the score finished on Argentina 45 Tonga 16.

The Argentinians in the crowd – there were many – were great!  They support their team with a passion, but what is becoming so very clear is that the English love an underdog!  There were plenty of cheers for the Tongan successes.

7 games down for me – 8 to go!

• Cost of Ticket            £115.00