S Shince the announcement that Milton Keynes was chosen as the host city for the Rugby World Cup 2015, the whole town had been waiting in anticipation to welcome some of the world’s greatest international rugby talent, and it certainty didn’t disappoint.
European giants and 2011 finalists France met with underdogs Canada for the opening fixture at stadium:mk, which generated an incredible buzz and excitement prior to kick off. Flags of the both sides were proudly waved from fans and neutrals within the ground, live music echoed around and there were plenty of activities on offer, helping to give spectators the best experience possible. When I reached the stadium, I immediately bumped into a fan that had travelled all the way from South Africa wearing the famous Springbok green and yellow colours. It was then I realised that Milton Keynes hadn’t come to watch the world; the world had very much come to watch Milton Keynes.
Into the action and after a quick scoring start, the crowd suddenly came alive and the atmosphere really matched the occasion. Guilhem Guirado scored the second try for Le Bleu half an hour in as they appeared to take control of the Pool D fixture. However, the Canadians responded in resilient style with two quick fire tries to get to within just 5 points. The colours of the stadium then appeared to have all turned into a maple leaf, as the neutral fans got behind the side in red in hope of a major upset.
Despite being made to feel like a home fixture of their own, Canada were soon blown away in the second half as the French made the gaps in the red’s defensive line pay with some quick flowing rugby to add two more tries from both Pape and Grosso. Experienced fly-half Frederic Michalak then kept his nerve to achieve a landmark by becoming France’s all time World Cup point’s scorer with a penalty conversion midway into the second half. Although they continued to play some fine entertaining front-foot rugby, Canada’s efforts were not rewarded and ultimately were outdone by an experienced French side that with the assured result became the first to qualify from the pools.
The atmosphere still continued post match and long into the night, with the Marseillaise being sung in strong spirit by the travelling French supporters as they left stadium:mk. Ultimately a match that will not be forgotten here in Milton Keynes, and one which has now certainly placed us on the map as a world sporting venue.
George Cooper - Shenley Brook End School.
European giants and 2011 finalists France met with underdogs Canada for the opening fixture at stadium:mk, which generated an incredible buzz and excitement prior to kick off. Flags of the both sides were proudly waved from fans and neutrals within the ground, live music echoed around and there were plenty of activities on offer, helping to give spectators the best experience possible. When I reached the stadium, I immediately bumped into a fan that had travelled all the way from South Africa wearing the famous Springbok green and yellow colours. It was then I realised that Milton Keynes hadn’t come to watch the world; the world had very much come to watch Milton Keynes.
Into the action and after a quick scoring start, the crowd suddenly came alive and the atmosphere really matched the occasion. Guilhem Guirado scored the second try for Le Bleu half an hour in as they appeared to take control of the Pool D fixture. However, the Canadians responded in resilient style with two quick fire tries to get to within just 5 points. The colours of the stadium then appeared to have all turned into a maple leaf, as the neutral fans got behind the side in red in hope of a major upset.
Despite being made to feel like a home fixture of their own, Canada were soon blown away in the second half as the French made the gaps in the red’s defensive line pay with some quick flowing rugby to add two more tries from both Pape and Grosso. Experienced fly-half Frederic Michalak then kept his nerve to achieve a landmark by becoming France’s all time World Cup point’s scorer with a penalty conversion midway into the second half. Although they continued to play some fine entertaining front-foot rugby, Canada’s efforts were not rewarded and ultimately were outdone by an experienced French side that with the assured result became the first to qualify from the pools.
The atmosphere still continued post match and long into the night, with the Marseillaise being sung in strong spirit by the travelling French supporters as they left stadium:mk. Ultimately a match that will not be forgotten here in Milton Keynes, and one which has now certainly placed us on the map as a world sporting venue.
George Cooper - Shenley Brook End School.