Wallabies RWC Squad Farewelled by Sydney Fans
August 22nd 2007 20:00
...and yes, I was there.
I had a very packed day yesterday but there was no way in hell I was going to miss the Public Farewell for the players that play the game in heaven...nor this Demi God...
- please feel free to click on image/s to see...detail...
The day dawned well then showed signs of that blizzard I talked about...but...the sun did what it does best and it didn't rainon my parade the event out.
A pretty good crowd of Gold Army fans turned up. Despite what the media would like us to believe...we, The Faithfuls, love our Wallabies...
Apologies for the less than good quality of these pics...Nooooo...I know what you're thinking but you're wrong, okay? Wrong. I was trembling because it was cold. It. Was. Cold.
...besides I deliberately shook this image when I took it so as to protect the privacy of the people concerned. My blog. My Story.
There was pomp, there was ceremony. Pomposity and cerebral malfunctions as well.
Channel 10's Tim Webster was MC and did a good job of asking useless questions in between plugging Channel 10's coverage of the Rugby World Cup.
Seriously. 10...out of 10 for Talking Head without an AutoCue. Did someone say dummy?
As for the pomposity? Well...ARU CEO, MD, DICK, John O'Neill was there.
O'Neill said;
I'm pretty sure I took a photo of him speaking but I must have just taken a photo of Stephen instead...
I was originally positioned on the left side, facing the steps, diagonally opposite...but felt like I was being watched...
As you can see from the 2nd and 3rd pics, I then moved to a less conspicuous position. Exactly opposite and in front.
_____________________________ _____
AND...he may have swapped the tracksuit for a black suit...but everyone's favourite reason to say sorry was there too....and he did give a lovely little speech.
Howard said;
Howard also said;
Did someone say "federal election campaign"?
Captain Stirling Mortlock also spoke and I did hear what he said;
I actually took a video clip of Mortlock's speech. Amongst others...will post those soon. Maybe.
I was hoping to hear George Gregan and Stephen Larkham speak but alas, they did not and it was over all too soon...forme the public.
After the Public Farewell, there was a Private Farewell, no this is not 'code' for a one on one session...Sheesh. Come on people.
The Wallabies headed back in to the Town Hall for an invitation only luncheon. Obviously my invitation got sent to the wrong address.
Nevertheless, I was glad I was there in public form...and spirit.
By the way....where were you lot?
The Wallabies fly out to Portugal today (Thursday 23/08) for an intensive seven-day training camp before setting up base in Montpellier, France ahead of their opening clash against Japan on September 8.
*********************
PS. I did take pics of the entire squad but....
*********************
all images (except last one) © DuskDevi (Rucks and Rolls)
last image courtesy of Getty Images
Wallabies RWC Squad public farewell in Sydney (image © DuskDevi / www.rucksandrolls.com 2007)
I had a very packed day yesterday but there was no way in hell I was going to miss the Public Farewell for the players that play the game in heaven...nor this Demi God...
Stephen Larkham...oh and some other Wallabies...
- please feel free to click on image/s to see...detail...
The day dawned well then showed signs of that blizzard I talked about...but...the sun did what it does best and it didn't rain
A pretty good crowd of Gold Army fans turned up. Despite what the media would like us to believe...we, The Faithfuls, love our Wallabies...
fans at the Wallabies RWC Squad public farewell in Sydney (image © DuskDevi / rucksandrolls.com 2007)
Apologies for the less than good quality of these pics...Nooooo...I know what you're thinking but you're wrong, okay? Wrong. I was trembling because it was cold. It. Was. Cold.
...besides I deliberately shook this image when I took it so as to protect the privacy of the people concerned. My blog. My Story.
There was pomp, there was ceremony. Pomposity and cerebral malfunctions as well.
Channel 10's Tim Webster was MC and did a good job of asking useless questions in between plugging Channel 10's coverage of the Rugby World Cup.
Seriously. 10...out of 10 for Talking Head without an AutoCue. Did someone say dummy?
As for the pomposity? Well...ARU CEO, MD, DICK, John O'Neill was there.
O'Neill said;
blah blah blah Wallabies blah blah blah
I'm pretty sure I took a photo of him speaking but I must have just taken a photo of Stephen instead...
I was originally positioned on the left side, facing the steps, diagonally opposite...but felt like I was being watched...
As you can see from the 2nd and 3rd pics, I then moved to a less conspicuous position. Exactly opposite and in front.
_____________________________ _____
AND...he may have swapped the tracksuit for a black suit...but everyone's favourite reason to say sorry was there too....and he did give a lovely little speech.
Howard said;
blah blah blah Wallabies blah blah blah Wallabies...
John Howard at the Wallabies RWC Squad public farewell in Sydney (image © DuskDevi / rucksandrolls.com 2007)
Howard also said;
None of us who follow Rugby pretend that it's going to be easy but the great thing about Australian Rugby teams, indeed the great thing about all Australian teams is that no matter what challenges they face or what adversity they might encounter they never give up
Did someone say "federal election campaign"?
Captain Stirling Mortlock also spoke and I did hear what he said;
It's a very special occasion for the team and we are very proud to be representing our fans and the rest of the nation in one of the World's premier sporting events...
Fourteen of our players have played in past Rugby World Cups and I've got no doubt that experience will hold us in good stead in this World Cup.
"I know that the belief is in this team and hopefully we can bring back Bill
Fourteen of our players have played in past Rugby World Cups and I've got no doubt that experience will hold us in good stead in this World Cup.
"I know that the belief is in this team and hopefully we can bring back Bill
I actually took a video clip of Mortlock's speech. Amongst others...will post those soon. Maybe.
I was hoping to hear George Gregan and Stephen Larkham speak but alas, they did not and it was over all too soon...for
After the Public Farewell, there was a Private Farewell, no this is not 'code' for a one on one session...Sheesh. Come on people.
Wallabies RWC Squad private farewell luncheon in Sydney (image © Getty Images)
The Wallabies headed back in to the Town Hall for an invitation only luncheon. Obviously my invitation got sent to the wrong address.
Nevertheless, I was glad I was there in public form...and spirit.
By the way....where were you lot?
The Wallabies fly out to Portugal today (Thursday 23/08) for an intensive seven-day training camp before setting up base in Montpellier, France ahead of their opening clash against Japan on September 8.
*********************
PS. I did take pics of the entire squad but....
*********************
all images (except last one) © DuskDevi (Rucks and Rolls)
last image courtesy of Getty Images
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Comment by David
I can't beleive they weren't concentrating on Howard's speech.
Comment by Chic Critique
A shame that this wasn't code for something really....for you that is!
Love this post - filled with excitement and anticipation for the RWC.
You're so coooool!
Cheers
CC
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
You sense of humor and style always of the highest caliber.... (your taste in hot men notwithstanding!)
Mis
Loved the post!
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
So glad you had a great time.
Cara xxxx
Comment by Nina
TV Babble
I haven't been around for a while, so I thought I would pop by and say hello. I do like your pictures - its amazing how Larkham manages to be the focus of most of them, how does he do it?
I hope you are well Dusk.
Nina
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
And I think dear Stephen is looking at you as if you are a stalker.....Maybe he recognises you from that time you got busted perving through his bedroom window?
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I have to agree with Kleo. It does look as though Larkham is a little worried about you!
Fabulous post though. if I was in Sydney, I'd have gone
Kylie
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Perves?? At who??????
...and wait 'til you read what happened inside the Town Hall...
(last photo)...as they were being introduced, the Wallabies were supposed to shake the PM's hand then move to their pre-assigned position...
Guess who didn't shake his hand?
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Well...it was remorse code...!
Seriously now...I'm just being silly...a symptomatic result of being a Larkham 'admirer' for...hmmm...12 years now...have had a few private moments with the Man...my beautiful husband was there for one...and if you think this is all getting kinky now...it's not!
Pure non-adulterated pleasure!
...ohhhh Chic...I'm more nutty than cool...but I was cool yesterday.
Hence the camera shake...
Big mwah gorgeous.
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
I really only have this to say to you...
Good to see you hon...I'm sorry I haven't visited your way...just a bit snowed under at the moment...God I envy your ability to get the things you do done within a 24/7 period....amazing.
hugs Mis...
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Hon?...I had really good incentive to feel warm...
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
I'm itching to get over to your new post!...well not literally but you know what I mean...
What can I say?
The Man is good....
See you at your place soon my pretty TV Babble-ina...
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Johnny really needs no help in making people laugh... he's an excellent comedian. He just doesn't know it...
Oh My God. How do you know about that???
Kidding. Truly I am!
...seriously now...although I have interviewed him, I would never expect to get recognised, with the amount of press they have to do plus I was just a face in the crowd...
...but if he did recognise me...fine BUT....I kind of got...hmmm...scared that my little
Larkham shrineRugby blog may be knownIf you google his name...my
eulogiesposts are always hovering on the first/second page!...plus some English & Japanese Rugby sites link to me and other sites reference R&R...so...the Rugby media world can become seriously small...When I interviewed him...I was very different to what I'm like here when I
drool overtalk about him...I'm all Professional Journalist-Don't-Mss-With-Me in real life.
Not the slobbering mess I am here....!
big hug Queen Kleo...
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
....oh man...he does know this
shrinesite exists...There goes my credibility. What was left of it!
Good to see you hon...
Dusk
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
hhhhmmmm you two got something going' on huh?! I like their suits... they look rather suave don`t they?
Hope you are well .
hhuuggss
Ash
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Yeah...we've got something going on...him stalk...me stalker...!
Hmmm...that sounds...kind of...pornographic!
And yes...they did all look very very suave...believe it or not, I did notice the others!
You let a cyclone stop you???
hugs right back atch hon...
Dusk
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
Very nice.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I just googled Stevie's name and there you were, that's brilliant.
Now my new ambition in life to be on the first google page of The Cure and then maybe one day Robert Smith will recognise me. If he doesn't, I will settle for Dave Gahan from Depeche Mode. Quite happily.....
There's something about your site that seems to evoke my normally sane feelings about these men into a gurgling mass of desperate delusional lust that must be satisfied. Where's Johnny Depp?!!!
I'm off to find one of them,
See you
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Nice comment.
Draw deep my friend...
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Well...I have been writing Rugby related articles since high school...almost 23 years ago...and professionally for 10...plus I did interview Larkham way before I started blogging and if you think this is bad...you haven't heard me talk about my Husband.
Remember, I have always maintained that Larkham is The Penultimate Man...
...ahh...c'est passion pour l'amour et la vie...et les beaux hommes...
Dream well T...
Dusk
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I don't know where I got that sentence from but I know I was tired, ah well.
Have a good day,
Tracy
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
No worries friend! So glad to see you 'round!
Mis
BTW
getting things done..... easier with adult children and an empty nest. Could not get so much done with children underfoot!
Comment by David
Comment by Optomistic Opportunism
Bohemian Hiphop
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
How's the working holidays treating ya?
I have a simple question: why the synchronicity of your posts with a time that is exactly on the hour?
I'd treat it like a trend and join in but I'm not too sure I have the patience...as majestic as the hydro is, the fresh air is too tempting to stay inside.
Write on Cap'n Devi,
Opto