On Saturday I went along to my very first Steamers game and in fact after 27 years of living here in the Bay probably my very first rugby game.
I wanted to witness first hand what it was like to be part of the fans of rugby.

The All Blacks are in a league all of their own and a dynamic team but what was it about the Steamers that not only got the 'Fan in the Stand,” but also others, up in arms about vuvuzelas that people were prepared to abandon their support, if they were blown.
Arriving I saw Hori BOP with those 'dreaded” instrument around his middle, from his head, in fact he had plenty available but no buyers?
I stayed, I watched and I waited. I waited for the singing, the cheering, spontaneous Haka even, nothing just silence with an occasional blast from the loud speaker ('Come on the Bay”)
Now I could understand the Welsh getting upset if the vuvuzelas drowned out their singing but surely the atmosphere would have been more electrifying if the kids at least were allowed to add just a little energy to the supporters.
I rest my case, as I stated in an earlier letter, I was at the Football World cup and the whole atmosphere was absolutely fantastic, energy filled and full of joy.
Eddie Edge

(Ex All White Assistant Coach and Mount Maunganui Football Coach from the 80s)
PS If you are worried about your hearing there are always ear plugs and then you really could watch in silence.