British Lions Incentive - Match Day
Well the big day has come at last for Luke our lucky affiliate winner and the Maximuscle team, the 1st test at the ABSA stadium in Durban between the Springboks and the Lions. The team has been announced with no huge surprises but will be interesting to see how the scrums and kicking game compare.
A quick morning swim was followed by breakfast in the hotel and we caught some of the NZ vs France game to wet the appetite before the big match. We all met at 11.30am all in the red and white Lions shirts we had got for Luke and our guests and made our way to the stadium. Unfortunately one of our ‘pack’ was given some ropey directions and it was only when we crossed over 6 lanes of traffic did we realise we were in between motorways but managed to frantically flag down a helpful taxi to take us all to the game!
We drove past the new Moses Mabhida stadium, still being built in time for the 2010 World Cup. If initial impressions are anything to go by it will be absolutely spectacular! It is a stones throw from the ABSA stadium and home to the Natal Sharks, and at this point Luke and I saw the sheer numbers of red and green jerseys making their way in.
The hospitality tent was a brand new facility that we made our way to, and were immediately greeted by champagne and cold beers with canapes on our table. Willie John McBride a Lions legend made a stirring speech to increase the feeling of anticipation as we enjoyed a three course dinner before kick off.
As we made our way to the ground I had never seen so many supporters swell into the stadium, all chanting and singing and in great spirits. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing with Lions and Springboks sitting amongst each other and sharing beer and friendly banter all the way. The game proved to be a classic, if only Ugo Monye managed to convert those chances but the way they came back was very heartening for the next game and showed our products are keeping them fit and strong!
After the game we went back to enjoy some more hot food in the hospitality tent and some photos with former rugby stars. At the same time the entire crowd spills out into the surrounding fields and car parks to enjoy Braai BBQs, food served in hospitality huts and out of the back of people’s cars. It was an atmosphere I would struggle to see anywhere back home with a live band and music, impromptu games of rugby, fans singing away and both sets of fans drinking and enjoying themselves! At one point we couldn’t believe it when one loopy away fan climbed up the goalposts and saluted the crowd, completely naked! Him struggling to slide back down was one of the funniest things I had ever seen!
Finally as numbers were dying down very late in the evening we followed some well oiled supporters back to Joe Cool’s again to drown our sorrows after the defeat. It didn’t dampen anything though and with the place rammed with Lions and Bok supporters again all drinking and dancing it was absolutely brilliant. I think the highlights were Luke dancing with a guy in a Lions nylon all in one outfit gimpsuit, so all in one his head was completely covered plus James turning up with a beautiful union jack coat!
We partied till the early hours to round off one of the best days and weekends we ever had before reluctantly heading home when all the bars in the club ran out of beer and spirits!
All in all a brilliant time - any suggestions for the next sporting incentive, day at the Ashes maybe ? Please let me know what you would suggest at smusk@maximuscle.com
