Grass Roots

With less than 24 hours until the first whistle is blown, it's fair to say that Rugby World Cup fever is starting to spread throughout the country,

I'm not one to be grabbed by the hype before it all starts, but I must say I'm looking forward to watching some damn fine rugby. And whilst my english family will disown me, I'll be shouting on my adopted All Blacks with gusto.

So as I passed through Ashburton today it only seemed fitting to stop and take a shot of the empty pitches at Tinwald Rugby Club. It's places like this, home to the grass roots of the game, where the real beating heart of New Zealand rugby lies.

Go the AB's (but good luck England too..)