Haka and a Farewell

I had the opportunity to go to Headingley to see Leeds Rhinos play the New Zealand All Blacks (Rugby League version) in an International warm up match. It was a very special night as it was being used a celebration of Leeds completing a historic treble of winning the Challenge Cup, League Leaders Shield and the Grand Final, and a farewell to three of the clubs legends who were retiring from the sport. Kylie Leuluai (the clubs most successful foreign player), Jamie Peakcock and captain Kevin Sinfield were all retiring, and they were also joined by former Leeds legend Adrian Morley who was playing his final game by turning out in Blue and Amber for a final time.

The All Blacks were here to play a warm up before taking on England in a three match Test series. In front a of a capacity crowd of 20100 there was a crackling atmosphere pre-match which was silenced when the All Blacks performed the Haka, what a spectacle. 

The match was hard fought and Leeds held their own until the last 10 minutes when the All Blacks just pulled away with a couple of late tries running out 34-16 winners.