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Thousands flock to sevens parade
By MICHAEL FOX - Stuff.co.nz Last updated 14:17 04/02/2010
Thousands of Wellington residents and rugby fans turned out in the central city to show this year's crop of NZI Sevens players what to expect this weekend.
The parade, featuring the tournament's 16 teams, kicked off at 12.45pm and was led by Wellington samba band Batucada and the Argentinian sevens team.
Fans clapped and cheered as players passed through the central city streets with the teams arriving to a packed-out Civic Square. Each team captain was called to the stage where they addressed the excited crowd, which saved its biggest cheer for the home team.
New Zealand captain DJ Forbes told fans the Kiwi players loved playing at home. "The home crowd, you guys, getting behind us is definitely special for us." He said after last year's last minute loss the team was looking to win.
NZ coach Gordon Tietjens said the team would give it everything. "I know you guys out there expect big things from New Zealand… We'll certainly give it our best."
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast also welcomed the crowd - and the weather. "If the weather forecasts are correct we might even be able to give you something we haven't had since November - a whole weekend without rain."
During the parade a few of the 16 teams added their own flavour with the Scottish team escorted by a pipe band while the South Africans were accompanied by drummers. The Fijian team was flanked by warriors in traditional costume.
Wellingtonians took advantage of the lunchtime sunshine, soaking-up the atmosphere and lining the parade route. Office workers leaned out of windows and clambered onto balconies to the view the action, kicking off the capital's biggest party weekend.
Colourful characters in the parade included a singing Austin Powers and a two piece band doing covers of Kiwi anthems. One lucky fan forced her way onto the Argentinean float, scoring photos with the team and a kiss from one of the players.
The parade also featured cheerleaders and a vintage car carrying ex-All Black Glen Osborne, who wielded the trophy the teams will be competing for.
Spectator Peter Lewis, 23, came outside when he heard the parade commotion. "I didn't actually realise there'd be this much of turnout for it. It's not bad. I just came down for a bit of lunch, heard the music and followed it."
He could not get tickets for the tournament, but hoped one of the underdog teams would win.
But fellow parade-goer Angelique Hanson wasn't as impressed. "It's not as good as last year's, I'd say. There's not so much free stuff being thrown around."
She planned to go to the sevens, but was not sure what she would dress-up as.
Police are reminding fans to behave at this year's event, saying those who become too drunk and rowdy this weekend risk being tossed out of the Westpac Stadium.
Organisers have also warned costume designers to avoid fluoro yellow - lest they be mistaken for security staff.
Ad Feedback Some 35,000 are expected to fill Wellington tomorrow and Saturday. Inspector Simon Perry, police operations commander for the sevens, said the message was for people to enjoy themselves without spoiling the atmosphere for others.
"We want people to have fun, but alcohol-fuelled disorder and poor behaviour will be dealt with swiftly.
"By no means are we trying to ruin anyone's enjoyment, but the simple fact is that intoxication can lead to violence and victimisation. Remember to have food and water regularly if you are drinking."
Mr Perry said costumes would also be vetted with last year's ban on anything resembling a weapon (including plastic guns and swords) still in force.
"We're not the fashion police and realise that outfits are a big part of the fun, but anything that looks like a weapon or is dangerous could be mistaken for the real thing and should be left at home."
NZI Sevens general manager Steve Walters said the tournament generally ran smoothly.
He said pitch invaders would not be tolerated and could expect a long-term eviction from the stadium.
Extra police have been drafted to Wellington for the tournament and will also be called on to monitor Waitangi Day events around the city.
Last year saw 26 arrests at the stadium and 133 evictions.
* Stuff will carry full coverage of the NZI Sevens tournament tomorrow, including a live blog, photo galleries - both on and off the field - and match day results.
- with NZPA
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