The New Zealand national rugby team is visiting Herzogenaurach. There, the All Blacks – known for their black clothing and the notorious Haka dance – are preparing for the World Cup.
Important visitors in Herzogenaurach: Rugby record world champion New Zealand is visiting Middle Franconia and is getting in shape for the World Cup in France at the beginning of September.
The New Zealanders are better known by their nickname “All Blacks”, due to the black clothing worn by the players. The New Zealanders are regarded as the best rugby team in the world and are regularly favorites for the World Cup title. They have been successful at a World Cup three times so far.
All Blacks want to get Franconia excited about rugby
The New Zealanders are preparing for their fourth title in Herzogenaurach. The All Blacks captain is delighted with the training ground. “The terrain here is great, the facilities are great, the course is in great condition. The gym is great with many opportunities to regenerate. I think we can work well here in the next few days,” enthuses Sam Cane.
Rugby is in New Zealand what football is here: the national sport par excellence. And even though rugby is relatively unknown in Germany, captain Sam Cane is hoping for one or two Franconian fans. “Maybe we can teach them a little bit about the sport. But in a football-crazy country like Germany, it takes a little more to, for to inspire rugby.” There are currently 137 rugby clubs in Germany. The German rugby championship is played by 16 clubs in the Bundesliga. The association in Bavaria has around 2,600 members in 36 clubs.
The hallmark of the All Blacks is the Haka
They have not yet presented their trademark to the fans. Before each of their games, the All Blacks perform a haka – a native Maori dance meant to show pride, strength and unity of a tribe. The All Blacks in Herzogenaurach will be working on their form for the World Cup until Thursday. And then at the latest the fans can look forward to the infamous Haka again.
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Source: BR24 08/28/2023 – 6:30 p.m
