It will go down as one of the most famous results in any Rugby World Cup Brave Blossoms beat the 'Box
This is one of the most incredible moments in the history of rugby Japan:.. With your discipline and hard work you have achieved a dream. #Highlanders #MongolianFans, take their hats off to you today The guts, the Skills the Belief to Finish. Determination, teamwork, heart, passion.where are the words.. Go #Brave Blossoms!! Go Japan Congratulations!
On a scale of one to 10 in sporting upsets, the Brave Blossoms' victory over the Springboks is a comfortable 11. Jones has achieved the impossible, the World Cup win at Brighton assuring him of a place in sports history. More
Brave Blossoms Beat The Springbox Go you Beauties. Go Nippon
Richie McCaw 's take on the matter. This is no jaunt
#Richie McCaw #AllBlack Captain leading the way at Tower Bridge
"As a player you don't want to talk too much about the World Cup until you actually get the ticket. I know the excitement has been building but to actually get on the plane a day ago now it's what it's all about," he said. "Watching highlights of previously tournaments there heightens anticipation and expectations. It's awesome to finally be here and we're looking forward to getting started."
"The pleasantries won't last long. This is no jaunt."
Fans at The Tower of London
The Tower of London, situated in the central city on the north bank of the River Thames, played host to their official arrival.
The historic and beautiful castle, the former royal residence once home to oppression and execution and now the crown jewels, emphasised the scale and significance the eighth World Cup promises to bring throughout the next seven weeks.
Dan Carter, left, and Beauden Barrett, right, stroll through the grounds of the Tower of London following the All Blacks' official Rugby World Cup welcome in the English capital on Friday (Saturday NZ time).
Rookie wing #Waisake Naholo snapped pictures of guards and marvelled at the venue's grandeur as the team walked to have their photo taken. He wasn't alone in soaking up the occasion.
Official World Cup caps and participation medals for all 31 players weren't the only gifts, either. One week out from the tournament opener, #Richie McCaw, and his men also received a small sample of the hype and hysteria that will track their every move.
Half a day on the ground and their popularity is already clear. Even London Mayor Alan Yarrow said in his address they were icons of the sport.
Steve Hansen makes a statement
"We'll do a little bit for England, too, because I know they're just staying here in London," #Hansen said in reference to the #All Blacks, playing pool matches in London, Newcastle and Cardiff. "Those of you who are worried about that, we'll look after them."
"World Cups are special events, the pinnacle for a rugby player no matter which country they come from. It's about winning on one hand and on the other connecting with the country that you're in and making it special."
"We know we're guaranteed to be here for four weeks. We're hoping it's a little longer than that but we'll wait and see if we're good enough to do that."
Waisake Naholo Highlander All Black in the running
#MongolianHighlandersFans previosly blogged about #WaisakeNaholo attitude and how it contributed to him becoming an #AllBlack (see here). Now the same positive attitude could reap benefits again as he seems likely to get the nod to join the world cups squad.
"All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is understood to be leaning towards the shock inclusion of Highlanders wing sensation Waisake Naholo in his World Cup squad of 31 to be announced on Sunday.
Naholo suffered a fine fracture to his fibula during a promising test debut for the All Blacks against Argentina in Christchurch in July.
At the time the injury was given a three-month recovery timetable and Naholo was presumed to be unavailable for selection for the World Cup squad.
But the situation has changed dramatically in recent weeks with the 24-year-old, who scored a record-breaking 13 tries for the Highlanders in 2015, said to have made significant progress on the back of "alternative" treatment undertaken in his homeland of Fiji." more...
One of his #AllBlack team mates will obviously miss out if #WaisakeNaholo gets that call and we can feel for that fellow. Yet, when it comes down to close calls Steve Hansen could well be wanting to blood players into world cup experience with an eye on #JapanRugbyWorldCup2019.
#JusttheTicketHighlandersMongolianFanClub are just rapt with the new Air New Zealand saftey video made inconjuction with the #AllBlacks featuring a number of the team.
“We’re used to seeing them demolish all before them on the rugby pitch but this new video shows the All Blacks as you’ve never seen them before!
The brilliant promotional film, released overnight by New Zealand’s chief sponsors #AirNewZealand, features #AllBlacks stars such as #DanCarter and #RichieMcCaw taking on the roles of characters from the hit movie franchise Men In Black.
The big budget flight safety video, entitled ‘Men in Black Safety Defenders’ is set to #WillSmith’s iconic tune that accompanied the hit films and sees the likes of #MartinJohnson and #DavidCampese making cameos alongside Frank the pug and Agent Zed from the big screen hit”.
It has been watched by more than 220,000 people in less than 24 hours and has received rave reviews. It’s certainly a far cry from the normally mundane aeroplane safety videos passengers are required to sit through before every flight.
Coach #SteveHansen, rapping full-back #IsraelDagg, #KieranRead, #SamWhitelock and #KevinMealamu are other top All Black players to star in the internet hit alongside New Zealand recording artist #StanWalker.”
#IsraelDagg played a leading rap role. We are wondering if this little bit of off the field action has of late been effecting his on field play?
McCaw's fiercest rivals and good mates praise record breaking occasion
Richie McCaw "From boy to icon "
Mike Thorpe looks at the story of the All Blacks captain ahead of his world record breaking 142 test cap. Source: Seven Sharp
His 142nd Test match for the All Blacks will see him pass Irishman Brian O'Driscoll's record for the most caps by an international player. As he prepares for the historic match against Australia, his fiercest rivals and mates have sent him messages of support and recall his career, which dates back to his debut in 2001. "I can still remember seeing you play for the first time in 2001 at the under-21 World Cup in Australia, and already then I thought you were showed all the talent and attributes to be a world class player," Springboks captain Jean De Villiers said.
"I'm so proud of you to be the most capped rugby player in the history of the game" - George Gregan
So are the Mongolian Highlanders Fans. It's not only what Richie McCaw does on the field, but off it. He is such an achiever in so many fields. His passion for gliding, flying, as well as his business interests but not forgetting his fans from all over; local, provincial national and international, he has always had time to give.
We are looking forward to the big match, the return Bledisloe Cup winner takes all. It's going to be all on the at Eden Park tonight. Go the #AllBlacks.
Is All Blacks Carter still the man? Thats the discussion going on, right?
Mongolian Highlanders Fan
"Dan Carter may not have performed to his decorated best against Australia on Saturday, but one bad game should not define his otherwise permanent class as the world’s best out-half.
Despite scoring three out of three penalties, his sole misfortunes were two missed conversions and poor kicking from hand.
Carter’s supposed downfall is hyped, and no doubt when the Rugby World Cup rolls into London in September, his experience and skillset will be central to the All Blacks’ ambitions of a third world title."
Just to reinforce the point.
THE BREAKDOWN: The Brilliance of Dan Carter | SKY TV
Your take on it?
All Blacks Carter still the man The Mongolian Highlanders Fans take on it is, you couldn't have asked for a better build up to the Rugby World Cup. This situation is a couch's dream run. The "semis" (Rugby Championship title) last week and now the second leg, the "final", the battle for the Bledisloe Cup.
Is this the time to drop some youngsters into the white hot (no pun intended) environment. What better dress rehersal could you enjender. Yes, the Bledisloe Cup is the ALL BLACKS Cup and they proundly don't want to hand it to the Australians but as we all know, the chips could be down in London come World Cup time and this gift of possible experience could be just what the doctor ordered.
The marauding Mongolian Highlanders Fans reckon All Blacks Carter is still the man but test the future All Blacks, it will put them in good stead.
What is your take? You can make a comment here and also join the discussion.. go to..
Should Sopoaga/Smith lead All Black resolve at Eden Park. Lima Sopoaga triumped at Ellis Park.The Highlander combination has proven form. Go the ALL BLACKS
It’s the most famous line from the 1989 film "Field of Dreams" A film about an unbelievable vision, which, inspite of sceptics, was persued to the end.
The Highlanders Mongolian Fan Club, believers all along, have enjoyed their team's roller coaster ride. So this to post is for the record and visitor info.
Build the Brand
The Insignia
"The Highlanders insignia represents a strong and proud warrior battling on the craggy highlands of Scotland. He stands with his arms raised in defiance, in a rampant stance, proud and strong, ready for any challenge that should come his way. In one hand he brandishes a claymore; in the other hand a shield - attack and defence in perfect balance. Modern-day Highlanders play their rugby the same way - ferocious in attack, tenacious in defence. The colours of the emblem and jersey have direct links to the three provinces that make up the Highlanders franchise: gold for North Otago; blue for Otago; maroon for Southland."
Build the experience
"The Highlanders finished the inaugural season eighth, and the following season finished last after winning only three of eleven matches. However in the 1998, 1999 and 2000 seasons they qualified for semi-finals; hosting the 1999 competition final against fellow South Island team the Crusaders. They lost the match 24–19, and the following year were again knocked out by the Crusaders—this time in their semi-final. In the following fifteen seasons they would only finish in the top four once more, in 2002."
Build a new Home
Their main ground through to the 2011 Super Rugby season was Carisbrook in Dunedin with home games occasionally being played in Invercargill and Queenstown.
Born out of contraversy with naysayers and visionaries battling it out, the "House of Pain" with it's famous scarfees standing embankment and all, where so many memorable games had been won and lost was replaced.
Build a Stadium: Dunedin's Forsyth Stadium
The full time lapse construction video of Dunedin's new Forsyth Barr Stadium up to December 2010.
Farewelling Carisbrook.
Highlanders fan and his popular 1999 video
"When David Fahey took out his camcorder in 1999 and filmed the Highlanders crowd singing, never could he imagine 16 years later it would be an internet hit.
As far as Highlanders fans go they don't come more passionate than Invercargill-based Fahey.
He has supported the team since day one in 1996, and was there in 1999 when they played in their first and only Super Rugby final at a sold-out Carisbrook."
The Highlanders song is belted out at the old Carisbrook ground in 1999.
"When the Highlanders reached the semifinal Fahey decided to dust off the old cassette and send it to the Highlanders team in Sydney to provide some inspiration."
Build a name: "The Glasshouse"
Build belief in "The Glasshouse"
Build Champions
" The Highlanders continually flew under the radar
and no-one seemed to want to give them any credit or back them to go all the way.
Even in the build up to the final most of the focus was on the Hurricanes, understandable given they qualified top and had home advantage.
What the Highlanders showed is that you don't necessarily have to have a team stacked full of star players to succeed in this competition.
They have the fewest number of All Blacks out of the five New Zealand franchises but they clearly have a great culture in Dunedin and the team play for each other as a result.
They are worthy Super Rugby Champions ..."
Build Joy
Build Reward
New Zealand: Controversial stadium to return profit
29.06.2015 17:15 source: nzherald.co.nz
Instead of technological breakthrough, it brought criticism over construction and maintenance cost. Now Forsyth Barr Stadium is about to start generating profit, although not without a price… The 2015/16 season should bring a profit of $395,000 (US$270,000) to Forsyth Barr Stadium, the world’s first one to have a natural field and fixed roof over it. Read on
Build repect and belonging within the Community
Highlanders have a field day
"If you build it they will come". It’s the most famous line from the 1989 film Field of Dreams and it’s also what inspired a farmer to turn his paddock into a rugby field for the Highlanders.
On 11th February 2016, as part of the Southern Field Days biennial event in Waimumu, the Highlanders will run out against an opposing team onto Farmlands shareholder Fred Booth’s paddock. The preseason match will be another attraction at an event that already draws in around 38,500 people over 3 days.
When the Southern Field Days committee were first approached with the concept of a rugby match, their initial response was that it might be more than they could handle, “but the Southern Field Days can-do attitude kicked in, plans were sorted and a rugby field has now appeared out of Fred’s paddock,” Southern Field Days Chairman Logan Evans says. “We welcome the Highlanders to the Southern Field Days site.” Read on..
TravelersRest
TravelersRest; We Mongolian Highlanders Fans think the Highlanders path epitomises our pholosophy “If you build it, they will come.”
Mongolian wrestlers compete at a traditional wrestling competition.
Will All Blacks Jeome Kaino, Kieran Read and Richie McCaw be in for some traditional forward wrestling at the ANZ stadium?
“The Wallabies will deploy Michael Hooper and David Pocock against the All Blacks on Saturday with both named in a shake up to the starting side…
Coach Michael Cheika has found room for both of his star flankers, with Pocock to play at number eight and Hooper at the openside. Cheika believes was inevitable given their irrepressible form.
"I think they forced my hand, really. The both they both played in game one or game two, either as a starter or off the bench, I think they forced my hand into seeing if this can work. I believe it can. The way we've set up our team accordingly will go to supporting that,"
It is a pairing Wallabies fans have been craving but hasn't been without its flow-on effects, with Cheika tailoring other aspects of the squad to help accommodate the alterations.
Cheika said he had no concerns playing both opensides would leave his side short of size and running options. He backed both Pocock and Hooper to take on the All Blacks line with vigour, while Horwill will be expected to do his share of grunt work as well as take a leading role in the line-out.
So what’s Steve Hansen’s take on it?
For every strength the pairing brings to the Wallabies, the All Blacks will find a weakness. Given the way his side was set upon by the Springboks back row in South Africa, Steve Hansen was hardly surprised with the selection news.
"Whilst that gives [the Wallabies] strength in some areas it probably weakens them in others. So we've just got to make sure we take advantage of those weaknesses and make sure that we don't allow them to have a field day at the breakdown," Hansen said.”
The Highlanders Mongolian Fan Club back Hansen all the way. The All Blacks will certainly have to wrestle with the Wallabies come Saturday but he’ll have the big picture nutted out.
"Go the All Blacks."
ps The wrestling was during the Naadam Festival in Ulan Bator, Mongolia Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Mongolians celebrate the anniversary of Genghis Khan's march to world conquest on July 11 with the annual sports festival featuring traditional Mongolian events including wrestling, archery, and horse racing. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
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Should Sopoaga/Smith lead All Black resolve at Eden Park. 
"The Highlanders insignia represents a strong and proud warrior battling on the craggy highlands of Scotland. He stands with his arms raised in defiance, in a rampant stance, proud and strong, ready for any challenge that should come his way. In one hand he brandishes a claymore; in the other hand a shield - attack and defence in perfect balance. Modern-day Highlanders play their rugby the same way - ferocious in attack, tenacious in defence. The colours of the emblem and jersey have direct links to the three provinces that make up the Highlanders franchise: gold for North Otago; blue for Otago; maroon for Southland."
