Nude rugby, blind referee, naked aggression
Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:43a.m.
The Nude Blacks kick off at 12:30pm today... beforehand they are getting in a bit of dutch courage
By James Murray
It’s going to be a curious affair – seven naked Kiwis take on seven clothed Fijians at seven-a-side rugby, presided over by a blind German referee.
The Nude Blacks take on a Fijian Invitational team at Logan Park. Kick off is at 12:30pm and the game is part of the festivities leading up to the All Blacks vs Fiji match tonight.
It’s billed as the very last test match at Carisbrook and according to organiser Ralph Davies will be “celebrating what makes Dunedin unique”.
The Fijian team would remain clothed as a mark of respect for their culture.
The Nude Blacks will go international this year as a German television company has sent a freelance television reporter from Melbourne to film the match.
Blind referee Julie Woods first refereed the naked game in 2004 and is now back at the request of former All Black captain Colin Meads.
Ms Woods will be given a guided tour of Logan Park before she referees the game.
People on the sideline will give her hints as to when to blow her whistle and she has yellow, pink and red cards that she can identify using Braille.
Carded players will owe Ms Woods a bottle of chardonnay.
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