On Saturday night we went to watch the Bulls take on the Reds at Suncorp stadium.

Having just purchased a new Canon SLR camera earlier in the day, we were keen to try it out.
I noticed the ticketing website specified no cameras or recording equipment. I understand they have official photographers, TV people etc but have things gotten to the stage where they can specify when you can take your own photos of a public event?

After ringing the stadium, I had to provide a website with pictures of the lenses we intended using as you can’t have a high powered zoom lens.
After checking with officials and being called back, I was given the all clear.
At the ground the security officials had no idea anyway and let me in no problem.

Bulls v Reds - Zane Kirchner in open play

We had crappy seats! 2 Rows up from the corner of the field. The ticketing official didn’t allow me any choice (but the guy next to me was allowed to choose), not sure if it had anything to do with the Bulls shirt I had on!

Bulls v Reds - Bulls regroup

Bulls v Reds - Preparing to scrum

In any case there were spare seats around the ground, and they don’t open the top layers of the stadium either. I guess because it requires more security and cost? It still seems stupid to me. They are better vantage points to watch the game from. You wouldn’t go to Loftus and find half the stadium can’t be accessed. (But this is Australia!)

Our camera was awesome. We took some really nice photos, although it’s hard getting used to a view finder again!

Bulls v Reds - Morne Steyn place kick 1

Bulls v Reds - Morne Steyn place kick 2

Bulls v Reds - Morne Steyn place kick 3

The game was disappointing for us. The Bulls I thought were very unlucky with the refereeing which killed our momentum. In saying that the Reds played well and had a well devised game plan (not all of which I thought was legal).

It’s very annoying watching a game amongst Australians, especially when your side loses! The comments and the Aussie twang and arrogance gives one a headache!

The keep playing this annoying song/chant “We are Red.” I guess they are Australians after all so they have to keep being reminded which side is theirs!

Bulls v Reds - Bulls wait for kick

Bulls v Reds - Bulls attacking

What really made my blood boil however was after the game when the captains were being interviewed. When Victor Matfield was talking they played music over the stadium loudspeakers making it impossible to hear what he was saying. This all stopped when it was Reds captain Will Genia. Whether it was deliberate or not who knows, but this is the sort of treatment that happens far to often in Australia.

Nothing would please me more than a return match in the playoffs in South Africa. We owe them one!

Bulls v Reds - Victor Matfield not impressed