With Martin Snedden's book release recently it reminded me of a story from last year's Rugby World Cup that I heard from my cousin's husband.
My cousin had been living in Queensland with her Ozzie husband and 2 wee ocker boys. They travelled to Wellington for the RWC with tickets to NZ vs Canada and the first quarter final. They had looked at the draw and figured that would be Australia vs 2nd place from Pool D, not expecting the Irish to upset Australia in pool play.
They attended the NZ game, my cousin wearing black and her husband and 2 boys in Australian jerseys, my cousin has previously had breast cancer which had returned, with her health being poor she was in a wheel chair. Upon arrival at the ground they were met by someone from RWC who showed them to their seats, that day they cheered the AB's to an emphatic victory. When they returned for the quarter final a week later (Ireland vs Wales) they were met by the same RWC person who took them to their seats, when they got there the man said "enjoy the game and this is for you" and left. They opened the envelope and inside much to their delight were 4 tickets to the Australia vs South Africa quarter final the next day. They went along and witnessed one of the games of the tournament a victory to Australia.
I'm not sure who in the RWC organisation sorted out the tickets for them but it was a very generous gesture from someone in a position of power. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.
My cousin passed away on boxing day at 46 years old.