Anna Turner: No longer the rugby grinch | Canterbury Opinion | Local Voices from Canterbury, New Zealand

Okay, I'll admit it. Before the Rugby World Cup started I was one of those terrible New Zealanders who couldn't stand hearing about it.

The mere sight of the ticker counting down days until the cup began was enough to send me into a spin, crying: ``Why do the media presume all New Zealanders are rugby mad buffoons? I couldn't care less about the stupid cup.''

I was, to put it simply, what my sport-loving other half would describe as a rugby grinch.

So, when my friends dragged me out to watch the opening match of Tonga vs All Blacks, I sat down with a wine and a heavy sense of resignation to watch it.

But then something strange happened. I found I was actually enjoying it. I went home and watched three other games that weekend. And it wasn't just the hunky men keeping me interested - although, Welsh kicker James Hook is an absolute dream.

An email was doing the rounds shortly before the cup started, outlining the `rules' for girlfriends during games. I can't remember exactly how they went but they were along the lines of : Rule # 1, no talking; rule #2, keep the refreshments coming; rule #3, no asking stupid questions; rule #4, no talking.

I'm afraid to say I have broken nearly every rule on the list, especially asking stupid questions. For example, who would've thought that the backs scored the tries? I always thought they were the heavy men at the back who stood around while the forwards ran forward to score the tries. Whoops. Luckily, I have a rather patient boyfriend who is willing to answer all questions as long as I follow rule #2 closely.

But I'm pleased to say that since that first weekend of games, I've gone from strength to strength. It's been the lesser known teams that have been particularly capturing my interest, as I've always been a sucker for the underdog. (As a kid I used to get really upset when I saw a restaurant with no one at it. I used to try and force my family to go there, even when they pointed out it was probably empty because the food was horrid.)

I found myself gutted when England beat Scotland in the last moments of the match and I was elated when Tonga beat France and Ireland put it to the Aussies.

It's a revelation. If people as cynical as myself can actually find themselves feeling emotion over a rugby game, then maybe there is a bit of RWC magic in the air after all.

And Mr Hook, if you're an avid Star reader and happen to be ready to leave your lingerie model wife, you know where I am.