Nuku'alofa turns red today [1]
Friday, September 28, 2007 - 20:15. Updated on Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 16:12.
Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa was engulfed with a Rugby World Cup fever today, as hundreds of people in red filled the central business district, in an all-red day in support of the Firepower 'Ikale Tahi.
About 7:00 am this morning the traffic along the main road into town, Hala Taufa'ahau was moving at a walking speed as vehicles with passengers in red waved red cloth and Tongan flags, with loud music, screaming, laughing, whistling and dancing.
The situation was described as being 'Crazy', as hundreds poured into town on foot and in their vehicles holding 'Ikale Tahi banners.
Some people even went to the extreme of spray painting themselves and their vehicles in the red and white colour of the 'Ikale Tahi.
Local FM radio stations did special live request programs for rugby fans, and the airwaves were dominated by Tongan songs of the national rugby team.
It was an unprecedented behaviour for Tonga, where the public really want to show their support for the 'Ikale Tahi.
Some of the people who were on the road today said that they were very proud of the 'Ikale Tahi and they were certain that the 'Ikale Tahi will beat the world champion England tomorrow morning, in a match that kicks off at 8 am Tongan time.
If the crowd went crazy today, we can only guess what will it be like if the 'Ikale Tahi beats England tomorrow.