Mt. Terror vs. Scott Base Rugby

One of the highlights of a summer on the Ice is the annual game of rugby played between Scott Base (New Zealand) and McMurdo (USA). As expected, New Zealand has the advantage in these games since most of their participants have been playing since they were young. In contrast, the American team is generally formed in October by volunteers who have to essentially learn it all every year.

Penalty throw in technique

Last year, a good friend of mine played for the Mt. Terror Rugby Club (the intimidating name bestowed upon the McMurdo team). During the course of the game, he dislocated his shoulder. Despite the American inexperience with the game, they do go all out during play.

Pre-game national anthems and handshakes

On January 11, 2010 the game was played out on the rugby pitch -- a patch of groomed snow with crossbars out on the permanent ice with Mt. Erebus as a backdrop. It was a well-fought match, and in the end Scott Base prevailed with a score 23-nil.

It might also be worth it to mention that in the 26 years that the competition has been going on, Mt. Terror (USA) has never scored even a single point.

Maybe next year!