Ok, so its Sunday, but I was sick yesterday, and starting now and next Saturday we are going to have a regular sporting feature on Red Alert. It might, or might not, surprise you that there are many dedicated sport fans in the Labour Caucus, and considerable provincial rivlary too. We will see what comes up, and while this remains a political blog, we all need a diversion from time to time right?
Just to prove the point above, Clare Curran has beaten me to it in terms of congratulating Ben Smith the absolute bolter in the All Black squad for their northern hemisphere tour. Smith and Bay of Plenty first five Mike Delany are two who most pundits did not pick. Congratulations to them and everyone else who has been selected. You do have to wonder if Smith, Delany and one or two others will actually get any game time, but it is all about being exposed to the ’set up’ as they call it.
Maybe the most interesting aspect of the announcement is that the coaches have exchanged jobs, with Graham Henry taking over the forwards. It was in the forwards that the ABs struggled at times this year, so that feels like something of an admission by the coaching team.
The All Blacks are off on what is now the annual Northern Hemishpere tour. It started out being against a couple of teams now it has expanded to a fill blown grand slam tour, with an extra test against Australia thrown in for good measure. It finishes in December giving most players only a matter of weeks off before they get into full blown Super 14 training.
Even for the most die-hard rugby fan it raises the question of how much is too much. The toll on the players is obvious with large numbers injured, some being rested and some negotiating a late start to the Super 14. From a spectator point of view there is definitely that feeling that the season just never stops. Growing up an All Black test was something special, anticipated and often exceptional. Like most good things, there can be too much of it.
There is no doubt the main reason behind the annual northern hemisphere tour is money. In fact the money made from the tour really is propping up the Rugby Union accounts. But what is it doing for the longevity of the players and the passion of the fans?
When it comes to the All Blacks, how much is too much?
Whos sponsoring the annual parliamentary rugby tour this year ?
Maori TV ?
I’m assuming that with five tests everyone will get some game time even if off the bench. I think Cory Jane has shown how playing with two or three fullbacks works with the modern kicking game, so Smith might get out there.
Thought it interesting how they have left Ross to bulk up and Weepu to have ankle fixed,
Though for me Zac Guildford was the emotional selection. Its not often you see Henry crying and he wasn’t alone.
Go Zac!!! Even after ten years away from the Bay, I’m still a Magpie fan and he deserves it. The Magpies have had a stunning couple of years and Guilford will rock!
I promis to write up two of the UK games. I will be at Cardiff and twickenham!!!!
@ Marian Hobbs, very jealous of you going to Cardiff! People I know who’ve been said the atmosphere makes it the best game of rugby you’ll ever see
Hope you’ll cover the league too – not everyone’s a fan of Kick and Clap….
the main thread here is $’s and the amount of games being played.
English Football players can be up for over 60 games per year .. warm up games, league games plus domestic knockout cups, if a top team then add Europeans competitions and Internationals .. plus exhibitions.
Ask their fans if that’s too much?