World in Union
“The cure for an obsession is to get another one”
Dan Carter, the man on whom the hopes of four million people depend. Image: rosswebsdale via Flickr Creative Commons
When I look at my timetable it tells me I should be writing about the atmosphere here in New Zealand. But the more I think about it, the more buzzwords like frenetic and exciting come up. To put it simply, what’s the point? I thought I would instead try to portray something that makes this atmosphere as frenetic and exciting as it is. And that is in all its essence – obsession.
Few can argue that New Zealand is obsessed with rugby. Everyone has an opinion here; everyone knows their stuff and rugby is everywhere. A daily newspaper, the Rugby Herald, somehow manages to report on several pages of rugby news throughout the world every day, and report well.
Maybe I should correct myself though. New Zealand is rugby mad. But New Zealanders have a very specific obsession. The All Blacks. More than a team, they represent a cult, a being, an ethos. If I had lived under a rock and never heard of this team then the impression from Kiwis is one relative to mythical gods. As I write this on a domestic plane from Wellington to Auckland a beautiful flight attendant is indulging me on the strengths of the All Blacks’ pack while pouring my tea into a plastic cup with Tony Woodcock’s face on. Yes, you read right. Woodcock, the prop. Now I play prop so I hope I don’t offend but the position doesn’t normally hold poster boys and pin-ups. Can you possibly imagine Andrew Sheridan or Gethin Jenkins advertising anything?
But New Zealand doesn’t love Woodcock for his modelling ability. They want him on their coffee cups because he has worn the hallowed black shirt. Because his cauliflower ears and his puffed and battered features show what he has given for a cause that is so supported here. Take our poster boy and one of our favourite rugby sons Jonny Wilkinson. I would hazard a guess that the majority of Brits know who he is. Yet how many know about his rugby, where he was born, who he has played for, how old he is or that in recent years he has become a formidable defender? Now compare to Tony Woodcock, a prop on a coffee cup. Not only have New Zealanders heard of him, they know his life story. Where he was born, how old he is, his club rugby history and how many caps he has.
The greatest characteristic in Kiwis I have encountered is their welcoming and frank approach to life. One specific conversation with a local in Hamilton lead to him telling me the All Blacks are all they have, they represent everything good in New Zealand. This knocked me back. I have dreamt of coming to this country for years, I saw it as a picturesque utopia far from the south London I grew up in. Yet don’t be fooled. New Zealand is a young country with its fair share of social and economic problems. The most worrying and prevalent is the brain drain as thousands of Kiwis jump the Tasman Sea every year for better pay and better opportunities in Australia. Economic problems have also reached New Zealand and social tensions between ethnicities are still extremely prevalent, with land rights still a contentious issue.
But despite losing its best to Australia, despite the two culture approach to governance and despite economic issues, this country of four million people has produced the best rugby team in the world. The more I conversed with the Hamilton resident, the more I fell in love with the All Blacks. The more I realised they represent the best in this country. They represent the coming together of Maoris and Whites. They represent the embracing of both cultures. They represent pride in New Zealand. Even the kit represents New Zealand. It is simple, it is humble, it invites us to instead understand and appreciate who is wearing it, and what it means to them.
But when does an obsession become harmful? Is there too much pressure on these young men to not only perform on the pitch but also hold together an entire country? Sonny, an airport worker in Auckland, quit his job when the All Blacks were knocked out in 2007. Depression rates rose 50%. The entire country was in mourning. I cannot begin to imagine the weight on Richie McCaw’s shoulders.. And what do you expect with the media pressure and the approach from companies such as Adidas or Air New Zealand?
It gets worse. In 2007 All Blacks gave blood to mix in with the ink for their poster campaign. Blood. People were paying huge amounts to have the blood of an All Black on their wall.
Now, the All Blacks are great for this country. A shining example that size doesn’t matter; that hard work, a great structure and determination means you can dominate a global sport. But I am not worried about the state of rugby in New Zealand, or the country’s emotional state if the All Blacks don’t win. What I am worried about is the health and well being of the 30 young men who currently carry the hopes, dreams and expectations of an entire country. I worry for a man like Dan Carter who constantly sees himself on billboards or in magazines, who reads in newspapers that the All Blacks cannot possibly win without him. Who in interviews and on T.V seems so shy and humble. Who clearly was one of those kids who just wanted to be an All Black, wear the black jersey and represent the country he loved. But instead found he would be the face of anything and everything, from anti-perspirant to jock straps. Who actually found that he now, according to media across the world and fiercest here, in New Zealand, holds the key to whether the All Blacks win or not.
How can that be healthy?
Ka Mate, Ka Mate, Ka Ora’, Ka Ora’
The Haka, the Maori war dance that means so much to the people of New Zealand. Image: Riv via Flickr Creative Commons
Sitting in a bar off Queen’s Street in Auckland, I couldn’t feel more English. While my two Welsh companions were getting stopped for photos and hugs, I was getting heckled and jeered.
Yet it was during the national anthems of New Zealand and Tonga that I showed how British I am. I stood and showed respect as the anthems were sung. Yet the Kiwis in the bar didn’t seem to pay much attention. Some watched, some sang along, most continued to natter away. And while I was trying to comprehend this attitude that had offended me, the teams were getting ready for the Haka and the Sipi Tau.
This is where I saw the error in my judgement. This is where the New Zealanders suddenly stood to attention. The Haka is more than a war cry, it is an embedded part of the All Black culture that Kiwis are obsessed with. After the Tongan Sipi Tau there was applause for what one Maori described as his brothers. Then the Haka. The silence. The lead from Piri Weepu. The anger. The aggression. The meaning. What is little more than entertaining to us in Britain, is inspiring and moving to Maoris and Whites alike in New Zealand.
Move away from the controversial debate about whether the Haka provides an unfair advantage and instead try to understand its importance to the people of New Zealand. Those around me during the match would rather give up their national anthem than the Haka.
Since 1905, All Blacks have been calling on their ancestors to rise up and give them strength. Analysts who are aiming for the Haka to be banned are not calling for the removal of an unfair sporting advantage, but the removal of a cultural and personal tradition stretching over a century.
For me it would be as ridiculous as stopping English fans from singing Swing Low, or the Welsh singing Bread of Heaven. And why are there no calls for Pacific Island equivalents such as the Tongan Sipi Tau to be banned?
Make no mistake, New Zealand do not keep winning because of the Haka, they keep winning because they are the world’s best.
Reports:
England 13 v Argentine 9
Ben Youngs came off the bench to score the winning try as England came from behind to beat Argentina
in their opening World Cup match.
In a sloppy, scrappy game, England were lucky to come away with the 13-9 victory but are now in prime position to win Pool B.
There were an astonishing 10 missed penalties, as neither Jonny Wilkinson nor Argentine kicker Rodriguez seemed able to cope with the situation.
Argentina just took the game to England who, in contrast, seemed lethargic and uninterested. They were penalised repeatedly at the breakdown, due both to their own indiscipline and to referee Bryce Lawrence’s strict enforcement of the rules.
Young’s try, on 68 minutes, seemed to drain the energy from the South American side and, in the end, England wrapped up the win fairly comfortably. But huge improvements are needed if they hope to progress far in the tournament.
New Zealand 41 v Tonga 10
Kiwis were surprisingly disappointed with the result as Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui scored two tries each. Sonny Bill Williams (not too liked down here) also silenced some of his critics with a sold performance creating good chances.
Scotland 34 v Romania 24
Scotland were given a run for their money with a plucky performance from Romania, perhaps showing they are a contender to join the 6 nations. Ultimately terrible defending from Romania’s backline let down a great performance from their forwards, of whom Tincu was the star.
Fiji 49 v Namibia 25
A great game full of fun facts such as the first Fijian to score hat-trick in the RWC, Vereneki Goneva (he put 4 away to be sure). Would have been an interesting watch for Wales as Fiji show they will be no pushover.
France 47 v Japan 21
I was lucky enough to be at this match with the plucky Pacific Nations Champions deserving a better result against France. Moments of genius from MOTM James Arlidge (…the Kiwi who plays in Wales) inspired Japan. My favourite was his dummy grubber kick try, watch the highlight.
For Queen or Country?
Could one of the home nations replicate these scenes of glory from 2003? Image: BombDog
England (14/1)
Reasons why they’ll do well
- The Scrum: England have a solid pack with good strength and experience. An eye has to be kept on the back row if age and injuries take their toll.
- Age Mix: What do you get when you mix Wilkinson and Easter with Tuilagi and Ashton? Exciting rugby with a level head.
Reasons why they won’t
- Centre: Shontayne Hape? Really? What if Tuilagi chokes? Or Tindall gets injured? It baffles me why Flutey is not in New Zealand.
- Depth: The back row is worryingly old and injury prone. At its best the trio of Croft, Moody and Easter will dominate; but Moody is far from fit and depth behind looks weak.
Style of Play
Martin Johnson’s selection highlights the play desired. Battering rams have been brought in at centre and the back row screams hard nuts. Don’t expect flair rugby.
Player to Watch
Manu Tuilagi – whether he is punching Ashton or scoring tries for fun, Manu is exciting. It will be interesting to see him on the big stage and if the Tindall/ Tuilagi partnership that proved successful against Ireland continues the good work.
Coaching Staff
You’re not going to find a more respected coach within a squad than Martin Johnson in England. The players praise that he always knows what to say and when. Jonno has been there, he’s done that and he’s got the winners medal.
Media Expectations
There is no doubt that England are the favourites outside of the Tri-Nations and expectation is high. The question is; will this expectation be too much for the younger members in the squad?
Quick Fact
30% of the squad were born abroad.
Wales (80/1)
Reasons why they’ll do well
- Passion: You won’t find many people more passionate about rugby than the Welsh, or more patriotic.
- Expansive Play: Wales play exciting, attacking and expansive play. They like to spread the play and do it well.
Reasons why they won’t
- Injuries: This blog isn’t long enough to list all of Wales’ injuries but the biggest miss could be the exciting Morgan Stoddart at full back.
- Power: There is a worry about the front 5 of Wales and their power. It is even worse now that Gethin Jenkins has been ruled out of the crucial opener against South Africa.
Style of Play
The Welsh have always played attractive attacking rugby which is great for the neutral. With Warren
Gatland still around and the talent in the backline I would expect similar in New Zealand.
Player to Watch
Sam Warburton – the Cardiff Blues man has been in great form recently and was voted Player of the Year by the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association. Expect big things from the openside flanker.
Coaching Staff
Warren Gatland is experienced and knowledgeable. And his mind games are great to follow, with his latest accusation that South Africa “don’t play rugby. They don’t do anything”.
Media Expectations
There is a lot of faith from supporters and media alike but both are under no illusions that Wales sit in the toughest group and it will be a hard task progressing all the way.
Quick Fact
Wales have averaged 27 points per RWC match compared to 16 in non World Cup matches.
Ireland (40/1)
Reasons why they’ll do well
- Age mix – Let’s face it, this should be the perfect World Cup for Ireland. They have the old hands, both in the pack and the backs, combined with exciting young talent like Keith Earls and Sean O’Brien.
- Th ‘O’s’ – O’Driscoll, O’Connell, O’Gara, even the unsung O’Callaghan. These players are greats of the modern game. They may be borderline past their peak, but you can’t argue with their talent, experience or leadership.
Reasons why they won’t
- Loss of Wallace – Make no mistake, the loss of David Wallace is devastating for Ireland. Shane Jennings is a decent replacement, but he’s just not Wallace.
- Recent form – After struggling to beat Italy and Scotland in the 6 Nations, Ireland have lost all four of their World Cup warm-up matches. Winning is a habit, but Ireland have gone cold turkey.
Player to watch
- Sean O’brien – An unbelievable ball-carrier with frightening pace and power. But will he be allowed the space to roam without his back-row partner Wallace doing the dirty work?
Coaching
- Declan Kidney must be under pressure going into the tournament. He’s failed to make the most of the great talent at his disposal and might be shown the door if Ireland fail to impress.
Style of Play
- Much depends on whether O’Gara or Sexton play at fly-half. Sexton will spark the exciting backline, but O’Gara will play for territory with his exceptional tactical kicking.
Media Expectations
- Low and frustrated. The high of the thrashing of England in the final 6 Nations game has been quickly forgotten.
Quick Fact
- Ireland’s first ever International game was played against England in 1875, with teams of 20-a-side.
Scotland (300/1)
Reasons why they’ll do well
- Back-row – Last year this unit had a genuine claim to being the best in the world. Johnnie Beattie may be missing through injury but his replacement Richie Vernon is a good talent, and there’s no denying the ability of John Barclay and Kelly Brown.
- Recent form – In direct contrast to Ireland, Scotland have to be encouraged by their form. Up to 7th in the IRB world rankings, they may finally be dragging themselves out of a decade in the rugby wilderness.
Reasons why they won’t
- Lack of game-changers – There’s just a real lack of magic in Scotland’s back-line. They’ll really struggle to unlock solid defences.
- Lack of big-match experience – It must be a loss for Scotland that none of their clubs ever get to the latter stages of the Heiniken Cup. They have so few players that have experienced the big occasion and they may crumble under pressure.
Player to watch
- Richie Gray – The youngest player in the squad at 24, this 6ft 9in monster is a great talent in the second row. Not only does he barely need to be lifted in the line-out, he’s also exciting to watch in open play
Coaching
- Much maligned during his brief spell with England, Robinson has thrived with Scotland, giving them steel, determination and a hard-nosed belief.
Style of play
- Keep the ball with the forwards, rumble it up, win penalty, Patterson kicks the points. Rinse and repeat.
Media Expectations
- Cautiously optimistic – They know Scotland can’t win it, but they’ll be disappointed if they don’t qualify and they expect to give England a real fright.
Quick Fact
- Scotland have made it to the quarter-finals of every World Cup, but have only been in one semi-final (1991), where they lost to England.
A Preview
Will this man lead his side to World Cup glory on their home soil? Image: annzstream via Flickr Creative Commons
In their second blog on the Rugby World Cup 2011, Sam Asfahani and Matt Jeynes give their views on the upcoming tournament and make some predictions along the way.
Winners:
SA – Australia (odds 7/2) : Matt will be giving you 4 reasons why the Kiwis are the ones to beat but I would rather give you 7; Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane, Patt McCabe, Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale. That is an outrageously exciting backline.
MJ – New Zealand (odds 4/7): Right, here are my 4 reasons, in a bit more detail than Sam’s.
1. Talent – They are, quite simply, the best team. Players like Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina, Conrad Smith and Tony Woodcock will all someday be remembered as greats of the modern game, but they have class and experience at every position.
2. Squad depth – The NZ 2ND XV could beat most of the sides at this World Cup. Graham Henry can rest players to keep them fresh for the later rounds and the performance levels will barely drop. And Sitiveni Sivivatu didn’t even make the squad. He’s scored 29 tries in 45 tests and he’s not even in the squad. That’s just outrageous strength in depth.
3. Home advantage – The New Zealand public just live and breathe rugby. They will drive the Kiwis to victory simply through their force of will. People sometimes call the crowd a 16th man. The New Zealand crowd is a whole extra team.
4. The losses to Australia and South Africa – These were the wake-up call the All-Blacks needed. They were awful against Australia and were duly punished. But don’t forget that they demolished Australia 30-14 at home just a month ago. Now they know they can’t just turn up and expect to win, I expect to see that performance repeated.
Top Try Scorer:
SA – Digby Ioane (odds 9/1) : With 8 tries from 15 matches for the Wallabies, the 26 year old is fast and powerful and will relish his chance on the world stage.
MJ – Conrad Smith (odds 20/1) : One of the most underrated players of his generation, Smith combines skill and guile with surprising pace and power. He always seems to be in support to take that final pass, just as Greenwood was for England 8 years ago.
Inspiring and Uninspiring:
Inspiring – Canada: Strong performances in the last 2 Churchill Cups show a Canada team on the rise. With former All-Black Kieran Crowley at the helm and talent like Glasgow’s DTH Van der Merwe and new Ospreys flanker Chauncey O’Toole, Canada could spring the surprise of the tournament if France underestimate them.
Uninspiring – Ireland: The squad has been depleted, with David Wallace being the headline injury, and the coaching staff hasn’t been getting the most out of a squad that boasts some talented individuals. There is even a slim chance they won’t get out of their group if Italy can cause an upset in Dunedin.
Ones to Watch:
Quade Cooper – Exciting, outrageous and arrogant are just three words you could use to describe Quade Cooper’s rugby. He can win a match as easily as he can lose one. Whether you love him or you hate him, just keep an eye on him.
Heinrich Brussow – While there has been a lot of talk about the battle between Richie McCaw and David Pocock, Brussow has the ability to upstage them both. He is a true openside flanker, which are so rare to find these days. While his dark arts at the breakdown may go unheralded, he is the single most important player on the Springbok team, and key to their chances of retaining the Webb Ellis trophy.
Tuilagi Brothers – Manu and Alesana are well known to followers of the Aviva Premiership. They are exciting, hard running and hard headed players that are a joy to watch for neutrals. One for England and one for Samoa, if we are really lucky, we might get the two facing off in a Semi-Final.
Takudzwa Ngwenya – Because everyone wants to see a try like this again,
Key Group Stage Matches:
These four games look set to decide the precious second qualifying spot from each group,
Wales v Samoa – 18th September
France v Canada – 18th September
Argentina v Scotland – 24th September
Ireland v Italy – 2nd October
From Tenuous Beginnings
The Opening Ceremony of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, held in France. Image: Jonathan SMITH - Thames Path Online Guide via Flickr Creative Commons
Rugby Union is still young. The inaugural World Cup took place 57 years after its football counterpart and was surrounded by scepticism about its future. You cannot blame the cynics; in 1987 less than half of Eden Park’s 45,000 seats were filled for the first ever opening ceremony. There were local school dancers, boy scouts, a few bagpipers and the presentation of a new trophy costing only £6,000. Not the opening ceremonies our generation has come to expect from major sporting tournaments. Yet every movement has a beginning, and Rugby Union has definitely been just that – a movement.
The Webb Ellis Cup, the classical, understated gold prize, is now the target of 20 nations in New Zealand and millions of viewers around the world are hoping to witness magic moments and pieces of history. Over the years we have been privy to events that have made us laugh, made us cheer and even made us cry. Below are just five of our favourite memories of the Rugby World Cup:
5. 2007 – The Wolves
It is the 2007 Rugby World Cup and Portugal are the only amateur side in the tournament. It is the ultimate underdog story as they stand ready to challenge the All Blacks. What followed was one of the most passionate renditions of a national anthem I have ever witnessed. They may have lost 108-13 but to me that anthem represented all that was good about Rugby. Keep an eye out this year for the Argentines or (dare I say it) Alun Wyn Jones for Wales, I don’t think that man has ever held back the tears during the anthem.
4. 2003 – Haka vs Sipi Tau
There has been so much conversation about the Haka in the last few weeks. Whether or not it should be allowed, it is a spectacle; one that is eagerly anticipated by the fans. So how about 2003, when we were treated to not just the Maori Ka Mate, but also the Tongan Sipi Tau. The passion, the atmosphere, the challenge; the match was going to be great. Well, 91-7 at least gave us some tries.
3. 1995 – Jonah Lomu
I was only six-years-old when this 6ft 5ins, 20-year-old introduced himself to the world. With only two caps (two defeats) before the World Cup in ’95, Lomu was an unknown entity. Three tries in three games before he delivered one of the greatest performances ever. Four tries against the English showed his ability to make the average rugby player (sorry Mike Catt) look like a child. This is my earliest Rugby memory and I knew then that I wanted to be a winger; several years and several stone later not everything has gone to plan.
2. 2003 – Jonny’s Drop Goal
A memory etched into every Englishman’s (and Aussie’s) mind. A final line-out, an exhausted drive from Matt Dawson, a final lunge into the Aussie 22, the ball whirls back, Wilkinson’s right peg (his weaker foot) swings….and the rest is, as they say, history.
1. 1995 – Mandela and Pienaar
If there was ever a World Cup that proved that sport is about more than the physical activity then it was 1995. Ignore everything you’ve seen in Invictus. Source the original game footage and watch it. It wasn’t the most exhilarating game, it wasn’t end to end, it wasn’t about the rugby. But at Ellis Park, with Mandela’s pregame speech, with the low-flying plane, with the nullification of Jonah Lomu, with that final drop goal, with Francois Pienaar lifting the trophy and with Nelson Mandela in a Springbok jersey, it was about making history and uniting a nation. At the time I didn’t understand why people watching were silent during Mandela’s speech or why their expressions showed such emotion at the final whistle, but I do now. The world changed that day because of a sports tournament.