It’s the penultimate day before the Rugby World Cup and the whole of New Zealand is on edge. I’ve already been informed that the day after the final is a no-go zone (declared a public holiday) due to either a hangover from the success or misery should the French win – words I hardly dare utter.
The whole nation has gone mad and I wonder if they were to put this much energy into other matters as a collective what they might have achieved?
As we drove back from Taupo this week almost every farm has placed tyres in their fields with “Go Blacks”, “Go ABs” – if I didn’t know better I’d think it was either a positive racism movement or a fitness mad nation. Even the billboards for the forthcoming elections are plugging the All Blacks “Vote National, Go All Blacks” – can you imagine if the conservatives took that approach in the UK!
The newspapers have been unbearable. The day after the Kiwis won the semi finals they published a guide on how to cope with the stress of preparing oneself for a world cup final. Advise included “get a good night sleep on Saturday night”; “be humble and not too cocky, especially around Australians” and “make sure you get enough BBQ food in for the big night”. The fact that the Renu had created the worst oil spill in the country’s history didn’t warrant coverage until page 11 – yes page ELEVEN. International news that day was pushed back to page 14, meaning that the Rugby coverage was pages 1-10! Today’s newspaper pushed my limit though – as you’ll see from the picture they have listed the name of every what? Every person who served in the wars? Every person who gave their life for the country? Certainly looks like it but in fact it is every rugby player to have played in a world cup.
For me the end of the world cup is going to at least free up the TV for alternative viewings for my 1030pm dreamfeed – Cara has grown up in the last 8 weeks learning not to jump during her feeds whilst her Dad screams out “Forward”, “Bloody Hell Ref”, “Filthy Aussies” and much worse I shan’t mention here.
Good luck All Blacks!
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