Just like a great meal, our sports lovers were treated to a memorable experience on Saturday evening.
The entrée, the Cox Plate.
Firstly, memo to Greg Miles: there is, by definition, only one champion, not two going to the lead together.
With regards to Winx, the proof of the pudding will be when those who she beat up compete next. If Hartnell wins the Cup, Yankee Rose wins the Oaks and those others left in her wake win next time out.
To put this in some context, when I was only just born a horse named Tulloch was like Winx and he beat up a horse named Prince Darius who, when Tulloch was not there, beat up all others. In my life, Black Caviar did the same to Hay List who did the same as Prince Darius.
After a short break, there was the test.
Before going onto the All Blacks at length, a small comment on the Wallabies. They achieved what I was hoping they might.
Well, almost.
There was still a contest at the 65th minute and I was hoping they would lose by between 14 and 21, which was closer than the eventual 27-point margin. Nevertheless, they didn’t score a point for around the last 50 minutes of the game.
The truly great thing about this New Zealand team is they have challenged the game of rugby on all levels.
Firstly, through their mental toughness, they have whoever changed the laws regarding the quick conversion attempt so the ref can’t review. They have, to their credit, gamed the system and others have to do the same and stop complaining.
Secondly, they have exposed and questioned the capabilities of game day officials through the speed of their game as well as their defensive set up. Nigel Owens, by any standard, had a poor game on Saturday night, making errors on both sides. His helpers weren’t of much use. The panel that appoints refs must start finding younger fitter refs who can keep up with this team so that the contest is without so many issues.
Thirdly, they have questioned themselves and their coaches. Many would think Steve Hansen has a job made in heaven. His sublime benching of Barrett when the game was tight was inspired. Cruden is now the Michael Bevan of the All Blacks – the finisher.
Consider the fact that when Sam Cane is fit, Matt Todd (he or Jerome Kaino were deserving of the man of the match award) most likely will not be in the 23, as Cane is a better version of Todd. They have worked out how to keep the Todds of the world in their program.
Fourthly, naturally, they have met the challenges from all comers and have made them question themselves.
Finally, they have created much talk from retired professionals and armchair commentators.
What’s in the future for these two champions?
Well, Winx will have a date with destiny same time next year to equal Kingston Town.
The All Blacks will have a date with the English and they do have a coach as well as a motivator. I am sure Eddie will not be baiting anyone. He will take small things out of the contests when each of the teams that have played New Zealand recently and challenged them. He will need a big side that is supremely fit both physically and mentally with loads of ability.
Australian rugby. We have a window of about five years to solidly bed down number three in the world due to South Africa’s huge issues off the field, which have now moved onto the field, and then challenge England for number two and then go deeper into the contest against the All Blacks.
Once this is achieved then the revenue streams will start flowing again. I hope the ARU can, if they haven’t already, look at the model ALDI has used with their battle with Coles and Woolies. Methinks it’s pretty similar to the ARU’s struggle with the NRL and AFL.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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