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Having just returned from a few weeks in New Zealand, visiting all major rugby areas except Wellington, it appeared to me that interest in the game is on the wane.
Looking at the crowds at the New Zealand Super 14 venues, they seem quite poor compared to last year.
It was only in Christchurch that there seemed any passion for their home team. It was there that anyone really wore the colours of their home team. There was also RWC2011 advertising in the main square, which showed that the locals cared.
I did not see a single Blues Guernsey being worn in Auckland or Rotorua, but did see lots of Warriors league Guernseys and English soccer shirts in both places. In Hamilton, a couple of Chiefs polo shirts were noticed.
Even at the All Black shop, the Warrior league strip was on sale.
However, in all places there was a smattering of black shirts. A lot had the words “All Blacks” under the silver fern, but then again, a lot simply said “New Zealand”.
There is a rugby channel on pay TV but I did not get the opportunity to see it. On the TV I did get to see, there was little rugby, only Super 14 and the European Six Nations.
What was being shown was replays of Australian league games and EPL soccer games. Pubs advertised to come and watch the EPL games on their screens.
The Manly league team has done a deal to have all their games shown on Maori TV, a sign that league is expanding quite well, particularly along the Auckland-Rororua axis.
Rugby posts could be seen in most schools and some parks, but a lot more soccer posts had appeared in open areas and parkland than I remember since my last visit.
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.