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Use the RWC to help rebuild a nation's spirit

Roar Guru
23rd February, 2011
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Roar Guru
23rd February, 2011
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1505 Reads
Kieran Read of the All Blacks breaks past the Wallabies defence

Kieran Read of the All Blacks breaks past the Wallabies defence during the first match of the Tri-Nation series, played at Etihad stadium, Melbourne, Saturday, July 31, 2010. (AAP Image/ Joe Castro)

Seeing the devastation on the television cannot do justice to the depth of fear and despair of those in Christchurch. The terror and disbelief in the eyes of the survivors, the manic search for those trapped is impossible to fathom.

It shows us how truly helpless we are in the face to the earth’s fury.

It also puts into perspective, the insignificance of sport. When compared with the loss of life and the devastation and ruin of an entire city, the fortunes of the Crusaders and the All Blacks are of no consequence.

That said, there is something powerful in sport and rugby. The game can lift the spirits and divert attentions, even if it just for 80 minutes. It shows that life can return to normalcy regardless of how long it may take.

I recall the strength America took from the NFL post 9/11.

I think rugby has the opportunity and the obligation to do the same for New Zealand. These are our brothers and we must stand by them in their darkest hour.

I note that the IRB has set up a crisis team to monitor and review whether Christchurch can host its seven RWC matches.

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To me, there is no question that they must be allowed to host these games. If the AMI stadium is unsafe and cannot be repaired, play the games at the suburban grounds if you must.

Given the circumstances, any player who would object does not deserve the game of rugby. If you cannot charge because you can’t lock people out, them let them in for free.

If the ground is not big enough, set up TV viewing around the city and have the games played virtually in every public common.

Let the rugby-people of the world come to Christchurch. Let them throw an arm around their brother and let them know we stand with them and by them, ready to help where we can.

Let the restaurants and bars fill with the optimism that is abundant in the rugby community. To take away the RWC matches from a town devastated, is a heartless and cowardly gesture.

The goodwill and good press generated from such a decision would be far more than any tickets sales lost for the seven games.

Mother Earth took down a city, but the IRB can help rebuild its spirit.

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Kia Kaha New Zealand.

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