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.
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.
Kia Kaha New Zealand.
Moaman
Guest
OJ-I suppose you have tried the 0800 Red Cross number? That's the reccomended route for reporting/locating Missing.Good luck with that-I hope the foreigners caught up in this disaster are being looked after-must be particularly harrowing for the relatives who have just arrived.I believe the Aussie/Japanese teams(Urban Search & Rescue)working at the CTV building have said there have been other cases elsewhere with comparable levels of destruction(Mexico/Indonesia)where people have been pulled out alive days after.
CraigB
Roar Guru
Cheers to all for the positive feedback. Let's hope the irb see it this way
Fivehole
Guest
I think the Reds have a good case to say "what about me"?
GavinH
Guest
good idea Craig. I too had assumed that with no accommodation to host travelling fans hosting matches would be nigh on impossible. However hopefully fans would not begrudge alternative types of accommodation given the circumstances and if they are given the option for a refund if they chose not to attend.
Crashy
Guest
Yes agree Craig I will be spending a week in Christchurch and the surrounding region with my chums at the world cup. I plan to spend even more hard-earned during that week in the hope that it all counts. I pray that the city will be able to host all their scheduled games and the city deserves it. We can all put up with a bit of inconvenience so that the city can rightfully be part of the RWC!
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
Nice piece CraigB and thanks. Didn't see it initially today when I responded to Spiro's similar article but I fully support the idea and sentiments expressed here.
Muzza
Guest
Wholeheartedly agree that the games must go ahead in Cantab country. Like you suggest, it would actually be awesome for the game and city to set up big screens at a bunch of fields and make it a beery, BBQ type event. Wouldve been blown away if the Saders decided to play this week. As you say, the rugby is the last thing on peoples minds just now. Been quite moving to see so many people from NZ. Aus and afar rallying in support.
Andre The Giant
Guest
awesome bro
allblackfan
Guest
there is talk that Nelson will host the rest of the Crusders' home games. Blenheim's ground is being redone for the Cup and in a pinch I guess Dunedin could help out.
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
Even though I have lived in NZ for 16 years, and both my girls are born here I never ever considered myself even part Kiwi but I can truly say in the last couple of days I felt as though I was at home and it was, is, my own countrymen being devastated by this mind numbing event. All credit Craig, good piece and here here.
Adam
Roar Guru
The 2001 World Series was delayed by a month because of the 9/11 attacks. There was great feelings of support there for all New Yorkers from the entire country. They opened the Series with a homage paid to the lost victims but also to the firefighters who did so much for the nation on that day. Maybe something similar during the opening game would be appropriate.
jacko
Guest
oh, and as rugby fans who cares if we have to ssleep in a tent in a paddock outside of christchurch if there's a lack of accomodation. Who needs a fancy hotel. pffft. I think rugby fans will show their support regardless of issues re accomodation.
CraigB
Roar Guru
here here!
jacko
Guest
I've noticed talk about the super rugby round 3 game between the crusaders V waratahs possibly being moved to sydney. As a tahs fan, no way! If this game is to be held at all it MUST be held in the canterbury region, even if its not at aami stadium. Hell, I wont even be too distressed if the tahs get beaten in this game as I think there bigger issues at play and peoples spirits to be lifted. I'd love to see all locals, essential services personnel etc let in for free with sanzar picking up the tab for the shortfall in revenue.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Thanks, Craig. This tragedy has had a very real effect in Japan as well with at least 24 people presumed dead. I have been trying to help someone find information about their friend, but the situation is dire.
Nathan
Guest
good onya Craig, certainly puts it in perspective. let's hope the IRB don't get all money hungry and does the right thing!
Tui
Guest
Very nicely written CraigB
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Well said Craig. This is one Aussie who would not begrudge the AB's a world cup victory, even at our expense, if it helps bring the community together. What a year they have had.....the 2 earthquakes and the mine disaster. Good luck NZ, our thoughts are with our cousins across the ditch.
CraigB
Roar Guru
tru - but surely in the surrounding area we can find enough space. It just needs to happen the City and the nation need it to.
PastHisBest
Roar Guru
I think the sentiment is absolutely right Craig, one fly in the ointment will be accommodation - or lack thereof.