In a year where the nation’s proud rugby traditions are meant to be celebrated and proudly displayed to all those millions of eyes who will be watching around the globe, it seems to me that regular level-headed blokes are slowing becoming crazy.
Most of you are probably thinking, I am talking about the droves of mad rugby fans whose banter has already begun in earnest. Sadly I am not.
I am talking about the guys who are in the big seats, the guys who have all the power to make decisions and make them happen.
Firstly, where are the people who are supposed to be running this World Cup?
How is it that regular motels that usually charge $120 a night are now charging $1200? How could this happen, in New Zealand of all places?
We pride ourselves on being humble hosts but letting this happen is disgraceful. It is taking the New Zealand Rugby World Cup experience away from your everyday rugby fan.
There may not be much that can be done about it, but I suggest a name and shame tactic would help bring some businesses back to ground level. $1200 a night is no Steinlager in the beer fridge. Crazy!
This is just to emphasize this was going to be year of strange happenings, Samoa created history by beating a second-string Wallabies side. Crazy!
Then some old geezer thought it would be a good idea for England to get under the skin of the host nation by adopting an “All Black” jersey.
Absolutely crazy, not only because it takes away from a long proud tradition of the White jersey, but because the last thing anyone in world rugby should be doing is firing up the All Blacks.
Is it not enough that you have to already play them on their own turf? Which will now be like walking into a colosseum with mobs of angry All Black fans chanting ‘Knock their heads off’.
Fair enough, though, that England wish to take that path as they will be the ones who face the consequences.
The NZRFU, of all people, were the first to come out and say that they had no issue with this.
What? Are you kidding me? The NZRFU didnt think it might be wise to at least try to protect the biggest brand in world rugby? The ALL Black strip. Crazy!
I wish it stopped here but sadly it doesn’t.
If it’s not bad enough that England want to now imitate the All Black strip, the powers that be decide now, in the midst of a World Cup year that it would be a good idea to allow players to wear whatever colour boots they choose under the rainbow. Crazy!
The sight of those bright orange boots running through the midfield against Fiji was ghastly. Where has the pride gone?
The All Black strip should be just that, from head to toe. If I was a Kiwi, I would be truly worried by the way things are heading.
I wouldn’t be all surprised to see the All Blacks play England opposite colors England in the new black jumper and the All Blacks in a new white one. Crazy.
At least being a year of crazy things happening, it might just mean Richie McCaw will finally get to lift the holy grail.
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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