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Joined November 2010
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When I turned up to apply to become an Australian citizen in 1990, I was ready for the Donald Bradman “average” question. But the bloke behind the counter, preparing to ask me questions, looked at the form I had filled out, put away the question sheet and said something I will always remember: “Arr, you’re a New Zealander. You’re in!”
Ok, it might look prejudicial against other nationalities these days, but the effect on me was to deepen my affection for the hilarious mob I am now part of ( and I get to keep my NZ passport too). The ANZAC spirit means something.
Yes, I do love the Australian national anthem, especially the fanfare and the start, including the recent amendment. One day we will have a world passport, with those words: “We are one and free”.
'Forever grateful': Quade Cooper faces final test of the year as citizenship bid comes to a head
That was one of the most enjoyable rugby articles I can remember on Roar, so thanks, Spiro. Brilliant.
The mention of Marist and its role in NZ reminds me of the time when when it was not uncommon to pray for victory.
On a day now enshrined as holy in the memory of some lapsed and active Catholics alike, Kevin O’Reilly played second-five in a Marist team, all drawn from St Joseph’s College, Masterton.
It was about 60 years ago, and we pre-pubescent players were facing our arch-foe Carterton A in the final of the competition.
As Kevin’s mother went up and down the sideline saying the Rosary, her skinny son bided his time.
Then, as she completed the Glorious Mysteries towards the end of the game, Kevin turned on the speed and swerved through to score the winning try.
After the match, and when nearly everybody had left the ground, a few of us went up to the spot where Kevin had scored, and, like the Pope, kissed that sacred ground.
How to watch a game of rugby: Part 4
We saw it a lot in 2011.
At the RWC, he didn’t have the vital benefit of the pack at top form.
The Wallabies ruin Shane Williams' farewell Test
Not few and far between if you back the Reds.
The Wallabies ruin Shane Williams' farewell Test
Missed seeing the Quade genius for getting through when nobody else can.
The Wallabies ruin Shane Williams' farewell Test
I would loved to have seen Quade there as well.
He could have danced through that defence at his usual full speed.
Wallabies brilliance tempered by bone-headed play
They didn’t boo ( a few whistles while JOC was kicking) but neither did they seem to applaud good moves by the Wallabies.
In the past crowds used to show their appreciation of good rugby, whichever side was involved.
Wallabies beat Wales 24-18
Why should Quade apologise? The only apologies due around Quade are from those shamed NZ fans who booed this great player continuously.
He saved the day for us when we played the Boks, stopping a certain try. That’s just one example of his contributions.
When the forwards were doing well, so did he. Outstanding player.
RFU apologise for World Cup display
A bit of an historical perspective is needed about Quade, I reckon, and this quote help.
“…I had got to know Quade quite well and really grew to love this kid …with his casual approach and freakish skills. I loved playing outside him and he provided a spark in our backline that saw us go through the season undefeated…”
This is from David Pocock in his excellent book “Openside”, which I had feared would be a premature self-congratulatory tome but is not at all. (Pocock played in the backs for a while, hence his reference to playing outside Quade).
I think Pocock’s positive estimation of this brilliant player is shared by his other team mates and tens of thousands of admiring Reds’ fans.
As for tackling, remember that Quade stopped what would otherwise have been a certain try by the Springboks in the World Cup.
Enduring the disadvantage of playing behind a pack that was not always delivering in the RWC , and being subject to shameful booing from many NZ supporters, he still played well in quite a few games.
Spiro’s idea is one to consider. Perhaps the two could alternate, even during a game.
If we can can keep JOC, and Quade we will have two of the best backs in world rugby.
James O'Connor must be the long-term Wallaby number 10
It’s not an either or thing, in my opinion.
JOC is a great player, despite those who wanted him ejected because he missed a photo call.
Quade is brilliant too, and remember that without his try-saving tackle we would have lost against the Boks in the world cup.
Wallabies enjoy 60-11 win over Barbarians
I wish I hadn’t set the alarm. My dreams were far more exciting.
Wallabies splutter to win over stubborn Italy
Australia welcomes all-comers and that is part of our strength.
Wallabies in tatters after being Munstered in Limerick
I remember when we used to applaud brilliant moves by the other side. Now we just remain silent even if we have just witnessed an amazingly skilful try.
When did entertainment degenerate to the point that a rugby commentator uses the word “hatred” over and over again?
It’s a game, a fun event played by high-salaried professional entertainers who swap teams based on salary offers.
OK, Ben is a comedian so I am going to laugh at his comments, rather than hate them
Passionate, visceral, irrational tribalism is vital for any competition to succeed. Is a lack of it damaging Super Rugby?