Sports treats galore

Aproper rugby tour is such a rare treat that it brightens the prospect of winter. That and the America’s Cup. With the Lions here and the Cup beaming in every morning before breakfast, who can really mind that this is the last long weekend until Labour Day?

Normally that prospect is bleak. After tomorrow, more than three wintry months must pass before we get a decent break. This year we are having an election in September and that seems far away. Yet it is a full month after that before the next public holiday.

But who is looking that far ahead now? The new format of the America’s Cup has proven captivating. The boats are fast, the races quickly decided and the rules ensure interest is maintained.

However tempted the defender could have been to influence the outcome of the challengers’ rounds, it needed to win the round robins to take a point into the finals.

Now, with Oracle gone to lie in wait and one of the challengers eliminated, we start a week of play-offs between four boats. Team New Zealand have to be favourites after their performances last week.

But this is the America’s Cup. Bitter experience tells us not to celebrate too soon. Boats will be improved. Crews will be sharpened. Mysterious things will happen.

The Lions tour looks innocent by comparison — 40 poor lambs for the slaughter. Last night’s match against a scratch selection was a wonderful start.

All five finely tuned Super Rugby sides are lying in wait for the tourists.

It is just as well the Lions’ travelling supporters are here for a good time whatever happens on the field. They represent the best of British sportsmanship and we can but admire their spirit. They sing.

Why don’t we sing at rugby matches? We watch in dour silence for the most part. Our rugby should have songs we all know.

There is a move afoot to get some singing in the Kiwi crowds for this tour. They have chosen a beautiful wellknown song in te reo. Learn it, do it.

With the America’s Cup in the mornings and the Lions playing Wednesday as well as Saturday nights, this is going to be a month to enjoy.

Let the weather do what it wants, let the Cup defender do its worst, we are in for some treats.