Super games bring mixed emotions
OPINION
Watching the Chiefs play the Hurricanes is always an interesting mix of emotions. Both sides are stacked with Taranaki players and although the injury-wracked chiefs have more this year, it hasn’t always been the case.
The other factor that gets in the way is that the Taranaki Rugby Union [TRFU] had a messy divorce with the Hurricanes franchise and opted to join the Chiefs. Taranaki was sick and tired of being treated like a second-class cousin, especially by the Wellington Rugby Union, which for years dominated the Hurricanes franchise off the field.
That’s history now, of course, but although we should be supporting our own franchise, the reality is Mrs Brown and I tend to support any team Beaudie plays for. That’s Beaudie, as in Beauden Barrrett of course.
Then Jordie came along and joined the ‘Canes as well, so it’s a bit like having Prince William and Prince Harry in your team – these boys are Taranaki rugby royalty.
So good luck to the Chiefs, coached by Taranaki man Colin Cooper, who was recently made a life member of the TRFU. Just remember, when you play the Canes, you can tackle Beaudy and Jordy, but not too hard.
Watching the Silver Ferns netballers implode recently brought to mind the oft-repeated comment of former legendary basketball coach Steve McKean.
‘‘There’s only two types of coaches, those who’ve been fired and those going to be fired,’’ he used to quip.
McKean was one of the country’s most successful basketball coaches in the code’s history in New Zealand and his point was well made - coaching can be a fickle business. Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby looks set to prove the veracity of McKean’s theory, she’s about to be fired unless, she resigns.
All coaches should be judged on their records, it’s as simple as that. Go the Mighty Warriors.
Or, as one fan put on his placard some years ago, ‘‘Gone the Warriors’’, which has now become a semi-official message on their website. It doesn’t make sense, but then so much of the Warriors in the last few years fits into that category.
The Warriors were magnificent in their 20-12 win against St George. To me, the difference this year for the Warriors is they are fully fit for the first time ever. Hawera hooker Issac Luke is a great example. This year the man they call Bully is back to his best and it’s not coincidental that he is a trim, almost chiselled, figure of his former self.
Take a bow Australian conditioner Alec Corvo.