Test losses will add steel to All Blacks

THE All Blacks fell victim to the Irish team last weekend. It was not the ‘‘luck of the Irish’’ but a truly welldeserved victory by them. For New Zealand media it may have looked as an all black result. The panel on TV will give their views and Steve Hepburn’s views have already been published in the sports supplement of Monday’s ODT. ‘‘More questions than answers’’. I greatly respect his views and probing thoughts but let’s not forget ‘‘one swallow does not a summer make’’ — just as one loss doesn’t send us into panic mode.

The All Blacks were beaten, and the accolades must rest with the Irish, but I believe a large amount has, and will, be learnt from this exchange.

From the two losses inflicted upon them this year, their resolve will be much stronger come next year. I am confident that we the general public will see a Steve Hansen All Black team showing even greater depth, determination, discipline and skill, to take on any country including the Irish, and win the World Cup once again. Rev Wayne Healey

Oamaru

Local body elections

REGARDING the letter from Bernice Armstrong (ODT, 14.11.18) about State Highway 1, cyclists, parking etc. She says we must now wait for the local body elections and trust that not too many unsuitable people stand for mayor or council.

The family and friends of the people standing will know them, but most of the voters will have no idea who they are. It’s a lot like going to the races — you like the name of the horse or the colours the jockey wears.

Anybody standing should have to front up before a group of suitable people called together by the chief executive, with a CV, and show they know how to run a business wisely and have some common sense.

And reduce the number of councillors to seven.

But there will be too many who will have an interest in keeping it the way it is, so don’t hold your breath.

P. Meason

Mosgiel