Short & sweet

On rugby

In modern rugby, if you continually kick away possession and frequently get penalised for basic errors you can’t be a great team. All Black coaches please note.

Hylton Le Grice, Remuera.

It’s a game. No one died.

Janet Boyle, Orewa.

When choosing a sport for my son, I asked my rugby-loving father about rugby. He replied “authorised thuggery”. After seeing Ardie Savea smack Michael Hooper’s head into the ground, I felt he was spot on.

Samantha Cunningham, Henderson.

I only hope Steve Hansen comes to his senses. If he plays Ben Smith at fullback and Beauden Barrett at first-five we’ll win.

Gary Stewart, Foxton Beach.

On climate

Virtually all the countries around the world are taking action to mitigate climate change. Once it is stabilised in years to come, the climate change deniers will say, “see we have been saying all along there is nothing wrong and that nature will rectify itself”. Mohammed Yakub, Ma¯ ngere East.

The rise of forestry in place of farming is exceptional news for the planet and all who breathe within her atmosphere. I Donaldson, Northcote Point. At least, so far, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has not cancelled the upcoming local body elections so he, and his team, can concentrate all their efforts on dealing with climate change. John Robertson, Papamoa Beach.

On Ihuma¯ tao

The situation at Ihuma¯ tao is unique and will never arise again. To suggest it will set a precedent is abject nonsense.

Bruce Tubb, Belmont.