Sport can be a diversion in these grim times
To tap into the subject of rugby at a time like this seems utterly pointless.
The terrorist attacks on the mosques in Christchurch last Friday have cast a dark cloud over everything in New Zealand, so when it comes to banging on about Super Rugby it requires an effort to get motivated.
Sport is entertainment. But it does its job when it helps divert the mind, even if it is just for the 80 minutes it takes for a game of footy to be played, from the grim realities of the real world. So it’s on with the show for another weekend.
1. The Crusaders have done the right thing.
The decision to consult the community about a name change is the least they can do following the terrorist attacks. Public debate as to whether the Super Rugby champions should operate under a new title in the wake of the tragedy has been robust, to put it mildly.
Some comments delivered to Stuff and on various websites have been rational, while others could best be described as regrettable.
Emotions are running high. Let’s fact it, the name of a sports team is a trivial matter in comparison to the horrible events that have taken place. But both the ‘‘yes’’ and ‘‘no’’ crowd still have every right to have their say.
2. There’s a game to be played between the Crusaders and Waratahs in Sydney. Does it matter?
In terms of gathering Super Rugby points, yes. But that’s about it. It’s just a game of code. There’s bigger things to worry about at the moment.
3. Sonny Bill Williams’ decision to skip the Blues’ game against the Highlanders to assist the Muslim community in Christchurch has been well received by rugby supporters around the land.
Good stuff. At a time like this, personal values matter a great deal more than chasing an oval ball on a quadrant of grass.
4. Another injury for All Blacks blindside flanker Liam Squire, this time a knee problem.
Squire won’t return until around mid-May, which gives him four or five games to help the Highlanders qualify for the finals. And the deadline to make the World Cup squad keeps getting tighter for the big No 6.
5. Will Squire’s misfortune give Jordan Taufua the break he craves?
Had it not been for injury problems in 2018, Taufua, who will join English club Leicester Tigers at the end of the year, would already own an All Blacks’ cap. The Crusaders back rower will be desperate not to be forgotten ahead of World Cup selection.
6. Marty Banks at No 10 for the Highlanders!
Yep, it’s been a while. The last time the welltravelled veteran started in Super Rugby was when the Highlanders met the Crusaders in Christchurch on June 3, 2017.
The home side won, thanks to Mitchell Hunt nailing a drop goal in extra time.
7. Hurricanes have already lost their South African lock Andries Ferreira.
He has returned to the Republic with injury. This is an unwanted distraction for a Hurricanes’ forward pack that has been surprisingly meek this year. It’s not something that will go unnoticed by the Stormers in their pre-game analysis.
8. Jittery Chiefs fans will cling to this flattering statistic ahead of their team’s game against the Bulls in Pretoria.
Opta Sports have confirmed the Chiefs have been undefeated in their last five clashes against the South Africans, accumulating four wins and one draw. Happier days.
9. The Rebels may still be in a daze after the Lions ran them down in bizarre circumstances in Jo’burg last weekend.
Ahead 33-5 early in the second half, the Rebels lost 36-33. The penalty count? 20-1 in favour of the Lions. Referee Egon Seconds absolutely caned the Ockers.
Seconds won’t have the whistle this weekend. He will instead be running the line in Brisbane, where the Reds will host the Brumbies.
10. Bad news for the Lions. Livewire flanker Kwagga Smith is out for around six weeks with a groin injury.
At least he will be spared any halftime blasts from coach Swys de Bruin. Last weekend de Bruin admits he ‘‘lost it’’ when his side trailed 26-5 at halftime. De Bruin clearly didn’t miss.