The obvious is not always that obvious

The obvious in sport is not always that obvious, but rather contradictory, by the looks of it. The first round of New Zealand’s Aotearoa competition brought delight to Kiwi fans, but also to those in South Africa who are starting to see the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel.

Finally there has been some live rugby action, with the Highlanders edging the Chiefs 28-27 and the Blues outplaying the Hurricanes 30-20 last week.

But some new divides were created, especially in the first game, while the second saw two of the greatest players in world rugby – Dan Carter and Tana Umaga – sitting next to one another as waterboys for the Blues.

What was funny about this game was that Canes captain Dane Coles wrapped Blues fullback and former teammate Beauden Barrett in his circle of celebration after he scored an early try.

It was, of course, no sign that Coles had forgotten that Barrett was no longer a Canes teammate. It was merely a joke, and Barrett had the last laugh even after falling victim to a late tackle from Coles later in the game.

Earlier, in the first match of the newly launched series, it was a case of replacement Highlanders flyhalf Bryn Gatland getting one over his father Warren, who was coaching the opposition.

Rugby can sometimes be a cruel game, and it was Gatland jnr who sealed the win with a late drop goal in the closing stages of the game.

Gatland snr said the loss was tough to absorb, but revealed that his son Bryn had predicted he would score the winning drop-goal when they had dinner together on the Thursday before the match.

More action is to follow this weekend, with the Chiefs hosting the Blues today and the Hurricanes playing at home to tournament favourites the Crusaders, who enjoyed a bye in the opening round.

And though it will again be great to see some live rugby, where does this leave local fans as the lockdown continues to haunt SA citizens?

World Rugby has announced that a decision could be made on the international calendar by 30 June, which would indicate when and where the Springboks will be in action again.

Like a local fan’s banner read this week: “Rugby is not back until the world champions play again”.

While that banner wouldn’t have gone down well with Kiwi supporters, the reality is that we will probably have to wait until August to see local action again.