Rugby World Cup

THE All Blacks were said to have worldclass Nos 10 and 15.

There was also a nearperfect linkup between Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett. And Ben Smith was able to slip through an eye of a needle.

So, one of the world’s best first fives was shuffled to fullback, and Smith dropped out altogether.

Come the playoffs and the Poms, with three of the quickest loosies, target the inside back combinations, preventing spread of the ball.

This effectively cut out the most lethal backline of the tournament.

Jim Childerstone

Hampden

CHRISTINE Bennet (Letters, 30.10.19) has hit the nail right on the head regarding the All Blacks’ ‘‘tragic’’ semifinal loss.

Last year, at my local pub, I had the ‘‘audacity’’ to put my hand up and to say that I’d prefer that the World Cup be spread around instead of New Zealand having a monopoly over it.

As a result, one of my fellow drinkers said that she did not like my attitude.

Maybe Christine Bennet has had a similar experience with other ‘‘adults’’ who, when it comes to rugby, possess the mentality of a 9yearold.

Like her, I am not in deep mourning over this issue. I mourn over serious issues like crime, homelessness and tragic, preventable deaths.

Ashok Panjabi

Mornington

DID you watch the sports news on Sunday night?

It was all about the rugby. Then the motor racing crash. Followed by the women’s netball loss.

And, in the final seconds, it mentioned Alice Robinson, the Queenstown 17yearold, winning the giant slalom at the first world cup event for the year, beating the current world cup champion.

How’s that for priorities?

J. Park

Wakari