Marc Hinton: Rugby the winner on historic occasion
Rugby is back. Our stadiums are open and bulging at the seams. Normality is now a giant stride closer to becoming a reality – in Aotearoa, at the very least.
Last night’s thrilling 28-27 Super Rugby Aotearoa victory by the Highlanders over the Chiefs in front of 20,000 exultant fans under the roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin was historic, not to mention meteoric, on a number of levels. And that’s not factoring in that two dropped goals in the final three minutes saw this splendid contest swing one way and then the other.
It was, of course, the first professional rugby match to follow the Covid-19 global sporting shutdown, achieved because New Zealand’s team of 5 million succeeded where so many have failed in obliterating this deadly virus. Super Rugby Aotearoa – this hybrid New Zealand-only franchise competition – is up and running, and the entire rugby world is watching with a mixture of admiration and envy.
The last time a Kiwi Super Rugby team took the field was March 14. Three long, testing, daunting months later, they are back doing what they do best. That alone is something to savour.
But more than a rugby first, this was world sport history. Not only was this top-level footy back in action, but the stands were full of fans. Nowhere else on the planet has that been possible. Some places are close, but for many, many more that prospect seems a long way off indeed. Think about that New Zealand and, while retaining your trademark humility, give yourself a metaphorical pat on the back.
What a cheering sight it was, too, to see those stands teeming with fans, the infamous ‘Zoo’ at the city end full of students enjoying this scarfie rite of passage in Dunedin as they should – packed in and partying up with inhibitions at a minimum. At a time when we’ve been implored to keep our distance, to stay away from our fellow Kiwis, the sight of 20,000 rugby people sitting or standing shoulder-to-shoulder enjoying a free-flowing game of footy was enough to bring a tear to the eye.
Look, let’s be real here. Covid19 rages on around the world, and the battle is far from over. Even here in New Zealand, where we’ve gone 22 days now without someone testing positive, we can’t let our guard down. We must stay vigilant and safe and healthy.
And the fight has not come without a cost. The economy has been broadsided by the shutdown and so many of our businesses have been severely affected. The tourism industry is reeling, so too the hospitality, travel and retail sectors. So many are doing it tough. And no easy solutions are in sight while the virus rages and a vaccine remains still a distant reality.
But life must go on. In New Zealand we must survive for now at least within our own national bubble. Maybe soon we might be able to open that up to include Australia and the Pacific Islands.
One step at a time. One day at a time.
For now that progress involves enjoying these strides back to normality. Heading to the footy in your numbers is a big one. Turning on your TV and being entertained by top-level sport being played in a genuine atmosphere is another.
Last night we got two New Zealand teams shaking off the rust, searching for the fluency and entertaining the heck out of us with their desire to give things a rip.
The Highlanders pack was impressive, led by a powerhouse display from No 8 Marino Mikaele Tu’u, though their overall discipline left a little to be desired. Halfback Aaron Smith showed his class with his sniping and there were some nice touches in the home midfield.
The Chiefs had their wobbles up front, but Naitoa Ah Kuoi was a bright light and Sean Wainui and Damian McKenzie attacked with all their skill and veracity.
In the end we got a thrilling finish. The Chiefs grabbed the lead late with a McKenzie dropped goal, then Bryn Gatland stepped up and nailed a droppie of his own from nearly 40 metres to deny his father a victory coaching the visitors. History. And some not bad footy to boot.
The Highlanders pack was impressive, led by a powerhouse display from No 8 Marino Mikaele Tu’u.