Editorial: Enjoy, and let others enjoy too

I can't really understand why the International Rugby Board has such a title.

For when it is abbreviated, it sits comfortably close to organisations which bear the titles IRA and IRD - both of which have the potential to cause shudders among the respective communities they inhabit.

But then again, maybe I do understand, given the haughty pomposity and apparent detachment from grassroots reality which the IRB has displayed.

But I won't go there, although I shall remain in Worldcupville for the moment as the biggest show in town is about to be ignited.

The large screens are in place. Extra chairs will have been sourced. Phones will be taken off hooks. The half-time snack of cheerios will be simmering on the stove awaiting the sauce. Refreshments will be accounted for. Final bets placed. Final insults exchanged. The "Piri Weepu is God" T-shirts will be washed and ironed. All is ready ... I just hope the French are.

Tomorrow will be a big night. A much anticipated night. Especially for John Key who, according to the absurd rantings from some over-excited environmentalists, single-handedly sank a container ship off Tauranga.

But all will be forgotten and forgiven late tomorrow evening when (I should say "if" but I'm a realistic and patriotic New Zealander) Richie McCaw holds whichever of the three cups doing the rounds aloft in triumph.

Among the proud onlookers will be Mr Key, and quite rightly too. If I had a free ticket I'd be there as well.

National will, accordingly, bolt in on election day.

Along with my hopes for a successful result which will spark national pride in the wake of what seems like disaster after disaster, I hope the evening goes peacefully and sensibly across the Bay.

Because I would like everyone who wants to watch the final showdown to get that opportunity.

Because we don't all have the luxury of viewing this as the perfect way to spend a Sunday night.

There are agencies out there who are on call, on duty.

Yes, they may have access to a television screen but if the alarms sound, if the call for help comes in, then that screen is left behind as they respond.

The police, the fire services, land, sea and air emergency teams, health workers, power crews, road crews ... everyone involved in critical response jobs ... I hope there is an 80-minute window of common sense across the entire nation which allows these often unrecognised crews to be part of the audience.

The All Blacks are a great team ... but there's plenty of other great teams out there that also deserve accolades, and the greatest accolade would be for them to enjoy this great game, unhindered, along with the rest of us.

To one and all ... have a great night, and please behave.