The Blues celebrate winning the 2021 Super Rugby Transtasman final. Photo / Photosport
The Blues celebrate winning the 2021 Super Rugby Transtasman final. Photo / Photosport
OPINION:
Sport's latest winners and losers, including the rugby rivalry which could (please) change our sporting landscape.
WINNERS: Rugby, maybe, particularly in Auckland
The release of the Super Rugby Pacific draw this week was a reminder of the new era approaching, one in which an Australasian formula offersso much hope.
Super Rugby can establish a new and favourable identity, and make a much-needed comeback.
The game, indeed New Zealand sport, really needs it to get back somewhere close to the glory days.
For the first time in a long time, I can't wait for the new season to unfold. It has a fresh and optimistic feel.
New Zealand had to cut its ties with South Africa. The Japanese and Argentinian teams were an uninteresting drain.
The time zone issue was insurmountable, with too many games played in the wee hours. The South African teams had lost their identities in this part of the world. The whole shebang was a bore.
In its hour of need, rugby has nicked more ideas off trendsetting rugby league. And the Melbourne Super Round is a great idea.
Here's the biggie for my money.
Moana Pasifika during the cultural challenge before the clash against the Māori All Blacks last year. Photo / Photosport
There is the chance of a rip-roaring cross-town rivalry developing between the new Moana Pasifika team and the Blues. It's an aspect of New Zealand sport which has little chance to occur because of our relatively sparse population. We're generally a one-town, one-team operation.
A real local derby has enormous potential though, and I hope the two teams go at it hammer and tongs both on and off the field. Imagine turning up at a stadium where there are a significant number of rival fans. Revolutionary.
What we don't need is the bog-standard boring "we're all mates in rugby" rubbish. Remember the old Auckland-North Harbour battles?
LOSERS: Moana Pasifika, probably
I still fear for the Moana Pasifika team though. They will struggle to get quality players across the board, and are starting way behind the eight ball against well-established franchises.
And you can bet your boots NZ Rugby won't allow them to do anything which might adversely affect the All Blacks. Heavy initial defeats would be a disaster.
Would love to be wrong on this one, and all the best to the Pasifika franchise.
The All Blacks perform the haka in front of a packed Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo / Photosport
For all of its issues (see one below), the game works magnificently on the big stage where every little scrum push or knock on or – dare we stay it – refereeing decision counts. Those wonderful European stadiums full of vibrant crowds certainly help.
The game has so many facets, so much range, so many points of drama, is so physically taxing.
The trench warfare can grip you for 80 minutes – or is that two hours counting all the stoppages?
The Ireland-All Black test was another stunner.
Unfortunately, rugby has collapsed below the highest test levels in this part of the world because it hasn't been nurtured and treasured in its own right.
But there isn't a better international sport for constant tension and high drama.
LOSERS: Rugby fans
The interference by TMOs (television match official) is a major problem. It not only stops the flow, but it isn't clear to the punters where the TMO's jurisdiction lies. The TMO's role is confusing, irritating and can leave the feeling that a great injustice has been committed.
WINNER: Kane Williamson
A genius T20 World Cup cricket final innings to add to the already impressive CV.
LOSER: T20 World Cup ... I'd scrap it
Dejected Black Caps players after losing the T20 World Cup final to Australia. Photo / Photosport
Sorry, this format of the game just doesn't do it for me. I didn't really care if we won or lost the final against Australia.
A sport can't have two World Cups, and the real cricket one involves the 50-over format, which is enjoying a resurgence and still enables proper tactics to evolve.
T20 cricket is hit and giggle. The chasing team also appears to have too many advantages, and have won five of the six World Cup finals.
In other words, T20 cricket is too much of a lottery to deserve World Cup status.
This sham World Cup generated very little excitement – compare it to the 50 over drama two years ago and you get the picture.
LOSERS: Our cricketers in the transtasman rivalry
There's no getting around it. While the rise of New Zealand cricket is absolutely incredible, the Aussies have still got a hold over the Black Caps – when it counts most – in all formats.
WINNERS: New Zealand golfers
Steven Alker followed up his maiden champions tour victory with a second place finish at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship this week. Photo / Getty
Ryan Fox and Danny Lee shaped as Kiwi golf headline acts for 2021. Instead, it's Lydia Ko and Steven Alker who have taken the spotlight.
Ko's comeback from a form slump is fantastic. She looks to have created a new foundation from which to launch a second wave of success. Hard to believe considering all the success and money won already, but she is still only 24.
Alker's rise from forgotten journeyman to a major force on the big-name PGA seniors tour is among the most staggering things in New Zealand sport for some time.
Alker would love to win a seniors major and particularly the British Open because he loves links golf and his wife Tanya is English.
And there must be every chance that Alker, the player to push Phil Mickelson hardest in the last 2021 tournament, will put himself firmly in the frame for one of the five senior major titles.
At the tender age of 64, the German has won the overall seniors PGA tour title a sixth time. His dedication and preparation are legendary.
I could have done without his excessive God-praising speech after the final tournament in Arizona though.
Sportspeople should leave religion where it belongs, in their private lives. As a sports watcher who is a confirmed atheist, I get sick of having the freebie religious adverts jammed down my throat.
