KEY POINTS:
Herald columnist Chris Rattue sparked a war of words ahead of the rugby test between the All Blacks and Wales with a column, "Sorry, but Wales are rubbish".
Since then the emails have poured in. Here is a selection. Thank you for contributing.
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Since 1980, the All Blacks have played Wales 12 times. New Zealand has won all 12 tests, by an average of 31 points. Chris Rattue's "humour" may have been a little juvenile, but I'm afraid that when he says Wales are rubbish, their past results against NZ are hard to argue against. And, hey, he was just joking. Given the lack of competition Wales has provided New Zealand over the decades, they should be flattered that anyone can even be bothered to pay any attention to tests between the two countries.
- Jim Roberts
I think Kiwis are letting themselves become infected with the rudeness of Australians, and with the same irrational hatred of their ancestry. The Australians shown on Prime News spitting hatred about English cricketers and supporters are not role models New Zealand. Wake up New Zealand, to the fact that so-called 'sports journalists' can easily destroy the generally positive image that the world holds of you.
- Peter James
From memory we beat Wales by a solitary point last time in Cardiff, and I remember the fright they gave us in Australia before we scored in the last few minutes in 2003.
It is interesting that Wayne Smith referred to the Stephen Jones articles in his comments. That is exactly what I thought when I read the Rattue one. He sounded like that plonker and if not motivation for the Welsh team, it is a nail in the reputation of the AB'S in the minds of Welsh fans. Why do we hate the English so and call them arrogant. Because of Jones and his kind, not their players.
The Welsh will take it out on the team even though they didn't write or say those words. So in one word. Stupid.
- Tony Tapsell
Mr Rattue in his recent column titled "Wales are rubbish" has done nothing more than most British scribes do on a daily basis. And at least he's made his funny and accurate rather than patronising and fictional which is what we get from the British press trying to make another beating at the hands of the AB's palatable to there one eyed readership. In fact the venom unleashed on not only the AB's but NZ as a whole during last year's Grand Slam tour was staggering. Keith Woods wrote in the Telegraph that he had never witnessed such vitriol directed to a touring team.
And as for that Welsh idiot who has cancelled his NZ holiday on the back of a newspaper article, well sport all I can say is it's probably for the best, an overly sensitive chap like you might find NZ a little rugged.
- Brendon Guildford
I feel the article written by Mr Rattue was absolutely hilarious!! Finally the New Zealanders have a good old stab at what the Welsh reporters (Stephen Jones) have been doing for many years. Usually we are very humble and quite a conservative nation. As much as it was a shock to see such an article, it was quite refreshing.... There is no harm in a bit of mouth wrestling, but it does not reflect the country as a whole (Mr Henley). I look forward to watching a very challenging game this weekend, and wish the Welsh team all the best.
All Blacks 15 +
- N Wilson
Get over it. This is the sort of rubbish you expect from Stephen Jones/Gerald Davies OR A MURDOCH tabloid.
- Stephen Rzoska
David-ap Cullinane thinks NZ can't beat the UK's longest place name, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
Sorry David, but the longest place name recognised by the Guinness Book of Records is in NZ: the East Coast town of Taumatawhakatangihangakoauotamateturipukakapikimaungahoro-Nukupokaiwhenua kitanatahu. It translates as the 'place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as land-eater, played his flute to his loved one'.
Also, our indigenous language is more poetic than Welsh!
- Robert Papesch
I think this article is very funny it has Borat written all over it!!!
- Rob Munro
Yes I agree with Chris. If we don't spark-up the Welsh a little, this game could be about as interesting as watching a snail race...
- Dave Chandra in Jakarta, Indonesia
He is normally a very funny and very good writer. I always read his pieces and will continue to do so. However, on this occassion he has lost the plot. I think his article was full of hyperbole and went over the top in an effort to be controversial. But more importantly it was full of rubbish.
- Robin
A bit of a tirade it may have been but of course there was a little grain of truth running through it. As a Kiwi-resident Pom I quite enjoyed it, but then we are more than used to being at the sharp end of opposition-generated vitriole. Everyone likes to stick it to us Poms. Gertcha!
The boys from the valleys haven't lost this one yet and will doubtless give the AB's a harder time than we did, so build a bridge lads... and lift the roof of the Millennium Stadium with every welsh try!
You've an opportunity now to make Chris eat his words and I'm sure he'll have the balls to acknowledge it if you do.
- Craig Holmes
The truth really does hurt doesn't it Wales! I always thought the Poms were a bunch of whining crybabys...now I know they're not the only ones. The man was just stating the facts, your team is bad and ours is great!
Stick to eating leeks.
- Reuben Bathgate
This does not surprise me. I have never encountered a country full of such ignorant xenophobic people - and you let them do it in style in the national newspaper. There is also a bigoted fool officially writing stereotypical and racist claptrap on the All Blacks website as well. Well done New Zealand. You're lovely.
- K O'Sullivan
I was embarrassed to be a New Zealand rugby supporter when I read the rubbish written by Chris and printed by the New Zealand Herald. The Welsh always give it their best shot and do not deserve the sarcastic, demeaning (for him also) comments made by the writer, what on earth has happened to the old NZ spirit of fair play?
- Jan Peart
About time someone In NZ has the guts to be terribly un-PC, I see this article for what it is an opinion although maybe not correct or PC it may not be, it was definately a good read. Its so amazing how people are so easily offened these days and how people can read so much into things. Chris likened the Welsh Rugby team to village idiots not the whole country. It seems funny you northern hemisphere folk label us as cheats all the time get over it have a laugh its all its meant to be.
One thing I must agree with is that there is alot of blah blah bahdi blah blah on here and in the welsh papers response. Yes you may have won the first game and Llanelli or whoever in 1972. But to be honest who really cares, step up and come into the 21st century, make your country proud and create some History by beating the All Blacks at home this weekend. Now that will definately shut Chris up.
The NZ public will be gutted but we'll get over it because that's what grown up people do.
- Dion Hosking
Relax Welsh rugby fans, Stephen Jones has been slagging off the ABs for yeeaaaarrsss. This, of course, can be a two edged sword. Amongst my nearest and dearest Jones has proven to be a very reliable source of amusement (cue hoots of derisive laughter). However we are in fact very grateful to him as rugby, sadly, offers little else in the way of light relief. Perhaps Rattue is best approached in a similar fashion?
- Kelly
I would have to agree that Mr Rattue's comment's were uncalled for and incorrect, but is nothing worse than what we have had to put up with from Stephen Jones.
But I would have to disagree with your comments on the apparent "raping and pillaging" of the pacific island players. I am a NZer of Polynesian descent and consider such comments as disgusting and unwarranted. I was born in the islands and moved to NZ as a 3 year old, and very much consider myself a KIWI. Of course i had no choice in the matter as my parents moved because of work opportunities. I believe that is the case of almost all of the current "Polynesian" All Blacks. We don't come to NZ just to play rugby, but growing up in a rugby mad country we all play it at some time or another, and obviously some of us are better than others. But don't forget that almost all of the current All Blacks all plied their trade and learnt to play rugby in NZ and not in the islands. Just because someone has a Polynesian surname it doesn't mean they are not NZers! I doubt anyone questions Colin Charvis's Welsh-ness just because he has darker skin? Does that mean that Wales will never play anyone that is not Caucasian?? Of course not, but as anybody would know there are many ethnicities that make up many countries, and to try and deny that or assume elsewise is just plain racist. Just another fact for you guys too... 13+ players of the Samoan team at the last World Cup were born in NZ. If that isn't giving back to the islands, then i don't know what is?
- Anthony
I believe that Rattue is making a joke. And a damned good one. The Welsh media needs to harden up and think of a witty comeback rather than geting all indignant. That being said, maybe in future Rattue should be a little less intense.
- Alex Murray
I think that Chris put the whole affair into perspective. The Welsh have a long history in rugby but unfortunately it doesn't include a history of victories over the All Blacks. They have beaten us once and now sing songs about us and want to be our mutually respected friends. Our regularly losing friend that is. In the NZ psyche respect is earnt on the field. Everytime the All Blacks play in the UK the papers have a field day against us playing up their home team chances of victory & our perceived weakness. Funny thing though is that these weaknesses are never exploited & the victories rarely won.
I say put up or shut up. If you want our respect and to fear you then get on the field & do more than just roar. Do some damage. Until then, don't expect us to see you as anything more than the court jesters of rugby who amuse the world with comments about how you have a chance to beat us. Fat chance. You heard it here first. 20 points difference by the end of the game. You should be more offended at losing all the time then by a rarking up by a column in another country before the game is even played.
We get offended at losing & maybe that's why we are normally considered the best in the world. Something to think about Wales. Mind you, you could always put out a contract on Mr.Rattue & bludgeon him to death with a hand full of razor sharp leeks....What a way to go.....
- Greg Somers
Chris Rattue, pull your head in mate, Wale's are a proud rugby nation that should be forwarded the respect they deserve. Kiwi's passion for rugby is mirrored in intensity by only the Welsh people so comments such as the ones you made in your column were always going to invoke feelings of anger and dismay. The All Blacks already have the crushing weight of public expectation on their shoulders, do they really need comments such as yours adding fuel to the fire in the bellies of the red dragon's as well?
As for the comments from the welsh reader regarding the influence of Polynesian players on the All Blacks, these players are brought through the New Zealand system, this system allows players with outstanding natural physical attributes to realise their full potential, I think the success of the All Blacks over the past 100 or so years is a direct product of this system and not the cultural make up of the side. Wales over the years have also benefited from this system (Shane Howarth and Sonny Parker to name a few), perhaps you should pull your head in as well.
- JK
In his schoolboy ramblings he (Chris Rattue)has cheapened the name of New Zealand. I hope the Welsh readers realise that a small man with a limited knowledge of NZ culture, rugby and sport in general is not an ambassador for NZ.
His racialist views are part of a small sick underbelly of our country and I cannot believe that the NZ Herald prints such openly racist views.
This gutter journalism is best left in the corridors of all male neo-fascist societies that have plagued our history for too long.
- Tui
I was disappointed initially with Chris Rattue's article as it implied the possibility that most kiwis were arrogant and boastful. This is not the case and is not in the spirit of a true all black supporter. We acknowledge international praise and admiration for a rugby team that to a degree gives self esteem to an entire nation. We feel the pain of insult that the welsh supporters are experiencing as we have failed to win the world cup for almost 20 years and are often mocked by our closest neighbours. It hurts. So I would like to personally apologise for the hurt caused to the people of Wales. We hope that you can forgive us for an atrocious attack on your proud team and its supporters.
- James
I totally agree with what Chris Rattee said. And lets be frank. The French were pretty bad as well along with the English. Seems to me we should not have bothered going. Also we could change the tri-nations so we only play SA in SA as they never win over here. Aussie arn't playing that well either so lets leave them out if next years tri-nations. Also why not save lots of money on the World Cup and just invite the top 5 or 6 teams as lets be frank, no one else has a chance. (We might only need a small stadium then).
- Danny Hallen
As a kiwi living in Ireland for nearly five years, I have begun to understand the Celtic Physce.
They are a proud people who are easily offended and can percieve us as a wee bit arrogant; not as bad as the poms of course! Chris I suspect was "tongue in cheek", but he may be doing New Zealand no favours in the pro era when teams are getting closer and they have fire in the dragons belly.
It can be a lonely experience going to a rugby pub, especially in Ireland, and the locals are rooting for France and not the AB's.Lets not get too arrogant eh!
I have to work over this side for a while longer and Kiwis are generally well liked.
- Michael Dawson
Chris Rattue is dead right, if a little blunt. It's typical of Northern hemisphere folk (bar the French) to rant and rave, and generally spout drivel-in a pathetic attempt to divert attention away from impending and shameful defeat. Perhaps Rattue's article will help understand how nobody this side of the equator is the slightest bit fooled by their pitiful whining, whinging, whimpering, bluff, bluster and sundry errant nonsense.
Shut up and take it like real men. Or beat us. On the field.
- J Fleming
I am amazed at all the crying by the Welsh. Perhaps they should take a close look at Stephen Jones' one eyed and often insulting articles regularly published in NZ newspapers. As a Kiwi I read his views as a form of entertainment ( and I dear say the rest of NZ does as well) but yet we have enough humour and character as a nation to take them for what they are. Quite possibly the Welsh take themselves far to seriously and should remember about the children's story of the pot calling the kettle black. Seriously, NZ loves to play Wales and we have a great respect for you as a people and your rugby team. Best of luck on Saturday and we'll see who wins
- Mark Boot,h U.S.A
I found Mr Rattue's article confrontational, rude and funny as hell. It is the perfect response to the anti-All Blacks swill we have been served up by Stephen Jones (and to a lesser extent Gerald Davies, whose writings on kapa o pango are exceedingly shrill).
- David Geraghty
Chris Rattue's article seems so out of keeping with the Kiwi friends I made when I lived in New Zealand. It also strikes me as being out of sorts for the Herald - is this really the kind of tabloid tripe you want in your paper?
- Dr Chris Bidder, Wales
Chris Rattue, like Stephen Jones writes garbage that helps to sell newspapers. The Welsh should do what most New Zealanders do with Stephen Jones articles..... never read them !
- Neil Fleury
I read the article with some interest and immediately thought that it wouldn't surprise if it caused an uproar. The views of Rattue are certainly forthright and perhaps presented in that way to deliberately spark a response. If so it has certainly achieved the desired result. I respect the Welsh culture and nation particularly because we have many similarities including rugby as the number one sport, similar populations (I think), love to beat England and other things. To the Welsh people I say this is only the opinion of one kiwi most look at it differently, don't take it to heart. In terms of the rugby we do have fine tradition. We was robbed in 1905 in the infamous disallowed try of Bob Deans; the brilliant attacking genius of the Welsh sides through the 60's and 70's; defeat by Llanelli a great club; the Pontypool front row; the Andy Haden incident and others through the years. Yes we have dominated, unbeaten since 1953 but we have been pushed close on a number of! occassions since then. I hope the tradition continues to build over the years which I am sure it will and records are meant to be broken so it must be time for Wales to beat us and good luck to them!
- James Biddle
It is only in Wales where the crowd goes mad and trigger the Mexican wave when someone throws the ball into the lineout or kicks to touch. The talent is there for all to watch. Passing the ball around like a hot potato and running sideways is what is being described as skill in that part of the world. And for years now, the only win Wales have over the All Blacks is the singing from the terraces and the lips of their commentators. Good on you Chris.
- Olento, Pakuranga
It seems to me that the article was clearly a dig at Stephen Jones. Accordingly, I am very much looking forward to reading his response and probably falling off my chair laughing at it!
- Mike Mireland
I must say I have never been able to figure out why Chris Rattue is employed by a newspaper, given his dreadful, turgid style and the general intellectual poverty of his opinions. Having said that, I would take issue with some of the indignant bleating coming out of Wales. Certainly Rattue could have toned down the invective as it was appallingly heavy-handed and clearly aimed at grabbing a cheap laugh, but the substance of his claims (ie that Wales have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953 and that they mythologise their losses hugely) in this case is pretty much fact. Much as a thousand monkeys working for a thousand years might write the works of Shakespeare, I think Rattue finally hit upon something sadly lacking in his usual drivel: a fact.
And to those accusing him of racism, could I ask when exactly the Welsh became a race? They are a sub-group of an ethnological group (the Celtic peoples) which are in turn a sub-group of a race. Lighten up folks and take it for what it is: a cheap attempt at sensationalising the truth by someone who never played the game at a serious level. By the way, I'm not Welsh or Kiwi, just a dispassionate observer.
- Don Kavanagh
The Welsh haven't done anything to deserve this kind of insulting garbage but they do deserve an apology, the sooner the better. They would never treat the ABs like this - and it's not as if all NZ teams have such a good sporting record either.
- Deborah Mills
My wife and I live here in 'Rubbish Wales'. We were going to spend a month in your country next year, contributing to your economy with our hard earned cash. Following the publication of Mr Rattue's bigoted views in our local paper 'The Western Mail' we have decided that we would rather spend our time and money somewhere more deserving and to that end we will be visiting India instead. Perhaps the aforementioned journo should consider transferring to your tourism section - he may be able to kill your much needed tourist economy stone dead. We are a nation with a long and proud history and culture (something we have in common with India) and do not suffer fools gladly, speaking of which, please pass on our thoughts to Mr Rattue.
- Rob Henley
It's all about respect - a word we shouldn't take lightly. It's one thing to critically analyse an opposition team and give opinions on its weaknesses. But its uncalled for and unpatriotic to insult an opposition team and its proud history in a needless way that can in turn only cost New Zealand respect. Especially, when the opposition represent a nation who are kind enough to be presently hosting the All Blacks. The All Blacks are ambassadors for New Zealand and we expect them to behave respectfully. Why shouldn't people in the press and other positions where their opinions will be listened to, not also be expected to be respectful to the feelings of others?
- Paul Sinclair
Amazing how short Chris' memory is considering Wales came within a hair of winning in 2004 and it sad that he feels the need to put the boot into a team that should at the least be respected. That said the Welsh media could use a thicker skin and harden up!
- Unklefesta
I applaud Chris Rattue's sense of humour. He has obviously written this article to have a bit of a dig at Stephen Jones who usually writes this sort of clap-trap in Britain deriding all things "All Black". Please, take it for what it obviously is, a joke, have a laugh and lets start taking life a little less seriously.
- Paul Boss
This is typical of the arrogance shown by NZ media and commentators. Pride comes before a fall and I'm picking that the All Blacks will not win the next World Cup because of this unacceptable behaviour. In my opinion there is not an awful lot at stake in these one-off tests.
- Dave Klopper
I concur with Mr Rattue's recent article.
- Tony Kirschberg
I think the column on Welsh rugby was inexplicably rude, elitist and completely unnecessary. The Welsh are a hospitable, passionate, warm people who don't deserve the snide and arrogant sentiments expressed in this article.
- Moira
Honestly I read the article and was embarrassed. We discuss constantly the fact that other countries, especially Aussie, don't show us enough respect. If any of them had written something so stupid about a NZ team we would be furious. I just hope that Welsh people realise that this moron is the exception and not the norm in NZ.
- Ryan Rose
Although I feel Chris Rattue's article was "tongue in cheek" it certainly had an arrogance and lack of humility and manners about it. A mode of behaviour normally reserved for our antipodean cousins. To deride any passionate rugby nation like that and call any international team "the village idiots" seems to me to be a going a little too far and I am sure it wouldn't sit comfortably with most Kiwi sports fans. I for one felt it rude to be represented like that by one individual being paid to write for a living and increase circulation. I always enjoy Welsh games against the AB's and the last couple of games have been very combative and entertaining. Having said all this, maybe Chris Rattue has just done a refresher course at the Stephen Jones school of journalism because New Zealanders have had to put up with this type of claptrap for years from the so called expert rugby writer from the northern hemisphere. So, to all you Welsh supporters out there, Chris Rattue is only one man, Kiwis dont think like that. Our history goes too far back to have that little respect for Wales as a passionate rugby nation. Enjoy the game, I hope you lose, I hope its a close loss and congratulations!....you, like us, now have your very own professional sports writer to loathe and despise along the rollercoaster ride of supporting your team. Hey! I'm an Otago supporter, I know all about the words almost if and bugger!
- Peter Curno
I have just read the article that Chris Rattue wrote about Wales and the people of Wales. I have always admired the New Zealand people as their culture is very similar to Wales but I was disgusted at this article. He maybe correct that Wales have not been a force in Rugby union for many years but during the last few years they have made progress in winning a Grand Slam but the following season struggled with injuries and they did not have the depth of players New Zealnd have. I won't slag off the New Zealand people because I am a proud Welshman from Milfor Haven who loves the sport of rugby and you are the same and will follow your team no matter how they play. I wish to point out that the All Blacks and Australia have exploited the use of South Sea islanders over the years, the last game at Cardiff last year the All Blacks included 5 players who were born in those islands and qualified on residency, if they stop the 3 year residency rule I think Australia and New Zealand will miss those players and the likes of Tonga, Fiji and Samoa will be stronger to challenge the rest of the world.
- Terry Page
In reference to "the article"...I would prefer to revel in the occasional heroic victory and cling to it than to go into every game expecting to win! You will never understand the ecstasy of watching something unfold that is so apocalyptically orgasmic to win against all odds... because the odds are always with you ...this I'm afraid is your eternal fate as a kiwi. If one of your countrymen (Xavier Rush who has graced our country with his skills and conduct on and off the field) goes on record to say that he is embarrassed by your article then I think it is time to sit up and take note.
- Stuart Davies
Get over yourselves Wales, Stephen Jones has been slagging us off for years and you don't see us crying, also to all those saying we steal Pacific Island players, every single one of those guys moved here or grew up here well before the All Blacks had even heard of them. I don't like Rattue but he is right about one thing, your team is rubbish,, you haven't beaten us in 53 years so why would we think you are a good team, you got all excited about beating Canada,, that says it all!!
- John Mahler
Your recent article by Chris was a mish-mash of inept sports journalism and a unprovoked attack on Welsh rugby. While this is a opinion piece, and many a ignorant opinion piece is written by many papers, both here and in Wales (Stephen Jones I'm talking about you), I think many claims by Chris were just plain wrong. Wales are no longer the pushovers they once were. If this article was written 5+ years ago, Chris might have a point (sports wise). Now with Welsh resurgence, this no longer applies. In fact the Welsh game will almost definitely be the best of the tour, especially compared to the pathetic French and English offerings. With Wales coming close to beating us last year, Chris should be warning us of a near defeat, and profiling Wales players who could help this happen. Instead he takes the ignorant, and practically patented English journalistic step of disrespecting a whole nation's rugby history, performance and culture to get attention. Lazy poor journalism, unhelpful.
- Peter Lockwood
Let's face facts here. The column is stated as being an opinion column. It's the opinion of one man, not an entire country, the Herald newspaper has given Chris Rattue this column so he can give his opinion and anyone who reads it can take it or leave it. But what is a column worth if no-one reacts to it?? What is the point if you can't spark debate from one point of view?? It obviously worked because half of Wales (and NZ) is up in arms over it and the Herald is reaping the advertising... Does it matter that Chris Rattue's column was a load of drivel from someone who pronounced himself rather than proved himself as worthy of speaking on the subject?? That doesn't matter at all. What matters is that on Sunday morning our time, Our all Blacks take on the Welsh and the event and the outcome should and will be our talking point not some average opinion column written by someone no one really cares about ...
- Bazz
Chris Rattue was rude, obnoxious and ungracious about the Welsh hosts, and way out of line. I'll cheer for the All Blacks, naturally. But I'll feel less pleasure than I would otherwise when Rattue is proven right. Somehow, the game has lost something." Pride goeth before Destruction, and Haughty Looks before a Fall" as Mum used to say. The All Blacks have been "there" before: let's hope never again.
- Andy Cawston
Chris Rattue's piece on Welsh Rugby and their Rugby Heritage is the normal piece of turgid garbage he usually serves up. Why the Herald even prints his garbage is beyond me. The Welsh have a fine rugby heritage and deserve better than the treatment that Rattue has given them. Play the ball not the man.
- Bevan Richardson
Chris Rattue is right about the rugby wrong about the people of Wales. Wales are no where near the same level as the All Blacks can Wales field two complete different teams and beat the Boks and Aus consecutively? So Wales beat Canada good for Wales but when was the last time wales beat the ABs more than 40 years ago! Get real Wales you are not going to beat the ABs on just pride and passion alone. The Welsh had one of the best teams in the 70's but that is in the past I would like to see that again but that is not going to happen, you talk a good game Wales but that's all that ever happens talk you can beat the Wallabies once but then lose to Samoa the ABS don't do that. You call the ABs cheats and that we use islanders in the team but how many times has Wales used non Welsh players Hemi Taylor and Sonny Parker spring to mind, Sorry Wales but the truth hurts and the All Blacks are going to win.
- Cam
Probably, more importantly how could the NZ Herald could run such a story. Ill conceived, ill timed and bad mannered, and in my mind reflects poorly on the New Zealand public as a whole. Shame on you.
- B Wade
I tell you what would be very interesting Chris. If we Welsh too, could field a few Polynesian, say about 70 per cent like you Kiwis do. Just one or two Maori, Figian, a few Samoans, the Tongans too. And just to make it really interesting a couple of Niueans and Rarotongans. I can just imagine it now, "Wales once again World Champions." Or another scenario Chris. If you didn't have the above personnel, I doubt if you lot could beat: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch RFC. So, Get off the Grass Chris! Get a life, and stop thinking small island and think more Global.
By the way Chris, when are you going to learn the Haka?
- David-ap Cullinane, South Wales
First things first sunshine, who the hell does he think he is?? How arrogant, insulting, mindless and pathetic can one journalist be? I've read articles over here that were written by English journalists and they are no where near as racial and discriminating as this plank, who thinks he knows everything about everything!
As the Editor, I would have thought it would be your job to bypass any articles written by such idiots and make sure that what is written isn't racial!! If we went on about Jonah Lomu with such a tone, there would be hell to pay! There would be ructions all across NZ as he is someone that you guys are proud of! We wouldn't do such a thing as this country isn't full of pig-headed amateur writers who have a lot to learn about what can and cant be written. There's the 'shock factor' which is fine - but then there's racial banter! Completely different! It would seem this isn't the first time one of your journalists has been discriminating towards other cultures!!
I expect a letter of apology immediately, and if I haven't received one by the midnight 23.11.06, you mark my words, this will snowball into something you guys can't control!!
- Kat Roberts
I have just had the misfortune of reading the article by Chris Rattue entitled 'Sorry, but Wales are rubbish'. I have never read anything so offensive and small minded, and I cannot believe that you have printed this trash. I am a Welsh rugby supporter living in Cardiff in Wales, and like all Welsh rugby supporters I have been looking forward to the game on Saturday. Not only to see my country playing a sport I love at a time where we are in the process of establishing ourselves again as a key player on the international stage - but to watch a class act like the All Blacks play. After reading the nonsense that your reporter has written all I can say is that I truly hope that Wales beat the All Blacks on Saturday so Chris Rattue will have to eat his words. However even if we lose, we will accept defeat with dign
