Night tests growing on the supporters

Grumbles over the scheduling of midwinter tests are almost as common as talk about the weather, but it seems the masses may be starting to swing in behind the idea.

You've all heard it many times: "How can anyone expect decent rugby to be played in the dead of night, in the middle of winter, and in the South Island of all places?"

The New Zealand Rugby Union has been swift to lay the blame where it always belongs - on the Poms. To maintain the professional game, the NZRFU require as much cash as possible from each match, and the deepest pockets belong to the British broadcasters with their massive audiences.

All Lions matches were brought forward to 7.10pm, if only so the tourists could make their flights, but we should remember the All Blacks played only one daytime test last year and got hammered 40-26 by the Boks.

Even so, an informal Weekend Herald poll on Queen St found wide-ranging opinions on the issue. If there is any conclusion to be made, it's that opposition to night rugby is related to the number of wrinkles on the person discussing the issue.

Take Jonathon Phillips, a fairly sprightly 46-year-old, who adamantly believed night rugby wasn't as good as games back in the old days.

"When they played tests in the afternoon, they seemed like more of an occasion, and the rugby was better, it was so much better. It seems now that it's more important that people in Europe can watch them over breakfast than what the players and public here want. The diehards are pissed off about it."

In contrast, 20-something Michelle Scott wouldn't have a bar of any return to 2.30pm kickoffs. She concluded night games provided a nice focus for social activities and meant you didn't end up drinking so early.

"Yeah, so I'm happy to see it stay the way it is, definitely."

 

Jeremiah Love took the middle ground. He deduced the timing and conditions for a match were irrelevant because "rugby's rugby and both teams have to do what they can in the conditions they end up with". 

Night rugby might pay the bills, but it has also ended a grand old tradition of the game, said former Herald rugby scribe DJ Cameron.

"The players used to be able to relax after a game, have a few beers and meet the opposition. Now they might not finish until 9.30pm, and then there are warm-downs and debriefs. Next thing it's 11.30pm and it's a bit late to do anything, so that social aspect has gone. It's all about money now and for the players a test is just another day at the office."

Radio host Murray Deaker saw the issue as a Hobson's choice dilemma.

"Obviously afternoon football would be better because the conditions are more conducive to good play, but we live in a professional era and the money is paid by broadcasting rights, so we've either got to look after the broadcasters or stop paying the players, it's as simple as that."