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There was an odd moment in New Zealand last week when three sporting World Cups were in our country at once. The oddest being the Football World Cup which, I don’t think is too negative in saying, will never make a semi-permanent stop here. Now, I’m not a football kind of guy, but it was amazing to see not only the public’s reaction to the multi-million dollar trophy, but the All Whites players too. Leo Bertos was like a Catholic in the presence of Jesus. He really, really wanted to touch the trophy… but unfortunately, with only those who win it able to hold it, that’s as close as he’ll get. It’s always fun to believe in a dream though, and I’ll be cheering the house down come next month in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the Rugby World Cup was sitting in a train station in Wellington, enjoying a more low-key day than its round ball cousin up in Auckland, but in sincerity, it’s the cup we care most about. The odds that came out last week were interesting: having the All Blacks as hot favourites ahead of the Wallabies and then Springboks. A lot can happen in 18 months, and I agree we should be favourites based on home advantage, but I’m starting to feel more and more shaky… hmmm, I’ll reserve judgement until the Tri Nations.
And thirdly, the Rugby League World Cup was sitting all alone at the game’s headquarters in South Auckland, won by a team that was written-off before the final and now the selectors have named an 18-man squad that’s also being given no chance of winning Friday night’s ANZAC test against the Kangaroos. The Kiwis are well down on forward experience and size, but what we do have is three playmakers in great form in Benji Marshall, Kieran Foran, and Isaac Luke and plenty of heart. If we can bring it to the Aussies in the first twenty minutes, then tire them out with quick play the balls and Luke darting out of dummy half, we could be a shot. If sport’s taught us anything, it’s that anything can and will happen.
Isaac Luke – you da man!
Finally, the Black Caps are in search of their first ever World Cup at the T20 tournament in the Caribbean. If our boys all fire, there’s no reason why the cricket World Cup won’t be making a trip back to NZ.
- John Day