Letters: The All Blacks have been spoilt by success over an epoch
An Aussie view on Razor
I offer a perspective from across the Ditch as your transtasman cousin, in the hope of easing the angst surrounding the All Blacks’ coaching upheaval, including the sacking of Scott “Razor” Robertson.
New Zealand’s rugby heritage – 120 years of near-unmatched excellence – has long inspired the trio of admiration, envy and fear among Australians.
The All Blacks have been spoiled by success over an epoch – two decades of Bledisloe Cup dominance and unbelievable records, such as Scotland never defeating them in test rugby. Yet what truly sets the ABs apart is not winning, but how they lose.
As a Wallabies supporter in my youth, I admired their flair; I was moved even more deeply to respect the All Blacks’ humility and grace in that rare (if ever) defeat, not publicly blaming referees or opponents for setbacks.
Coaching staff will change with expulsions and forced endings like that a week ago, but the ABs’ respectful culture will endure.
Be assured: the All Blacks’ gentlemanly respect for opponents and refusal to seek excuses has defined them (to me at least) for more than a century – and will remain unsullied, despite recent turmoil insinuating player revolt and agitations for change of coaching management.
Joseph Ting, Brisbane.
Razor released
The recent sacking of Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach does not address a few elephants in the room.
Firstly, many young sportsmen no longer see an All Blacks jersey as their sole sporting ambition.
In fact, many see rugby league as a better option. Then there is the issue of head knocks becoming even more dangerous than they were as the size of players has increased over the years. Why choose rugby when brain damage could ruin you later in life?
Rugby club membership is in decline with some clubs having to amalgamate. There is also the issue of New Zealand Rugby only giving experienced All Blacks players the opportunity to play overseas and closing the door for selection on those who are less experienced but could have turned out to be good All Blacks material.
Conversely, overseas experience as a potential All Blacks coach seems almost a prerequisite for that job. This in itself is hypocritical. Firing a coach will not fully address the issue of the All Blacks’ decline.
Bernard Walker, Mount Maunganui.
More Trump tariffs
The schoolyard bully has grown another leg.
President Donald Trump is now threatening additional tariffs on nations who disagree with his plans for Greenland.
There is nothing strategic about all this. It is merely an example of a spoiled brat determined to get his own way.
Phil Chitty, Albany.
Food scrap bins
I agree with Saturday’s letter on the lack of use of food scrap bins.
In our street leading down to the beach, there are about 60 homes, and on collection day, I hardly see more than four bins. For those that do not use them, like myself (the worm farm eats most of my scraps and my dog enjoys some leftovers also), the said bin is used as a non-waterproof but useful peg box.
Auckland Council, save money by abandoning that collection.
Two rubbish bins for separated use are excellent and well used.
Lynne Lagan, Takapuna.
Country Calendar
Country Calendar deservedly gets a two-page spread in the Weekend Herald, marking its 60th anniversary as a widely admired TV programme that depicts real Kiwis doing real things.
Don’t miss your dose of rural reality,
Tune in on Sunday night to live TV,
To remote parts of the country you will be taken,
To the achievements of real Kiwis you will awaken.
Country Calendar has been going for 60 years,
To rural endeavours the programme endears,
Whether it’s sheep, cattle, grapes or nuts,
You’ll be hugely impressed – no ifs or buts.
Country scenes and folk the camera deftly captures,
Which has a large devoted viewership in raptures,
It is a privilege to watch whatever your reason,
To learn how all work must wait for its season.
Quirky catchy music heralds each episode,
Taking you down some remote country road,
Participants are real – no makeup or hair coiffe,
Throughout you know you’re watching real stuff.
Invariably showing achievement, guts and imagination,
For six decades, Country Calendar has made us proud as a nation,
(On reflection though it seems somewhat of a pity,
There’s no matching programme for work in the city).
David Hopkins, Remuera.