Mike's Minute: All Blacks vs The Māori Party

What a contrast Saturday night was.

At Eden Park the rugby as good as you could possibly want.

For all the hype and worry of the week, the All Blacks reminded us that when it all comes together, when it really matters and records of significance are on the line, there is no side in the world that can touch them.

DTNZ: The All Blacks and freedom of expression

The controversy over some All Blacks displaying the Tino Rangatiratanga flag after Sunday’s test against Italy, and TJ Perenara’s modification of the haka, has spawned a passionate national conversation.

Those players have an absolute right to express themselves, but there are certain situations where saying or acting how you want is counterproductive.

Mike's Minute: TJ Perenara haka is a sign of the times

Surely the TJ Perenara performance is a sign of the times?

How far back (small clue, not far) do you need to go to think that this sort of extra curricular activity would never have even been close to being countenanced by an All Black squad?

Not long ago, essentially, sport was sport.

DTNZ: Fiery reaction as All Blacks make divisive ‘political’ statement

In an unusual and divisive departure from tradition All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara made a political statement during the haka in what was his final test match, sparking debate over the mixing of sports and politics.

Perenara’s controversial gesture was added to post-match with several teammates posing with a Tino Rangatiratanga flag.

The actions may lead to a potential alienation of fans who view the All Blacks as a unifying force, not a political platform.

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 26/10/23

Red-carded by voters – but Grant Robertson will be in Paris for the cup final while Scott Robertson is sidelined in NZ

When we learned that Robertson will be in Paris for the Rugby World Cup final at the weekend, the Point of Order team wondered: which one?

The answer is Robertson, the about-to-be-replaced Labour Minister of Sport and Recreation, not Robertson, the next head coach of the All Blacks.

Kate Hawkesby: It really got to the point of crazy

Well what a weekend.  

From the nail biter of a fantastic AB’s game, which, for the record, I was never in any doubt of. For those of you who were still listening to our election night coverage at midnight Saturday night you would have heard me say I picked the AB’s to win – so you know, never in any doubt from me, just saying. Just so happy for Fozzie to be honest. I feel like he deserved that. 

Clive Bibby: A Winning Formula 

I wrote this before l knew the result of the much anticipated rugby test between the old foes New Zealand and South Africa.

This battle of the Titans has always produced a measure of where we are at in the ratings relative to the rest of the world rugby playing nations especially when compared to those who are considered favourites for the World Cup competition. 

Clive Bibby: Saved by the bell

 

My guess is that most kiwis watching the magnificent All Black victory at Ellis Park this morning will be so relieved, that any thoughts regarding the coach and captains‘ respective tenures will be put on hold- at least for the moment. 

And maybe, they deserve the opportunity to prove they are both the best men for their jobs. In other words, has this reversal of fortunes signified something more than a stay of execution. 

Tom Johnson: All Blacks model a united NZ

Iconic All Black captain Sir Wilson Whineray wrote of our top rugby team that “No other institution has done so much to cross social, religious, racial, cultural and economic boundaries so comprehensively and with so little pretence…where else do Pākehā and Polynesian find such natural affinity…what has the game meant to the pride of Maori people whose people have always played the game so magnificently.”(1) It is amazing how a cultural artifact like rugby can achieve racial tolerance and goodwill that the stupidity of successive governments and the greed and hegemonic aspirations of elite groups tear asunder in their blind obsession for power and privilege.