Ross Meurant: Rugby Union v The Dollar

Once upon a time, when chaps played rugger for the love of the game - not the dollar, and the household names of players could be recognised and pronounced, the game united our Nation.

Saturday after the game, rugby clubs across this once Long White Cloud provided sanctuary, where a culture was nurtured; where club protocols of behaviour substituted for police and many a romance was kindled - be it all against a goal post as twilight fell.