Rugby Undead
No, rugby did not die due to the Covid pandemic and the complexity and stop-start outcomes of its rules.
At the weekend the AB-Ire, SA- Wales and Aust-Eng internationals attracted 150,000 spectators collectively and add in the other 5 international matches at the weekend just past, and the spectators added up to over a quarter of a million.
And those watching through tv etc were in their millions and millions.
The record for the most spectators at a rugby match is 120,000 and every continent other that Antarctica (where rugby of a sought has been played at Scott Base) an international match has seen at least 60,000 people present.
Of course I am still recovering from the euphoria of the ABs on Saturday evening at Eden Park swamping the Irish who may just have been favourite to win the contest. And we had Hurricanes-flavoured players Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett and Jordie Barrett absolutely star for the triumphant men in black.
The question is: will Savea be given the title of the best rugby player on the planet for 2022?
I wouldn't be changing a single player from the ABs starting 15 for the second test against the Irish even though three Covid struck members of the playing squad may be available again and Dalton Papalii is back to full fitness.
And not to be sports bias, I watched the Warriors go from horribly terrible to heroes in front of 26,000 people in Auckland earlier today in winning their first match of the last eight in the Australian league competition, in a welcome home after nearly 3 years stuck across the Tasman.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.6% Yes
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22.1% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82% Yes
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15.3% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below