Robbie's Flown The Coop, So Kiwis Flip The Bird

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday June 7, 2008

MONDAY was an amazing day, seeing New Zealand's top coach taking the reins of the Wallabies. To give a perspective of the depth of anger at this loss across the Tasman, Chris Rattue wrote in the NZ Herald of the newly announced All Blacks team: "This squad is playing under a coach that I can't stomach and an administration that I loathe."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has stated repeatedly that he has only been congratulated for his role in the World Cup, yet I cannot find one supporter. His conceit and arrogance has contributed greatly to lack of interest in the Super 14 and our gates are down hugely.

When hard-man Jerry Collins was dropped, Henry failed to thank him for his years of putting his body on the line. Instead, he put the boot in, saying he had three players who offered more.

NZ Rugby Union has always struggled to connect with its public and now faces financial losses as we flip them the bird.

Look after Robbie, you only need a front row and an attitude of supporting each other and being loyal to your coach. You have the athleticism to see off the northern hemisphere teams and the smarts to beat most sides.

We can only hope that the larrikin in-bred in each of the Wallabies rises to the surface and you stuff up. Otherwise, I see four years of spankings and the ABs fighting the USA for a semi-final spot in the B section of the next World Cup. Sigh!

Chris Dunn, Kohimarama, NZ

Egad, Spiro's right!

I can't believe it! The Super 14 season is over and I've found myself agreeing with rugby columnist Spiro Zavos the whole way through.

Michael Kenneally, Balmain

Dumb Dunning and co

Why did the Waratahs try playing rugby league against the classy Crusaders? Instead of easy metres and pressure through a few long kicks, they chose to keep the ball in hand and go for the hard grind. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Peter Clifton-Smith, LondonI had the great misfortune of watching the Crusaders play the Waratahs in the final of the Super 14. I struggled to stay awake. After watching the Titans-Tigers league game last week, I think anybody who thinks union is better then league has their head up their arse.

Ken Dousha, Sydney

Can the hoopla, please

Anthony Cook (Letters, SMH, 31/5/08) bemoans the circus-like hoopla at rugby union games. In my experience, the same applies to rugby league.

Some years ago my wife and I attended a Super League match at Gosford to watch the Northern Eagles play Canterbury-Bankstown. That was the last time we attended a match due to the ground announcer continually exhorting the crowd to cheer for the Eagles, as well as loud music.

We now only watch games on TV. As a lifelong fan of rugby league and a former player of the then "Berries", I can go back to the days when the only entertainment to be seen at a game was when the kids ran onto the field and had impromptu games at half-time.

Bill Benden, Wyoming

I can understand Anthony Cook's reasons for not wanting to attend Super 14 matches live.

I also think twice about attending any Sydney FC matches. The Sydney Football Stadium has two large video screens. After any period of play where a free-kick or penalty has been awarded, or anything the slightest bit controversial happens, the entire crowd looks to the screens to see a replay of the incident. But no, we get a graphic of a sponsor or a warning not to run onto the pitch. This is incredibly frustrating. I pay over $30 for my seat but don't get to watch the replays. I have to watch the game on Fox to get this kind of coverage. A lot of people at the ground are annoyed by this and it doesn't happen in other football codes at the same ground. Maybe I (and an increasing number of fans) will just stay at home.

Alex Morrison, Marrickville