So I return after 2.5 days spent in sleepy (understatement) Waitomo. Population - 50. Inches of rain fallen during my stay - 50. Wales chose this backwater to train in, with the Waitomo rugby club's "ground" comprising he only flat piece of turf in Waikato, being overlooked by a lovely cafe (Huhu - my "Who let the dogs out?" reference sadly wasted on the German waitress) which served the Welsh lamb after their session.
The Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge was my home for 2 nights. Rain interrupted first night as it never stopped siling it down and the flat roof bore the brunt of the noise. A continental breakfast with the unerringly chirpy Colin and Janet chattering away and encouraging conversation with other guests at breakfast. My attempt to plus myself into the iPad was constantly frowned upon, but I think they now realise I don't do breakfast conversation for anything (well except maybe a full English with double sausage and bacon, black pudding and hot toast).
Afternoon 1 was spent reading, waiting for the rain to stop. Consequently I read a book and a half and watched 4 episodes of the surprisingly good Downton Abbey. Dinner at Huhu was lamb and red wine, and the world seemed a good place. The rainy night put the mockers on that though, as high water levels means caving a no-no. Fortunately though, the caves survived and at 2pm I nervously approached the Black Water Rafting company, and went through a safety drill, got kitted out in ridiculous clothes, and had a crash course in abseiling, which involved lowering yourself down a 5 metre bank at 45 degrees slope - what better way to prepare to abseil vertically down a 35m drop?
Having been told not to pee in the wetsuits, I gave a distinct impression that Number 1s would not be the problem as the ever encouraging Neil cajoled me off the gantry to be suspended by a rope. That over, I loved it. Easing myself through the nooks and crannies and down into the cave below. 35m is a long way though, and I was still shaking when I reached the bottom. Another demon beaten though. After that, the fun started, leap of faith, tubing down a creek, the incredible mass of glowworms in the caves, some entry level caving, freezing water, slides, waterfalls, holes to contort your way through. An action-packed fun-filled 3 hours underground. Followed by soup and a bagel, before Huhu served me Beef, Rhubarb crumble and more Pinot Noir. The best night's sleep of the holiday before I headed back to Auckland on the bus today, which is where you find me.
So after the semi finals, Monday saw me head out for a late tour of the North Harbour with Nic from the group of rugby fans. We ended up in a Belgian beer bar eating fish in seafood sauce and moules-frites (une fois). After eating and heading to the car we crossed surprisingly chirpy looking Aussie coach (New Zealander Robbie Deans) coming out of the bar where Corey Jane and Israel Dagg had been caught drinking the week before. I must reiterate what lovely people the New Zealanders are. England, and the English, you have a lot to live up to in 2015.
Rugby Matters
Wales take on Australia tomorrow evening in the 3rd place play-off. I'm 100% behind Wales this time, and head and heart say they win. Beale and Genia apart, Australia have been England-like in their insipid attacking, and Pocock's tight-rope walking at the breaksown apart, have been outfought by the three major packs they have Played (Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand). Wales will bully, will be attacking and will win the bronze for their suspended skipper Warburton - had you heard about his sending off? ;-)
Then a Saturday off for some reason, before Sunday night sees the All Blacks hammer France. I can't dress it up any more clearly than that. This is a major mis-match. If you took the squads and picked a combined 15 man team, you'd have the All Blacks. Choke is a word that has been used a lot in recent weeks, but this would be a choke that Mr Heimlich would not be able to manoeuvre his way out of if it were to occur. If France get within 20 points I will be very very surprised. I suspect the early optimism of the Parisian bars will be quashed by an early show of strength from the All Blacks. Weepu will chip away, and as the game opens up, the impressive trio of Dagg, Kahui and Jane (or Toeava or Williams or Guildford) will just eat the French defence alive. Dusautoir can only hope for a miracle that would outstrip even last Saturday's, but which won't occur, and come 11pm local time on Sunday, Richie McCaw will raise the trophy aloft and see the All Blacks crowned champions on their own soil once more.
Much noise is being made around the scrum, with ex props putting forward plans for a change. Props only though, and as Brian Moore writes in his excellent column, the time has come for this to be discussed between props, hookers, second rows and referees alike. The scrum is in danger of becoming a Rugby League-like farce and something needs doing. The art of hooking is disappearing. The art of scrummaging too, with jerseys tighter and tighter meaning no bind is humanly possible. IRB, listen and act NOW.
Teams of the tournament are currently being picked, but I will wait till Monday to deliver mine. Currently though, and to heighten suspense, I have 10 All Blacks, 1 Frenchman, 2 Welshmen, 1 South African and 1 Italian. I think that backs up my call that the All Blacks are head and shoulders ahead of everyone.
Try of the Tournament is also being thought of. No major favourites here, but personally I think Israel Dagg's work before handing off to Ma'a Nonu in the early stages of the semi final gets my vote. Honourable mentions will abound to the likes of Mike Phillips, but the artistry of Dagg was sheer poetry and that gets my vote.
The IRB Player of the Year award is given out next week, and the selection shows the usual amount of short-sightedness. Thierry Dusautoir seems to be selected as the token Frenchman. He has done nothing to warrant selection, had an average European season yet still finds himself there. Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu, impressive though they have been in this tournament, were way below par during the Super 15 for Wellington, and their selection defies belief. I can't argue with Kaino, Pocock or Genia, as they deserve a place, but if you're looking for a European, then you should be looking at Sean O'Brien, who back up a stunning Heineken Cup with some great performances here, or even Chris Ashton, whose finishing was the one bright spark of a disappointing England season (if a 6 Nations title can be called disappointing, which I think it can). Bismarck du Plessis would have completed my line-up. Genia would get my award, though I expect Nonu to be voted in on a wave of AB related euphoria.
Enough for now. The sun is out, the sky is blue and I'm stuck in a coffee shop stealing internet time. A little under 5 days till I board the plane and bid farewell to New Zealand. A definite au revoir though, not adieu. This place is a gem. Varied landscape, friendly people, sports-mad and just enough activity to satisfy the level of adrenalin sought by anyone, from the most hardened (140m bungee jumpers or sky divers) to those who prefer a more sedate jet boat ride. I'll be back in touch Monday, if I've stopped partying, or Tuesday at the latest with my tournament wrap-up.
PS Wales by 7, New Zealand by 22....
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