Dutch fans gather for the Euro 2024 round of 16 match between Romania and the Netherlands in Munich this week. The Netherlands won 3-0..PHOTO: REUTERS
Time...
Meaning. We are all searching for it.
These big brains are not designed to stand pat and just accept things happening around us. We need to think, sometimes too much, about what it all means.
The game obviously bears the greatest importance for Scott Robertson.
All Blacks coaches face relentless scrutiny anyway. New All Blacks coaches who are making the leap from Super Rugby can expect that spotlight to be even brighter.
It will not be a disaster if the All Blacks play poorly or (gasp) lose tonight. Neither will it signal a glorious era ahead if they produce a belter of a performance. But every little bit of this game will still be dissected for meaning, especially as it relates to Robertson’s influence.
England, too, will see tonight as a chance to make a statement.
Win and they are going to be taken really seriously, especially by a southern hemisphere rugby community used to seeing northerners (the Irish in 2022 being the exception) come down this way and get a tonking.
Lose and the scepticism over England’s place at the proper top table of world rugby will be reignited.
. . . to be tested
Some players will be particularly keen to produce performances of real meaning tonight.
No 1 in that group will be Scott Barrett, the new All Blacks captain.
His physical abilities and general presence are well established. What remains to be seen is how he will handle the many and varied duties of a job that has immense importance, and comes with severe pressure.
It almost seems unfair to keep dragging this up but, yes, there will also be a lot of interest in how Barrett gets on with the referee and if he can stay out of card trouble.
Damian McKenzie at first five. Samipeni Finau at blindside flanker. Dalton Papali’i on the openside. How Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett will front up after Japanese sabbaticals.
Lots of points of interest. Lots of meaning to be found.
Finally, there is a niggling feeling this test also holds significant meaning for the Otago community.
It seems likely Dunedin will get an All Blacks v France test — another boomer — next year.
Beyond that? After Christchurch opens its new stadium? All bets are off.
Getting a major All Blacks test in this city every year is no sure thing. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Future All Blacks
The Last Word is no Highlanders cheerleader but, speaking on behalf of the entire region as one feels one must, it is a little bit of a drag that only one southern man is in the All Blacks squad.
Ethan de Groot is there as of right and has already had a heck of a career with many more highs to come.
But one prop? From this entire area, representing one of just five Super Rugby clubs in this country? Yeah, nah.
Folau Fakatava must be the next halfback off the ranks. Dutch lock Fabian Holland will be right in the mix next year when he becomes eligible.
Anyone else?
It is too early for Cam Millar but his development will be closely monitored. Same goes for all three young hookers. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens might be the best pure fullback in the country. And while the wing stocks are healthy, Timoci Tavatavanawai could be a contender if he chooses New Zealand over Fiji.
The visitors
Many of these English rugby players — think Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler and Marcus Smith — are well known to even casual New Zealand rugby fans.
But look out for some nice stories elsewhere.
Winger Tommy Freeman was diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager. Loose forward Chandler Cunningham-South is just 21, grew up north of Auckland, tried water polo and netball as a kid, and played for the Lincoln University reserves. Reserve outside back Ollie Sleightholme is the son of former English test player Jon Sleightholme.
For all that, the one to watch is clearly winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, impressing everyone who sees him.
Dribbles = legend
Scott Robertson is not the only man having a special day.
Raise a hat for a genuine hero of grassroots sport, the one and only Francis Parker.
The man they call "Dribbles" — don’t know, don’t ask — will play his 200th South Otago club rugby game for his beloved Owaka against Clutha today.
Francis made his debut late in the 2008 season and has never beaten Clutha, so fingers crossed today is the day.
He loves a bit of code and his cricket but Francis is better known off the field as the voice of South Otago sport.
Through his coverage for the ODT and his relentless promotion of the local action on social media, he highlights everything that is great about regional sport.
Go well, my friend. Up the mighty Swamp Hens.
Radical, dude
The story of the week might be the selection of the British skateboarding team for the Paris Olympics. (Never imagined I would write that sentence.)
Young star Sky Brown, who won bronze in Tokyo three years ago at the age of 13, is re-selected and joined by Cornwall 16-year-old Lola Tambling.
So far, so normal.
The fascinating inclusion is that of Andy Macdonald. And he is ... wait for it ... 50 years old!
Marvellous. For some reason, I picture that Simpsons episode when famously geriatric Hans Moleman pretends to be Bart by carrying a skateboard and saying "cowabunga".
Macdonald has been a professional skateboarder for 30 years and holds the X Games record for most medals in the sport, so he is no slouch.
Prodigy of the week
At the other end of the British sporting age scale is Bodhana Sivanandan. She is set to become the youngest person to represent England in international competition as she heads to the Chess Olympiad in Budapest in September.
She is 9. And 14 years younger than the next youngest member of the team.
Show me the money
Five years. And $US314 million — that is 514m New Zealand bucks.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum just landed the biggest contract in NBA history.
Time to get your child to take up basketball.
