What is happening in New Zealand sport recently?
The teams that are expected to triumph are being trumped, and the underdog sports are dominating the headlines.
In particular, the Blues in rugby and the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in netball have more a case of the blues and less magic than many expect them to have. Both teams have their fair share of national representatives but they are yet to perform.
The Blues are yet to shake the racist stereotypes that have haunted them and their coach, Pat Lam, recently. The demise of the Blues has definitely shown an ugly side to New Zealand's psyche. The racist card is played when a team is on a losing streak, and the anti-Auckland brigade are in full force at times like this.
While driving through the central North Island, I saw a Tui banner that read: "New Zealand rugby is strong when Auckland rugby is strong - yeah, right".
Perhaps this is a chance for the rest of New Zealand to remind Auckland that we exist and we matter.
In netball, the Magic team, despite being stacked with Silver Ferns, continues to falter in the last quarter. National coach Waimarama Taumaunu assures us this is nothing to worry about, but if our most stacked team seems to be choking under pressure, what lies ahead for the national team when the Aussies put us to the test?
Both teams will need some divine intervention if they are to reach the playoffs in their respective competitions.
But not all is lost for New Zealand sport. The Chiefs are having a great season, and the Hurricanes are winning over more supporters with their gallant efforts. The Crusaders are coming back in form, and the Highlanders' crowds are the most vocal.
Other netball teams in the transtasman competition are playing beyond expectations (go the Pulse), and we all know the New Zealand Breakers are the heroes of the hour.
The sport of basketball is enjoying a great ride with record crowds, and the Breakers have now backed up their win last year with another.
With consistent performances, personalities and nail-biting finals like this, basketball could topple the likes of cricket and rugby league from the second-tier pole position in New Zealand sport.
Will basketball overtake rugby union and netball as our national sport?
It is early days yet, but if Auckland continues to offer youngsters the option of watching a losing Blues team or an evening with One Direction or the Breakers, we may see change.
Is that such a bad thing?
For New Zealanders to have more variety on the sport platter?
No. I'm all for a smorgasbord of sporting options when it comes to entertainment.
And on that note, I'll give one last plug to increase diversity in Otago rugby. The campaign to raise funds for the Otago women's team is going well, but the deadline (end of April) to reach their $20,000 target is fast approaching.
With the likes of Adam Thomson behind the cause, and people generously donating their hard-earned cash, the team has raised more than half that amount. If you considered donating and haven't yet, now is the hour. Let's show others that the Otago spirit is alive and well.
