KeithQuinnRugby
Thinking and talking about rugby every day for 50+ years
You are here: Home » One Wellington man's views about the woes about the State of the Game in NZ
3 October 2014
Hi Keith, I can't believe how bad Wellington is and Auckland, despite some of their wins are not much better and even Canty has gone into a tail-spin. I believe there is a reason for this which none of the present cheer leading media can deduce.
First of all the Rugby Union puts all its focus on the All Blacks, and plays them at the same time as the ITM Cup. Imagine what Wellington would be like if more regularly it had Jane, Savea, Smith, Nonu, Perenara, Thrush and Coles.
It's also suffered a lot of injuries with players having no time to recover from the S15 because, again the NZRU's fault, they allow that competition to go on too long. So Wellington is without A Savea, Toomaga-Allen and Goodes. Similarly, look at Canterbury, with no first fives because the ABs take fringe players into their squad like Slade and Taylor, who hasn't even stripped for the ABs has he? And of course the constantly injured Carter.
I've liked the rise of Taranaki and Tasman in the ITM Cup, and Manawatu too, but it's partly due to the NZRU having lowered the standard of provincial rugby. It might be a more level playing field but it is also a recipe for mediocrity.
Oh well keep smiling; I'm trying to. (Name withheld by request) (messages sent to kqrugby@hotmail.co.nz )
Comments 1
Hawkes Bay's Cyril Brownlie is sent off at Twickenham but the 'Invincible' All Blacks still fight hard with 14 men for a 17-11 win over England.
KELLEHER, KEVIN
An Irishman and one of rugby’s best performed referees, in charge of 23 internationals from 1960 to 1971. Kelleher had a very successful career as a referee, but he is largely remembered for being the man who sent Colin Meads off at Murrayfield during the Scotland v New Zealand match in 1967.
Kelleher ruled that Meads’s lunging kick at a loose bouncing ball near the Scottish flyhalf, David Chisholm, was dangerous and, having previously issued a warning in the vigorous encounter, he dismissed Meads. As the New Zealander was arguably the world’s most famous player at the time, the sending-off created a storm.
Ironically, Meads and Kelleher became friends and for many years exchanged Christmas cards. Kelleher was flown to New Zealand in 1988 to appear on the TV show ‘This is Your Life – Colin Meads.’
Although New Zealanders poured scorn on Kelleher as a referee, they tended to overlook his exceptional record with the whistle. Kelleher’s first international was Wales v Scotland in 1960, and his last was France v Scotland in 1971.
Why was the kickoff for the Japan v Wales in Cardiff in 1983 delayed for 15 minutes?
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8 October 2014 (11 years ago)
boone
Firstly Keith, let me say how I have grown up as a rugby fan and in my mind Quinn and Rugby go hand in hand. Congratulations on the excellent new site. I will be a constant visitor.
My comment is in regards to the inaugural Jock Hobbs Under 19 tournament,currently under way in Taupo.
I am a Manawatu supporter of all levels of rugby. Great to see young men on the national stage that I have watched in school boy sides throughout the years. A large number of boys did not make the 1st XV so again good to see that hardwork and perseverance still pays off.
Hopefully this tournament will lead to opportunities for many to further their careers.
One concern is the number of scouts who may use this as an opportunity to hoover up talent from outside their own area, drop them in a bigger pool and let them sink or swim.
My major passion is the Manawatu Turbos and the big percentage of locals in our side.
I much prefer to watch people in the Green and White who have come through our system and not try and import a team each year.
Otere Black, Jamie Booth, Jade Te Rure, Nehe Milner-Skudder are just a few examples of this.
Our Under 19's will contain the next crop of the above, if we get a chance to keep them.
Keep up the great work