2. The sense of entitlement
Every RWC there seems to be an expectation from New Zealanders that the All Blacks will win it. Thinking positively is one thing but the overriding feeling every four years is that "we" deserve to win. The sense of entitlement is off-putting - not to mention based more on wishful thinking than past results.
3. It's such a niche sport
There's nothing wrong with playing or supporting a niche sport; synchronised swimming, bobsledding and dressage are no doubt fascinating to participants and those who follow these pursuits. But there is something amiss with acting like rugby - a boutique sport played seriously by a limited number of nations - is some global phenomenon of massive significance. News flash: it's not as big a deal as many New Zealanders pretend it is.
4. It evokes an outdated identity
The image of New Zealand as a nation of rugby, racing and beer is one we theoretically outgrew years ago. Yet when the RWC comes along and our collective obsession for rugby is revealed, it feels like we've hardly evolved since the fifties or sixties.
5. The haka agitation
Back in 2008 an editorial claimed the ritual that is the haka had been "overexposed" and that this "overkill has sponsored a lack of respect". The writer concluded: "If the practice of the haka is not moderated, there is likely to be increasing disrespect".
We certainly saw some of that disrespect with the recent Hakarena incident.
The response of one of the NZ players was that the haka "just brings us together as a team" and "we do it for ourselves".
Presumably other sides have their own team-bonding practices as well; it's just that their rituals are carried out under the radar. Sadly, thanks to its overuse and predictability, the haka increasingly runs the risk of being viewed as if it was mere performance or entertainment.
6. It's kind of childish
If you had to explain RWC rugby to an alien from outer space it would sound a tad infantile.
Me: "So it involves thirty grown men in shorts running around a field and tackling each other in pursuit of one little ball."
Alien: "Why don't they each just get a ball of their own if that's what they want?"
Me: "That's what I always wonder myself."
7. The rushed legislation
A law allowing bars and pubs to open and televise RWC games was passed last month. I'm agnostic about the legislation itself but astonished that it had to be "fast-tracked".
Say what now? Haven't they had four years notice? Why the drama? Why the urgency? Was this just an exercise designed to underscore what an unbreakable bond our country has with rugby, to show how in touch our politicians are with rugby fans? If so, that's pathetic.
8. The merchandise
Anchor milk now comes in "limited edition" black coloured bottles - which is just so wrong on every level. Who wants to collect used milk containers? Who wants white milk poured from a black bottle? The mind boggles. Still, it's not the worst merchandising crime associated with the RWC. That particular honour would have to go to the Mr Whippy ice cream known as The Richie McThaw; it's served in a "special All Black waffle cone" and features two chocolate fingers as goal posts while a scorched almond serves as the rugby ball. I kid you not. They're bound to sell like hotcakes. Never underestimate the appetite of rugby fans for themed confectionery.
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