Andrew Johnsen: Every four years we love the Auld Mug battle

Team New Zealand are on the cusp of redemption following the collapse of 2013. Photo/Photosport.nz

"It's a rich man's sport. Who cares? It's so boring."

These are the usual chants echoed on social media forums and dive bars in the lead up to the America's Cup.

For almost four year increments, New Zealanders on the whole don't care about the Auld Mug.

But then that opening day of the America's Cup qualifiers comes around and suddenly, they're hooked.

It's a thing of beauty watching the catamarans zip around the beautiful waters of Bermuda. They fire off around the bays at up to 50 knots and it captures the attention of Kiwis.

People read more about the America's Cup than they do the British and Irish Lions tour, which is speaking volumes given we are the spiritual home of rugby.

Sure, they're not the giant boats they once used but the Cup has gone from chess to Formula 1. It's a different game now.

Maybe it helps that we're blessed with great sailing talent - think Peter Burling, Blair Tuke and Andy Maloney - and New Zealand's sporting identity is one based on winning.

Not many things would consistently get people up two hours before they normally would on a regular basis but there's been a lot of sleep-deprived people dragging themselves around for the last few weeks.

The politics off the boat have been just as thrilling.

When Sir Ben Ainslie gave the Kiwi crew a "love-tap", there was public outcry. People wanted his head. But what they may not have realised is that has added to the theatre of the event.

The redemption element intrigues people as well. Emirates Team New Zealand will be looking to rectify the "chokers" tag they unwillingly placed on themselves in 2013 as they squandered an 8-1 lead against the highly invested Oracle Team USA.

Oracle will be going into the final as favourites, carrying a one point lead already. They've been able to practice against Barker's Team Japan, who they've definitely buddied up to.

The format heavily favours the holders. Oracle rub people the wrong way and the rules they've rightfully enforced as defending champions have been hard to swallow.

In what other sport would a team carry an advantage on the scoreboard going into the final?

But Team NZ will challenge. They've got every chance of bringing home the Auld Mug.

They typify what New Zealanders are all about: hard working, heads down, modest, unruffled and knowledgeable.

Everyone knows their new roles. Tuke, in particular, has taken things in his stride with the unique hybrid role of both foiler and cyclor.

The first race can't come soon enough. Only sport gets people up at ridiculous hours on a lazy Sunday morning.

Just don't expect to get a good conversation out of anyone come mid-afternoon.