Ask Kamo: Rugby the winner if visiting teams play in provinces

Daniel Carter. Photo / AP.

Opinion

Ian,

I am 85 and for years have been an ardent supporter of rugby. Can you tell me why the touring teams do not play the provinces? I and many others would travel to Northland, Auckland and Waikato, plus tests in Auckland. This enabled involvement with different playing styles. We were able to follow their progress throughout the country, hence increased rugby support in general, thereby filling stadiums. Where are the Barbarian games? We have moved away from our core attractions to the detriment of supporters as well as loss of revenue.

Owen Gravatt.

Owen, you raise a great point and one many rugby fans would like to see also. The benefits are two-fold as the touring team gets to experience our unique rugby culture, and our provinces get to test themselves against international opposition. To its credit, the NZRU did offer the touring Irish team mid-week games but this was turned down due to their desire to concentrate on the test matches and a lack of depth due to a long season.

Hello Kamo,

I would like to know if there is a dress code for our senior teams and particularly the All Blacks. I have noticed many players arrive and play with their socks around their ankles, this is particularly noticeable when the ABs line up for the national anthem. I remember how JPR Williams (Wales) always played with his socks down. I didn't like it then and now it seems to be back and more prevalent. I'm sure Fred Allen would not have allowed it.

Michael Innes-Walker

Michael, there is a strict dress code and culture of discipline within this All Black team, which is why when they turn up to any team training, function or promotion they look so smart and respectable. When they take the field, however, there has to be some personal preferences and if that means having your socks down to play and feel your best, then even a strong disciplinarian like Sir Fred Allen would allow this of his men - providing they play with the determination and skill we expect.

Hi Ian

After that piece in the Herald about James Joyce and the haka, I'm going to the James Joyce Bloomsday show at the Thirsty Dog on K' Rd on Saturday night, so I won't be able to watch the test in Christchurch. So there won't be any harm in you telling me now what will happen and giving me the result.

Bernadette Traven

Bernadette, there has to be a TV somewhere on K' Rd you can find to witness the historical return of the All Blacks back to Christchurch. The atmosphere and emotion around this game will be special. But if your night is so good and you can't get away then you will be told of the accuracy of the All Blacks at set piece which will become the blueprint for the success of this side. Everyone else will see Dan Carter, Israel Dagg and co running on to the Aaron Smith passes ensuring the All Blacks are operating on or around the gain line giving the forwards a target to hit, producing the quick ruck ball that will lead to some wonderful All Black tries. The Irish will play their part but I don't see the score being any different than at Eden Park. Remember no All Black side has ever lost to the Irish and Richie McCaw won't want his side to be the first playing in his home town.

Hi Ian,

Watching the game I notice sweat pouring from the forwards and even some of the backs have a sheen. But Dan Carter? Nothing. What's the deal Kamo? Does Dan sweat?

Naomi Anker

Naomi, congratulations you have worked it out. The All Black forwards do all the work for very little reward, hence the buckets of sweat. You would have noticed a few of the backs raising a sweat to justify hopping in the shower and then Mr Cool, our No 10, finishing the game like he's getting ready for a photo shoot. Truth is, the man is all class and even though he looks pretty composed out there, I am sure he is working double time on the inside.