KEY POINTS:
The return of milkshake man Daryl Tuffey inspired the Black Caps to a stunning 10-wicket victory over the fabled Australian cricket team on Friday.
A talented guitarist, Tuffey's impact on team morale was immediate as the Black Caps routed the Baggy Greens.
Astute observers noted that as the
only Maori in the team, Tuffey lifted the tapu on the Black Caps and gave them back their mana and mojo.
The team hasn't had such mojomana since the days of the great Maori warrior Richard Hadlee, nicknamed Paddles after the way his ancestors arrived here.
Reports indicate the Australian cricketers have given serious thought to giving their opponents credit.
The Australian newspaper wasn't following suit. This from its correspondent Malcolm Con: "The national team that turned out in cold and windy Wellington yesterday was an Australian XI, not the Australia XI, ... The most telling academic exercise yesterday was to figure out whether the Australia XI playing in Wellington would have beaten the Australia XI that wasn't playing."
A Sydney Morning Herald headline read: "Kiwis humiliate generation next." Matt Hayden and Glenn McGrath were said to be thrilled to be considered so young.
It's understood captain Mike Hussey (aged 31) has already asked for Steve Waugh's lucky red cloth to be flown to Auckland for today's second one-dayer at Eden Park.
Australia are missing some key players. So are the All Blacks almost every time they play, however they have yet to lose 50-0.
Catching cuppage
There is nothing wrong with using the reverse cup - if you know what you're doing. But as a method of catching a cricket ball, it is under scrutiny.
Lately, the reverse cup has got a lot of bad press. People, including commentators, say hands down in front of the torso is best. That does allow you to move your hands at the last minute - but surely the reverse cup still has a place in the game.
It was always recommended in the coaching manual. The problem is few coaches or players ever see the coaching manual. Does it exist? Or is it a mythical book like the Bible?
Outfield players do have one other option. While they can't catch the ball in their cap (this concedes five runs), they can use their clothing - down a sleeve or using their jersey or shirt as a safety net (but mind the face).
Sosene so tough
Sosene Anesi is the new Colin Meads.
The great Pinetree Meads defied doctors by playing with a broken arm. He put his arm in a leather sheath during the 1970 All Black tour of South Africa.
Playing for the Chiefs in the recent match against the Hurricanes in Hamilton, Anesi broke his neck tackling Ma'a Nonu in the fifth minute - and played on.
While Anesi thought it was just a crick in his back, he at least deserves to be named after a tree as well.
Palm tree perhaps? Any suggestions are welcome.
Bonus Chiefs
Last Sunday's column noted this season the Chiefs might break all records for bonus point losses.
Yesterday they made it three in a row, losing 16-21 to the Stormers in Cape Town. That means they are equal with last season's tally of three.
However, acting captain Steven Bates won't get bonus points for English. "We'll just try and get tight and it's not going to be easy but if everything was easy everyone would be doing it, wouldn't it?"
War chants
Attention sports fans: compose a chant for the Warriors and win.
Vodafone's competition closes February 27, with the hope that fans will use the chant at the first game on March 17 at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium.
Warriors second rower Logan Swann said that in Britain chants were impressive and players were often singled out. "It was easy with Henry Fa'afili but not quite so easy with my name!"
I tend to disagree. Ride A White Swann or Logan, Logan, Logan, Rawhide!
Email either a video, audio file or words and melody to Vodafone here.
Vodafone also says: "Visitors to the community carnival day at Mt Smart this Sunday will also be able to submit their entry through the Vodafone Cheerleaders."
Try not to make your chant as ambiguous as that sentence.
Here's some tips from Vodafone:
The best chants are short and simple.
Chants are normally performed to a melody or a rhythm.
Additional noise like clapping can add to the impact of the chant.
The chant is meant to encourage and support the Warriors while they are playing, the words of the chant should reflect this.
The Warriors aren't about putting people down, so chants shouldn't be derogatory.
The winning chant will become the intellectual property of Vodafone One Tribe.
The prize is two 3G mobiles and VIP treatment at the first game, including a halftime chant ceremony. You probably won't win if you use the word 'Telecom'.
