Quick comment on the cricket. To me the theme of last night was “where have they been?”
Wood, obviously. I thought he was injured...? Those were thunderbolts and added the dimension England have completely missed.
Marsh. When I first saw his name on the scorecard I figured it was because Australia had finally given in to the fact Green has looked like a deer in the headlights (great grabs in the gully excluded). In fact a niggle had ruled him out, a blessing in disguise.
Woakes. Again I thought he was injured. He offers a very similar product to Robinson with the ball, only he’s a bit older and cannier and can bat better as well.
Watching Wood bowl was joyous. It’s so good he’s back. Marsh was the perfect match up - the pulled six he walloped off him when he was in the 40s was something else.
PS am v much here for the Spofforth references. If you drop a Grimmett reference, consider me a lifetime subscriber.
Another great read, but I can’t say I agree with your opening line - “The most fascinating All Black season in living memory begins this weekend. How long does living memory go back? There used to be a lot of fascinating All Black seasons.
Re predators in coaching, can't help but feel for the grass roots legends propping up community clubs, fostering the love in these kids. To then see them get kicked up to these 'gurus' and treated the way they are must be heart breaking. Can't help but wonder if investment in upskilling coaches at the community level and strengthening pathways might be a better option.
I could not agree with you more. We all love watching NZers winning shiny things at the Olympics but I’m increasingly cynical about the ‘true’ cost of some (not all) of those medals.
Quick comment on the cricket. To me the theme of last night was “where have they been?”
Wood, obviously. I thought he was injured...? Those were thunderbolts and added the dimension England have completely missed.
Marsh. When I first saw his name on the scorecard I figured it was because Australia had finally given in to the fact Green has looked like a deer in the headlights (great grabs in the gully excluded). In fact a niggle had ruled him out, a blessing in disguise.
Woakes. Again I thought he was injured. He offers a very similar product to Robinson with the ball, only he’s a bit older and cannier and can bat better as well.
Roll on 10pm!!
Watching Wood bowl was joyous. It’s so good he’s back. Marsh was the perfect match up - the pulled six he walloped off him when he was in the 40s was something else.
PS am v much here for the Spofforth references. If you drop a Grimmett reference, consider me a lifetime subscriber.
Brilliant!
Another great read, but I can’t say I agree with your opening line - “The most fascinating All Black season in living memory begins this weekend. How long does living memory go back? There used to be a lot of fascinating All Black seasons.
Re predators in coaching, can't help but feel for the grass roots legends propping up community clubs, fostering the love in these kids. To then see them get kicked up to these 'gurus' and treated the way they are must be heart breaking. Can't help but wonder if investment in upskilling coaches at the community level and strengthening pathways might be a better option.
I could not agree with you more. We all love watching NZers winning shiny things at the Olympics but I’m increasingly cynical about the ‘true’ cost of some (not all) of those medals.