Watching the courtship between the Phoenix and Hurricanes
teams in Wellington was just as awkward as witnessing Tiger
Woods publicly apologise for something that was a private
issue.
Seeing rugbyheads rub buff shoulders with the whippet-like
football players was like watching the bullies and geeks at
school shake hands and hug because the principal told them
to.
Despite the awkward nature of the liaison, both codes
delivered the goods over the weekend.
The weekend started with a bang, when the Hurricanes beat the
Force 47-22 in a tryfest of a game that kept the healthy but
reserved crowd happy.
The weakened Force never seemed to fire on all cylinders and
the only highlight for me was watching the bulked-up Rodney
So'oialo run out in a somewhat tighter yellow jersey again.
The start of the Super 14 is never very exciting as teams
test out their dynamics and tweak their moves.
The football season, on the other hand, is at the exciting
end of the season.
Westpac Stadium ground staff worked hard to transform the
turf from a rugby to football field in less than 24 hours and
Phoenix supporters from the length and breadth of New Zealand
congregated to the Cake Tin to show their support.
Football crowds are definitely less reserved than rugby
spectators and taking off the yellow and black ensemble seems
to be the modus operandi of Phoenix fans.
The Phoenix didn't disappoint the 24,000 roaring spectators
there to ensure the unbeaten streak in Wellington continues.
Compared to 80 minutes of one-sided competition in rugby,
football fans were rewarded with 120 minutes of "oohs" and
"aahs" before a penalty shoot-out determined the fate of both
teams.
Phoenix goalie Liam Reddy seemed ready to hold up his end of
the defensive bargain while Paul Ifill, Andrew Durante, Tim
Brown and substitute Adrian Caceres did their attacking jobs
superbly.
After exceptional performances by Reddy and Mark Paston,
goalkeeping has become cool, rather than corny and, in
general, football in New Zealand has gone from strength to
strength.
With successful age-grade world events, the All Whites,
Auckland City, the Phoenix, and even Terry Serepisos on The
Apprentice delivering beyond our expectations, rugby needs to
be careful of this staged tango with football.
Gone are the days when rugby presumed the lead role.
Football is no longer overshadowed or intimidated by rugby.
Super rugby has lost a lot of its twinkle-toe magic and in
two weeks' time, if the Phoenix can extend its 18-game
unbeaten streak in Wellington, football may just ditch its
big and clumsy dance partner to take a well-deserved twirl
centre-stage, with thousands of New Zealanders cheering them
on.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.