Rugby World Cup

This had to come up didn't it? I mean, really. As a Kiwi not living in NZ right now, any conversation automatically turns to rugby. And today is the opening and I guess the first game is being played. I was only alerted to the fact that something was up when a friend made a facebook comment referring to rugby.

You see, I use the term guess as I really don't have a clue. I don't even know who is playing the first game. I know, many would call me a traitor to my kiwi'ness, but it's just never been something I have had an interest in.

It is very easy to get caught up in the hype, and New Zealand could really do with a good party right now. It's been a rough year or two there and most people need to be able to escape from their realities for a little while. A good rugby season will help with that

The real issue I have with rugby and my birth countries obsession with it, is that it is too closely tied into the total psyche of the nation. For the next 8 weeks (is that how long the rugby world cup lasts?), the entire country's mood will depend on how well the All Blacks are performing. There will be a lightness, brightness and a positivity if things go well for the All Blacks. A feeling that all is right with the world and that all those nasties of the past few years are behind us and we can move forward as a nation. Heaven forbid things go wrong then it will the polar opposite.

The country will become apathetic and unable to function properly. There will be a gloom hanging over the entire country. There will be little point in conducting business as everyone will feel victimised and severely let down, by our rugby gods. Who is in the team this year?

The fact that the games are still being played and the tournament is still in action won't be of any consolation. The ringing of cash registers will be of some help to the doom and gloom, but at the individual grass roots level, not so much.

For New Zealand's sake I hope that the All Blacks are not true to form and don't peak too early. I hope the party is great for one and all. Mostly I hope that no matter what happens people remember that it is just a game. It's not a matter of National security or life and death.

Right, I am off to get my t-shirt printed with 'Rugby sucks' written on it. Not original, not clever but to the point.