Jul08
16
Tank Lanning Hits The Nail On The Head
Now before you get suspicious, I’m not going to agree with Tank Lanning’s Sports24 column about our win over the All Blacks in Carisbrook this last weekend because his name is Tank (albeit that is a compelling enough reason on it’s own) - I’m agreeing because he is 100% right.
You may be wondering why I didn’t write about the record-breaking win on this blog over the weekend. Truth is I probably would have except that I was internet-less in the Pilanesberg for a few days with the family, and had more important things to do :) Once I got back celebrations were already old news.
I stumbled across Tank’s column today though which echoed a discussion I had with my wife (bless her soul for listening to my rugby meanderings) on Sunday - what if Januarie hadn’t scored?? What if that oval ball had bounced sideways and been kicked downfield by MacDonald? How would the press have reacted? How would the All Black commentators and pundits have reacted? How would you have reacted? Would you feel the same way you feel now about Peter de Villiers, Victor Matfield and co?
Saturday’s game was a celebration of rugby played at the highest level between two incredibly talented and competitive sides. It REALLY could have gone either way. The bottom line is that when rugby, like any other sport, is played at the very highest level huge games come down to moments. One moment of brilliance, one simple mistake, or one refereeing decision (think Michalak’s forward pass in the QF against the All Blacks in the World Cup). Just one moment can change history. And fickle as we fans are, we don’t always see past moments.
Another example - imagine if, on the final ball of the final over of that amazing 438 cricket game that we’ll never let the Aussies forget about, that Mark Boucher spooned his on-drive to a fielder instead. Imagine the impact. One moment.
Thankfully we were on the right side of the ‘moment stakes’ on Saturday. Next time we may not be so lucky, and then let us remember the bigger picture. The guys in green jerseys who play their hearts out for us week after week deserve at least that.
I couldn’t agree more Mike - it is all about those ‘moments’ - the film “Match Point’ outlines the theme of luck and how luck can separate those moments - (it sometimes really is the luck of the draw on how the ball bounces.) It highlights “how so much of life is mere chance: while we can practice and prepare diligently, sometimes minor, seemingly inconsequential circumstances can alter our entire destiny / history.” Let’s hope we’re on the right side of another moment this Saturday!
Amen Mike, however I always say a win is a win. We only had 14 men for the last eight or so minutes and the team played their hearts out. We must all put our energy behind them this week end and I am sure we can beat Australia as well.
ahh a friendly voice on the side of my reasoning …
When in Aussie during the 2000 Olympics I couldnt believe how positive the Aussie fans were (in general) , even when being on the losing side come the final whistle or finishing line.
I hate being called a “Fan” and would rather be called a “Supporter”. Fans “blow with the wind” while supporters never change their minds …Hell or high water!