Cracking the Code

For us outsiders, it is easy to pass off a rare All Black defeat as a one off. An anomaly. Like getting a B in religious studies when you’re rocking A’s galore in the subjects that matter. New Zealand will bounce back. It would take a brave punter to back their opponents next week, or the week after. Bugger it, you’re brave if you ever wager against the World Champs.  But, what outsiders classify as an anomaly, is simultaneously the greatest fear for those in the inner sanctum. It is the reason for the extra rep, the justification for the ‘clean as’ feed.  Whilst the rest of us might lie awake on a Sunday night asking searching life questions like ‘why am I still drinking Hooch at the age of 31’; The All Blacks’ sheep counting is interrupted by visions of that B grade performance, the anomaly. Why the worry? They’ll win next time, they will win the Rugby Championship.  For the answer, I defer to the All Black sides of the 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups

When it comes to suspicion of change, nobody does it quite like the Welsh rugby public. The murky reaction to the announcement that The Guinness Pro 14 would cease to be televised free of charge, another example of this perennial skepticism. The cause for concern was not only the dent that yet another subscription would put in the bank balance of the average Dai, but the possible void in inspiration for Dai bach. Such an outlook often hinders one’s ability to identify opportunities that present themselves in an evolving environment. As one door closes, another one opens and all that. Opportunity is afoot, and believe it or not, the could be beneficiary is the oft’ maligned Principality Premiership. Prior to being usurped by five brand spanking new regions in 2003, The Premiership was home to elite rugby in Wales. It’s inhabitants, Wales’ most esteemed rugby institutions. Playing second fiddle, the Premiership’s tune has all too often found crescendo in off fiel