Posts by Russell Brown
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Hard News: The good guys, in reply to Paul Williams,
I do recall one incident involving one member of the team that I sincerely hope was appropriately dealt with.
Julian Savea? He completed a police diversion programme and seemed genuinely remorseful. Most notably, he apologised to those he'd hurt and let down, rather than trying to make himself look like a victim.
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Hard News: The good guys, in reply to linger,
Hansen, who is as phlegmatic as his successor
Eh? Who’s next?
Ha! Let me fix that ...
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Polity: The pantheon of sporting dominance, in reply to simon g,
Football’s Real Madrid (European Cup 1955-60). If the test is winning knockout competitions against opposition that increases in strength with each round, they could boast 5 RWCs in a row – but only if the tournament is held every year. Tough to maintain over 20.
I guess another factor is the onerous nature of top rugby. As Hansen noted at today’s press conference, the remarkable thing about Richie’s 148 tests is that openside flankers just don’t get to play 148 tests. Their bodies break first.
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Polity: The pantheon of sporting dominance, in reply to Robyn Gallagher,
But isn't it just that New Zealand is super good at rugby because it's a sport that's only played at elite level in a handful of countries and New Zealand throws huge effort at being really good at it?
Not quite, and that's what's fascinating. England, for example, has far more players and way more money. As I noted before the tournament, there's something else going on.
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Polity: The pantheon of sporting dominance, in reply to Ross Mason,
This game completed an era. There is no doubt this year the All Blacks achieved the ultimate prize to confirm their world standing. Maa Nonu’s try from the ages and Beauden’s for the future. Two stunning tries.
And the other one wasn't too bad either. But yeah – there was nothing else for Nonu to do once he caught that offload but to go for it, and he did. And Barrett's elegant toe-on at full stretch. Wow.
Two things about this All Black team: (1) There's a level of focus and intensity they know isn't possible every week, so they build to it. Hansen's strategy of having them do things in the pool games that put them under pressure is fascinating. (2) The composure shown in both the semi and final, when their opponents came back into it. The trust in themselves and their systems was key.
I reckon this transcends a lot of the peak performance-type management-speak slapped on the modern-era All Blacks. Steve Hansen's a pretty special man.
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Another peek at the forthcoming Beatles video compilation. 'A Day in the Life'. Goodness.
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Hard News: A Stand for Quaxing, in reply to BenWilson,
Very well made gear, hasn’t frayed or worn at any point.
The only problem I've struck is losing the little strap at the bottom, that secures it to the rear fork. Bought a couple of replacements, they fell off too, decided I could do without it.
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Hard News: A Stand for Quaxing, in reply to Claire J,
Has anyone contacted Countdown HQ about the bike rack situation?
They don't seem to be on Twitter. I'm figuring their media monitoring will have kicked in by now :-)
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Brian Horspool of Auckland Transport called me back.
The Westmere shops are on two routes that are part of the current $200m regional facilities upgrade being done over the next two to three years: the Waitemata Safe Route and the Point Chevalier to Herne Bay cycleway (which will be separated!).
This upgrade is distinct from previous efforts in that cycle infrastructure will be built along with the routes. So there definitely will be cycle parking at Westmere within the next couple of years. Sooner would be nice, of course, but it’s coming.
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Hard News: A Stand for Quaxing, in reply to JessicaRose,
Yes, I’m trying to broker one for Matt at (GD) via Kathryn (AT), at a popular establishment in Ponsonby you’re familiar with. He has been crying out for a permanent stand for the bikes that crowd the two lampposts outside.
I for one promise to visit The Golden Dawn even more if this happens.
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