12 Wairarapa Midweek Opinion Wednesday, August 18, 2021 EDITORIAL
MIDWEEK PHOTOS
Opinion
Don’t get too excited Well, I think almost everyone predicted it. The All Blacks rolled Australia in their second showing at Eden Park on Saturday. In fact, they didn’t just easily beat the Wallabies; they demolished them in what was a record-beating performance. The most significant score they have put on the Australians, winning 57-22 and also retaining the Bledisloe Cup for a 19th straight year. And it came after a rookie Wallaby said the All Blacks had lost their aura – although there are reports that do say the media horribly misunderstood Andrew Kellaway’s comments. Just about every time an Australian rugby player, whether current or former, has talked about the All Blacks losing their aura, I either laugh hysterically, sigh and roll my eyes, or do a combination of both. Wallabies’ players haven’t done themselves any favours over the years by saying these sorts of things because it tends to bite them firmly in the behind. What it does do is motivate the All Blacks, and what typically follows
Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment.
Peace of Mind
John Lazo-Ron is a good ol’ smashing of their opposition, which is precisely what happened. But I must admit, when I read Kellaway’s comments for the first time, well, the way it was portrayed anyway, there was no eye-rolling or laughing from me, but more a facial expression of deep thought [whatever that looks like for you]. I started to ponder whether he may be right. To be honest, this All Blacks squad, including last year’s squad, hasn’t got me jumping for joy. I’m not sure what to what make of it. But not because I don’t believe there are any great players because there are many stars. But more whether they have lost that frightening edge. The ability to have opposition teams curling in their locker rooms even before a side is named, such as the 2015 World Cup-winning All Blacks who had depth for days and made any
SENIOR PERSON
OF THE YEAR AWARD
Supported by Carterton District Council, Masterton District Council and South Wairarapa District Council
To be eligible your nominated senior person must: • Be over 65 years of age, and a Wairarapa resident for more than five years. • Be a committed volunteer in our community who has made a significant contribution either through volunteer or community work. • Have made an impact on other people’s lives through the sharing of their life experience, skills and time. Completed forms can be dropped at the Age Concern office, Solway Showgrounds or posted to PO Box 865, Masterton, or emailed to manager@acww.nz Nominations must be received by midnight Friday 17th September 2021. The winner will be celebrated at a morning tea on October 1, the International Day of Older Persons.
NOMINATION FORM ..................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................... ................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... .........................................
...............................
Your locally owned newspaper
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
team shiver. I don’t believe this side would overly frighten many sides like the All Blacks of old, which we know is not the norm. I think the loss of that frightening status slowly started at the 2019 World Cup when England showed us just how scared they were in that semi-final win over us. However, after Saturday’s win, people are starting to say the All Blacks are becoming the team that we have always known them to be. I would say wait, before making any rash conclusions, because the real test will be when they play world champions South Africa. We’ll have a better idea of where we’re at after the year’s rugby championship is over. So despite the big win on the weekend, I don’t think it’s time to be jumping up in excitement just yet.
The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.
2021 Age Concern Wairarapa
Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa?
A pic on the road to Bideford on a frosty fine morning. PHOTO/MATT TURNER
