Let the games begin

MAKE no mistake, it’s been a bad six months for rugby on this side of the equator.

The Lions tour, which promised so much, given the financial commitment and levels of preparation, turned out to be a massive let down. The result of the Tri-Nations, while confirming New Zealand’s status as the number one side in world rugby, also showed that South Africa were not far behind in terms of quality and skills. Even standard bearers, France, failed to win any of their three tests against South Africa or Australia over the summer.

Nowhere was the consequence of this fall from grace more pronounced than in the announcement of the International Rugby Board short-list for player of the season. No northern hemisphere player need apply. New Zealand offered three outstanding candidates in Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter and captain Tana Umaga, while South Africa’s flying sensation Brian Habana and towering lock Victor Matfield made up the other nominations.