A Shocking Sporting Weekend

This weekend I backed two teams to win their rugby test matches. Australia to win against South Africa and the All Blacks to win against Argentina. Both lost because of conversions and penalties missed at critical times. South Africa used their kicking game effectively, edging out Australia just enough to get the win. Argentina employed the kicking strategy as well; against New Zealand it gave the home side a clear advantage. Their forward pack pushed forward with more ball; the rub of the green favored them in the match.

The All Blacks were their own worst enemy, their lack of composure when under pressure resulted in three yellow cards, two at the same time. A third blunder came in the final minutes when hooker, Samisoni Taukei'aho, jibbed at the throw in. A seven pointer would have given them victory. The AB’s version of the bomb squad was a failure. Time for high ball practice team, oh and discipline to help curb those costly impulses.

I have been fortunate to have witnessed an All blacks winning team for most of my life, seeing our current team struggling is painful to watch. I cannot help thinking that the glory days of our great national rugby team are a thing of the past. A coach who is too conservative and a team that does not have the skills to implement a fast-paced game is not a combination that inspires innovation and bravery.

All Black Fans Suffer Again - Sunday 24 August 2025

In frustration and disappointment here are reactions of a single point All Black loss to South Africa after the grand final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Frustration Over Refereeing

• “The skipper being red carded, I thought that was harsh - it should’ve just been a yellow.”

• “We’ve had some pretty tough calls made against us. Over-officiated. That’s the way rugby is at the moment.”

Disbelief & Disappointment

• “She’s a bit tight. I’m not feeling this red card that Sam Cane got. I think we were a bit unlucky on that.”

• “I accept the yellow, but you know—this is rugby.”

Hopeful to the End

• “If they can come back with only 14 men and still win this game, it’ll be the stuff of legends.”

• “Bloody ecstatic. It’s unreal out there. To do it with 14 is even better than doing it with 15, so let’s go!”

These comments were captured live from pubs and parks across New Zealand, including Eden Park and The Green Man pub in Wellington, where fans were glued to big screens and reacting in real time. The emotional intensity was palpable from disbelief at officiating decisions to roaring hope after that crucial second half try. To be fair if Jodie Barret had kicked the penalty in the final minutes, it would have been a single point victory to the All Blacks.

Oh, the comment sections after a team loss is pure emotional theatre. Common fan reactions to any loss their favorite sporting team suffers.

Emotional Outbursts

• “I’m done with this team!” – A classic declaration that rarely lasts.

• “We were robbed!” – Blaming referees, VAR, or cosmic injustice.

• “Same old story…” – A sigh of resignation from long-suffering fans.

Over-analyses & Armchair Coaching

• “Why did the coach start him?” – Tactical critiques flood in.

• “Formation was all wrong.” – Fans dissect strategy like seasoned analysts.

• “We need a new striker/keeper/midfielder ASAP.” – Transfer wish lists emerge instantly.

Humor & Sarcasm

• “At least we didn’t lose by 10.”

• “I’ve seen better defending in a toddler’s birthday party.”

• Meme drops – Fans cope by posting memes of crying mascots or dramatic movie scenes.

Zen Mode & Perspective

• “It’s just a game.”

• “We’ll bounce back.”

• “Proud no matter what.” – Loyalists who stay calm and supportive.

Conspiracy Theories

• “The league wants us to lose.”

• “Ref was clearly biased.”

• “They threw the game for betting money.”

Fan-on-Fan Warfare

• “Fake fans need to shut up.”

• “If you’re not with us now, don’t celebrate when we win.”

• “Bandwagoners are the worst.”

Summary

“It’s just a game, get over it man!”