Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Chill out: it's a party

69 Responses

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  • Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to BenWilson,

    This isn’t the Middle East.

    I think their alcohol free zones would be a little bigger ;)

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia, in reply to Russell Brown,

    The “Labour are being negative ninnies” thing was just a spin line to avoid talking about McCully in Parliament.

    Well, yes... and during the term of the Fifth Labour Government too many people who should have known better let the phrase "talking New Zealand down" cross their lips in an apparent comprehension fail of the difference between a democracy and some autocratic theocracy. Sadly, too many politicians need to HTFU and get ego lipo.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha, in reply to Craig Ranapia,

    the phrase "talking New Zealand down"

    First time I've seen it.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • bronwyn, in reply to Russell Brown,

    Oh yes agree - I wasn't try to say it was the fault of anyone apart from the people who decided to assault him, just that there were some pretty unpleasant incidents happening on the night- which again is in no dispute. (I think my original point, which I totally ignored, was that it probably felt like a miracle to that guard that there was someone near by who could assist him). (although obviously not miraculous that he was assaulted in the first place).

    tamaki makaurau • Since Nov 2006 • 86 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams,

    Has anyone observed particular hostilities to Australians? Cooper's copping it 'cause he's a git, but in the space of 24 hours I've heard of two stories of Australian supporters being subjected to OTT abuse - once in Hamilton, once in Akl. It'd be a hell of a shame if we were poor hosts. I prefer this approach to trans-Tasman relations.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • BenWilson, in reply to Paul Williams,

    Yes, that's my take, precisely. I've got a lot of time for Australians, because they have a lot of time for NZers. Of course they give us shit, but they give each other shit. They believe in the giving and receiving of shit as a form of social bonding.

    I'm biased on account of being married to an Australian, but, all other things being equal, I will usually cheer for them against any other nation except NZ, and perhaps our little brothers/sisters in the Pacific.

    However, I also prefer that the best team wins, and the underdog upset by Ireland on the weekend had me dancing around too. But I don't care to read too much into it so far as Australia's chances are concerned. They are still one of the most dangerous teams and we've got a good chance of squaring against them in the semis, after they knock South Africa off. I would much rather that happens, actually, especially since we would meet them in Eden Park for the unofficial third match of the Bledisloe Cup.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report Reply

  • DexterX, in reply to Richard Grevers,

    Key misses out on the wave in the hair, a depth of voice, and a skilled command of the english as a language.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1224 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams,

    Fark, this story, is exactly what we don't need. There's dickheads on both sides of the Tasman who take the rivalry too far, Quade Cooper's one of them, but I reckon as hosts, it needs to be reigned in, off the field at least.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Paul Williams,

    Fark, this story, is exactly what we don’t need. There’s dickheads on both sides of the Tasman who take the rivalry too far, Quade Cooper’s one of them, but I reckon as hosts, it needs to be reigned in, off the field at least.

    Was just reading it. Ugh.

    Prepare now for it to lead both 6pm news bulletins.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia, in reply to Paul Williams,

    Fark, this story, is exactly what we don’t need.

    Um, yes and it goes without saying here that one incident of that nature is one too many. But after seeing Fire In Babylon, and in passing just how poisonous Aussie "sledging" both on the field and off could be, I frankly find the Aussie media playing Miss Manners more than a little hard to take.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • BenWilson, in reply to Craig Ranapia,

    I always found Ozzie sledging to be the good natured variety. Even in small rural towns, from crusty old truck drivers who had an actual bona fide reason to dislike me. But perhaps I didn't draw the dark side out. I've had much worse from NZers.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to BenWilson,

    One only has to read kiwibog to see where the nastiness could manifest onto a stadium seat or pub. Even the spiteful daily attacks on Red Alert are another indication of the mindset of some people with nothing better to do. The comraderie in numbers is encouragement to do more and I expect the pub or stadium would be exactly the same. imo

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams,

    I frankly find the Aussie media playing Miss Manners more than a little hard to take.

    Indeed, and in comments, this point has been frequently made.

    I always found Ozzie sledging to be the good natured variety.

    It can be yes, but I've sadly experienced real hostility too. Booze is often the factor that converts funny to foul. Usually though the rivalry enhances the experience of attending an event. I've thoroughly enjoyed catching the train home to the inner West from Homebush after we've beaten them...

    One only has to read kiwibog to see where the nastiness could manifest onto a stadium seat or pub.

    Yeah, and there's plenty of equivalence this side of the Tasman.

    I interpreted the opening ceremoney as a national Powhiri, that being the case, we owe all Manuhiri our hospitality and protection.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha, in reply to Paul Williams,

    we owe all Manuhiri our hospitality and protection

    but not if you live near an expensive beach, naturally

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams, in reply to Sacha,

    My Reo isn't that flash, perhaps there was a exclusion tucked in there that I missed or do you mean Manly and Bondi (hope it doesn't apply to Matapouri)?

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha, in reply to Paul Williams,

    for sure

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Kumara Republic, in reply to Paul Williams,

    It can be yes, but I’ve sadly experienced real hostility too. Booze is often the factor that converts funny to foul.

    In the absence of any underarm bowls or bankrupt airlines, the hate seems a bit precious. Maybe it's not too different from soccer hooliganism in Europe.

    The southernmost capital … • Since Nov 2006 • 5446 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams, in reply to Kumara Republic,

    In the absence of any underarm bowls or bankrupt airlines, the hate seems a bit precious.

    I think there's good reason why the Sydney Cricket Ground now only serves mid-strength beer; in the cheaper seats, too many dickheads drink too much all day with predictable results.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Steve Barnes,

    Watching the Australia v Ireland match the other day I overheard a rather loud Aussie supporter comment about member of his own team "They should just get rid of that F***in' Black C*nt, he's Fu**in' useless"
    Combine this comment with Australia's refugee stance and the way it treats its indigenous people and I believe you have the roots of that "lack of respect".
    Then there's those apples...

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report Reply

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