Posts by BenWilson
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Field Theory: Four Years Ago, in reply to Yamis,
But nobody seems to want to say what created this "unprecedented demand" and why it wasn't planned for given it was entirely constructed and promoted by central government and Auckland Council.
They did plan for it. Nearly all capacity was directed to the event, which became enormous due in no small part to public transport, and the suggestion to use it, and they do deserve some thanks for the hundreds of thousands of people who were successfully delivered. I think that given the history of Auckland on PT, that what was unexpected was that people followed the advice given in such numbers. Also, how can you really plan for events when Kiwis are so bloody non-committal about their interest in things? Just as public transport in Auckland has no experience coping with such numbers, so also Aucklander have no experience coping with public transport in such numbers.
At the end of the day they delivered about as many people into Auckland and Eden Park as it was feasible to do, and it was only through good weather and good will that that number was not far too many people, leading to really serious incidents. People missing out on events when they are incredibly popular just isn't that serious an outcome, frankly, it takes a pale second position to public safety. Imagine how packed the central city could have been, if there actually *had* been the capacity to deliver all the people left behind straight to Britomart.
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Have finally watched all the games now, I conclude that the spread in skill levels between top and bottom has indeed reduced a lot. Only Italy didn't score a try, and even then, only because of bad luck, their pushover had an unlucky spill out. Awesome tournament so far. Strikingly good performances from Romania, Argentina, and Wales. Very promising work from Japan, USA. Tonga had a great game. Solid performances from most of the favorites, making the best of lengthy ball denials, in most cases only running away at the very end. Some good looking running play from Ireland, Scotland and France. Grinding (but to my eyes dull) professional play by England and South Africa. Only Ozzie and NZ played as they always do, hard, fast, interesting rugby, crushing lesser teams with dynamic back play and excellent forward defense.
But everything can change so fast. I think all teams will grow during the tournament.
ETA: I left out the excellent improvements made on previous form by Namibia, and exciting play by Fiji......too many games now, have blurred....Also, I was busy making sure my house hadn't been destroyed by a freak tornado at the time.
Looking forward to seeing what Samoa, Canada, Georgia and Russia have to offer.
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Nice story, Haydn.
Aside, so you recommend the Tab? Been considering one....
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Field Theory: Four Years Ago, in reply to Rich Lock,
True. A vital link if you are from the Shore and want to cycle to work, and are just too soft to take the Upper Harbour Highway. Or too sane.
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Field Theory: Four Years Ago, in reply to Steve Barnes,
That strikes me as one which could be mocked so easily. Every single person going through it should make a point of singing as loud as they can. Try and stop Poms on their way to a game singing!
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Field Theory: Four Years Ago, in reply to Rich Lock,
But ferries FTW. This city needs more of them.
Word up, son.
ETA: I was kidding btw, I think there's something awesome about catching a ferry to work. They shit on buses and trains - you can get up and wander round, get a coffee or a snack, or a beer or wine even (on the way home I hope). The infrastructure needed is not great (and usually is a nice place as well, widely used for other purposes). More!
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What I'm talking about!. Love the soundtrack.
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Field Theory: Let the Eagles Soar, in reply to George Darroch,
More than 80,000 people are registered players there. Interesting to see that Polynesian Mormons are a subcult. Makes sense!
Some reasonably well known Americans who played rugby. Bill Clinton, and George W Bush.
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Yeah, I think that although there's a case to answer in relation to a lot of the 'failures'
Indeed. People did miss out, and that sucked.
Isn't Devonport a public transport fail by its very nature? Isn't that what you love about it? Where else can you get the closest panorama of the city, coupled with the accessibility of Orewa? I presume you got the kickyarsiest views of the fireworks, though?
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Field Theory: Four Years Ago, in reply to Rich Lock,
Interesting, Rich. I'd venture also, just like Friday here, that it's something most people will remember for the rest of their lives. For me, it was incredibly special to be in that Quay St press, after months of thinking NZers really didn't give a shit about the World Cup, and could end up showing the world that. You don't get big occasions like this very often, and I was damned if I was going to spend New Year's eve 1999 at work, as my bosses wanted, no matter how much overtime they were paying. If the company's systems went down and the whole place went flat broke, I'd have got another job. But I'd never in a thousand years get another millenium party.
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