13/11/2000

Hello all,
I guess from all the wailing an nashing of teeth you would have heard from
NZ, you would realise the sadness of David Tua's failure to take the World
Heavyweight Championship. He stuck it out and did a really good job,
especially considering he was suffering from damage from Round 2 on (from
a previous injury). We'll forgive him - as long as he keeps it up and wins
again!
At least we won the Rugby. Thank goodness NZ beat France, it at least
makes up a little bit for losing in the Rugby World Cup - and what is the
story with the Australian ref?? Where the heck did this guy learn?
In the Rugby League World Cup the Kiwis beat France 54-6 - bring on
England! It sounds pretty typical of comments that I hear but the NZ Rugby
League team seem to be the crowd favourites. Obviously the UK locals would
prefer one of their teams to win but that is unlikely and they simply
don't like the Australians. The Aussies have been getting a reputation for
being arrogant bad sports who play dirty. It's interesting but the NZ
rugby tour of France follows an Aussie tour. This time the figures speak
for themselves and people overwhelmingly want to see the All Blacks play
but aren't so keen on the Aussies. The main rugby stadiums didn't sell out
for the Aussie tour but was sold out weeks in advance for the All Blacks.
When some friends of ours were in France (Robyn & Laurie Chrystall - Ray's
Auntie & Uncle!!) they said the same thing. All the locals were friendly &
nice to the Australasians - as soon as they found out they were Kiwi's &
not Aussies.
The Football Kingz again failed to fire against a team they should have
beaten at home - this sounds like last season where they only won the
games they shouldn't have and lost the rest!
Michael Campbell came 5th (I think) in his latest tournament....

Well it looks like my work Internet connection is down and I can't think
of any non-sport news which was important so ... have a good week!

Darren.