Rugby worse than warfare (part2)?

Question

New Zealand has been plunged into disconsolate disbelief that their adored All Blacks 'choked' on rugby's biggest stage yet again.

But Oliver insists the nation's disquiet is nothing compared to the devastation that has overcome the players themselves.

"I have just finished reading 'Massacre at Passchendale' and also `All Quiet on the Western Front'," said the new Toulon hooker.

"The feeling in the sheds was like no man's land, like it's described in those books.

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I know the all blacks have been trying to draw similarites between their team the fallen, in previous adverts..but isn't it something to hear them unashamedly just say it?

Is being paid to kick a rugby ball he same as fighting in world war one?

Is this type of stuff disrepectful?

Answer 1

Playing rugby is no where near as devasting as a world war. Rugby is just a game, nobody dies (well not usually). Wars are horrible, nothing is as bad as war. In 100 years from now people will still remember the events of the world wars and it will still be painful. I doubt anyone will care that we lost a rugby game trying to win some little trophy in 100 years.

So you do make a good point but......

I wouldn't call it disrespectful. He is just relating the feelings that his troops (rugby team) are going through with what the troops would have gone through all those years ago. As humans we like to compare our experiences with others, it is part of human nature and helps us deal with emotions. I am sure Oliver is just trying to put what the team is going through in a context that everyone can understand. By comparing what the team is going through with those events the public can gain an understanding of what they are feeling.

I am sure he does not mean any disrespect by his statements. If you interpret it as disrespectful then that is fine, you are entitled to draw your own conclusions. I don't think it is disrespectful but it is an exaggeration.

You can't help but having a crack at the kiwi's can you?

I think it is you that is disrespectful, but that is only my opinion.

Edit:

How does this statment prove you were right all along? They are two totally unrelated events and both of your arguments are invalid.  

You hardly faced a torrent of abuse from kiwi fans. Only Damian seemed abusive but you obviously struck a chord with him.

I think both of the points you have raised are way off the mark. I have already explained this question, but with the advert I've got to say ADIDAS made that ad and had total creative control. The ABs are forced to do that as part of their contract, just like their contract states that they have to win at least 75% of their matches (it actually does). I don't know anything about the documentry so I cannot comment on any similarities but I truely believe you are clutching at straws. Please give it a rest mate.

One of your posters to that question made a couple of great points: "Kiwi's have a sense of humour failure when it comes to the AB's" and "You can't have fun with the AB's though mate. it's life and death to them. it's like criticising hunting in The South."

He is right, us AB fans aggressively defend any criticism against the ABs. You are just asking for trouble with some of the comments/questions you make. I know we appear ridiculous and crazy to you but it is the way things are, nothing is going to change that. For some reason I think you know it but you love to stir things up. I hope you enjoy yourself.

Answer 2

I dont always agree with Jonboy....but as an intellectual snob, I like his brain! :)

Answer 3

I'm living in New Zealand and can't get over the big deal people have made off this - it really is like a nation in mourning.  I think they just aren't used to losing and performing so weakly in a tournament.  Especially against the French - Kiwi's hate the French!!!

I have to say of the fans too though - a  large proportion of people (judging from newspaper letters and radio phone ins) have just turned against the team they hailed as the best in the world a week ago - I think it is disgraceful they way the poor All Blacks are being treated by some of their fans.  Fans should support their teams through wins and losses and be good sportsmen about it.

Answer 4

Disrespectful... Well, it's just the way athletes reason. One very famous Dutch soccer coach, Rinus Michels, has once likened soccer to warfare, and it's a mantra we're still trying to shed after thirty-odd years.

Answer 5

No I am an ex soldier.

I have not seen any rifles or grenades on the rugby fields of the world yet.

Answer 6

Rugby is not Warfare, but it Is a Form of Combat with rules

I got over the loss 10 min after end of game

We lost France Won

Dont  insult heartland kiwis based on what a few people and the Media are saying.

Most Kiwis are gutted our team lost, But we will get over it

Please dont let this become just another chance for a bit of

Kiwi bashing

Mrs D

You say we hate the French, Why????

Check coverage of arrival of some ABs at Christchurch

Never believe Media reports