Not exactly destined to be a stellar year, but one that turned some heads, put to bed some myths, and generally surprised and created dismay. This is not a pro or con Halbergs, just my thoughts and I do hope you climb in with yours.
In a rugby mad nation it was fair to say that at the start of the year if someone had laid a multi that the AB's would sweep all before them you'd have called him mad. After a somewhat jaded SupeRugby season (does this get more boring with each passing year?) the stage was set for Hansen and his aging AB's to weave some magic. Sure at times it wasn't a pretty watch, but generally the team did the job the coach asked of them. It was also a chance this year for Hansen to step out from under his previous mentors shadow and he did that mightily.
But let me take you on The Other Sports New Zealand participate and perform (or not) at journey. Let's start with The Tales of Woe. Yep, the biggest choke in history. Team New Zealand had it all there, and disregard the hype surrounding Oracles improved performance, the Kiwi's simply didn't (or couldn't) match that improvement themselves and failed. Sure sport remembers winners, but who could forget (and forgive) that sporting event? Let's not also forget Josh Paget. Reigning supreme in a sport we dominate too, yet he finds it necessary to nobble his athlete. Ok so he's appealing (a lady's man??) but the tarnish sticks, ask Lance Armstrong.
And that leads nicely on The Icon (Jesse Ryder). Nobbled by ignorance coupled with stupidity. He served his ban, is walking clean and hitting back the only way he knows, scoring runs. Paget will win a few more too. Team New Zealand?? Jury is still out there. Quite frankly I love top competition and would miss TNZ as a national team on the world stage, but I think I'm so getting over the hype.
Them rowers are just so awesome, some real Kiwi characters and hard graft bringing winning results, consistently. Dedication, good coaching, and a good governing body. And some cyclists are making a mark too. And I know it's not rowing, but that darling of New Zealand sport (as far as being in front of a camera) Lisa Carrington. How did a Vogue model end up in a canoe?
And yes, year of the women. White Ferns climb into the top 20, Black Sticks had their moments, Valerie continues to dominate, Erakovic wins a few, Lauren Boyle and Sophie Pascoe (swimming) a very young golfing protege rules the world, and some sailors secure good wins on the world stage. I'm sure there are plenty more so fill the gaps.
Oh and talking about hype and choke. Two words to sum up the Kiwi's WC bid. Should I mention it in the same breath as the Breakers and Phoenix?
One person who can't be put in the choke bracket (do they still have chokes on cars?) Scott Dixon. Stellar consistent year for his third Indy Car title (and a nice paycheck) and not to forget the rise and rise of one Hayden Paddon in Rally who went well in his first WRC drive first up. And yes, there are countless other Kiwi motorsport drivers and riders lighting up the world stage and have continued to do so this year.
Hesson an inspired choice as is McCullum? Creditable results in SA (ODI win), Eng at home (drawn series) England away (ODI win) and WI at home (test series at long last). Not a stellar year for Blackcaps, but one showing marked improvement over past many years.
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