Well, a week has past since New Zealand conquered the world in most successful sport. Many have said their victory has conformed the dominance of the southern hemisphere nations. But has it? It is true that the only nations to win two world cups are the Tri Nation teams, in fact 6 out of 7 world cups have been won by them. However, were the southern hemisphere teams really that dominant? Wales lost to South Africa by a point, Ireland beat one of the tournament favorites Australia and Argentina couldn't replicate their form of 2007. Even New Zealand were not immune. After playing an unpredictable tram in France in the final, and a team they beat comfortably in the group stage, were for most parts the second best team in the game. It was better for the game that New Zealand won the world cup after their glorious campaign, home tournament and the like of Graham Henry, Brad Thorn, Keven Mealamu and the centurions Mils Muliaina and Richie McCaw who are all playing, or likely to play in their last world cup. However when you are second best yet still come out on top, often it is because lady luck is on your side. This was most definitely the case in the Final where Craig Joubert gave the All Blacks the benefit of the doubt on most dubious decisions. He also missed an obvious high tackle on Francois Tran-Duc just before Donald slotted the decisive penalty. I don't want to put a black cloud over the World Cup, but international refs need to be disciplined, and the room for interpretation reduced. Bryce Lawrence's performance in the quarter-final also an example of why this issue needs to be reduced.
It is a big weekend for motor racing this weekend. After Dan Wheldon was tragically killed in Indy Car followed two weeks later by the young hot-shot Marco Simoncelli. Marco's death was a horrible crash, the likes of which are part of racing motorbikes. When you crash in the middle of the track their is not much you, and other riders can do. However, Wheldon's death is quite the contrast. Indy Car has come under huge criticism for the bonus of $5 million if you came from the back to win. It has been argued that it placed drivers in unnecessary danger. Luckily Formula One doesn't hold the dangers of Indy Car. In F1 you have one optimum line and huge variations of speed in different parts of the track. In Indy Car you can be doing 200+ MPH, inches away from another driver. It must be stressed how safe motor racing has now become with advancements in technology. Drivers as well, know that every time they put on their helmet they could pay the ultimate price. At least they will all ways be remembered for racing.
This is my first post and hope you enjoyed reading it. In future posts a wider range of sports will be covered.
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