September 7, 2007
The Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend with hosts France playing the tournament opener against Argentina in Saint Denis.
Can defending world champions England retain the Webb Ellis Cup in the face of daunting challenges from pre-tournament favourites New Zealand (8-13), France (7-1), South Africa (8-1) and Australia (12-1)? Guru certainly hopes so.
But even before a strangely shaped ball has been kicked, it seems there is trouble brewing over the All Black's Haka ritual.
It seems, according to Disciple Roger, that some of the other competing nations claim the Haka gives New Zealand an unfair psychological advantage, and are demanding their own pre-match displays.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has apparently caved into these demands, and will allow all nations to express themselves on the pitch before each game. Click here to read the IRB's "press release".
Guru can't help thinking that this is simply pandering to national stereotyping and casual racism, distances himself from the content and wants no part in the ensuing outcry!
