WE like our heroes to be understated.
We like them to be tough in combat and uncompromising in their approach but humble when the competition comes to an end.
We don't mind a bit of white-line fever but we're not big on show ponies or try-hards.
We celebrate their hard work ethic and their "team first mantra".
We' like them to be selfless not selfish.
Peter Burling and Blair Tuke (and their mates) proved that - once again - this week.
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ONE of the primary roles of any rugby (i.e., the 15 man game if there's any confusion from our league friends) halfback is to ignite the backline.
Setting the backline alight starts with an accurate fast pass off either hand.
The man who plays his 100th Super Rugby game on Sunday has proven to be one of the finest exponents of that craft.
Bryn Hall - the Crusaders' halfback - clears the ball brilliantly and consistently ignites the Red n'Black backline. The success of the Christchurch based outfit is testament to that.
It's also no surprise that Richie Mo'unga has excelled in the No.10 jersey given the quality ball he receives.
Hall is an outstanding player and has flourished in the positive environment the Crusaders embrace on and off-the-field. He's not "The Lone Ranger" there though as Super Rugby's most successful franchise continue to challenge the players to not only succeed but to excel.
It must seem a different set-up to the bumbling Blues outfit that shamefully showed Hall the door several seasons ago. But as that closed the Crusaders' door opened and Hall has excelled in the professional environment headed by New Zealand Rugby's outstanding coach Scott Robertson.
Ironically the Blues have turned to the Crusaders' blueprint implemented by former Red n'Black and All Blacks utility Leon MacDonald as coach to improve the franchise's fortunes. So far the Canterbury playbook seems to be working for the Blues.
Not that it will concern Hall. He'll be looking to continue to unleash the Crusaders' backline just as he has done since joining them for the 2017 season.
It's a stunning achievement to play 100 games at any level and Hall's efforts, like those of any player, will be celebrated.
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I WAS asked during the week what the test match record of the All Blacks was.
Here it is.
(Played) 597 (Won) 460 (Drawn) 22 (Lost) 115 (Points For) 16,575 (Points Against) 7944 (Win Percentage) 77.05%
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"I play golf for a living.
"I mean, I should be able to shoot a good golf score occasionally. It doesn’t happen as much as I want.
" But yes, I’m very happy with it. I was very calm, I was very relaxed out there."
Aussie golfer Matt Jones after hitting a nine-under-par 61 in the first round of the PGA Tour Honda Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
