Desolation Reigns

Desolation Reigns

 

With high hopes we headed off to the stadium.

 

 

The Hurricanes did not control the ball - they knocked it on, lost possession in the tackle and ruck, and were outplayed in the loose by the Highlanders. They dominated possession and territory so they had their chances - a poor kicking display meant eight points were not converted and Julian Savea bombed a try he would score 99% of the time.

 

 

So it was with some torpor that we left after the final whistle. Dejected Canes fans - no titles in twenty years, the lows of being a fan of an inconsistent team.

On way home we crossed the Kelburn Viaduct. A group of people were assembled at the edge, just near the abyss. Were they sacrificing a Hurricanes player? Or in their desolation, queuing to jump?

The colour of despair?

The colour of despair?

Tonight the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders in the Super Rugby Final. A creative butcher from Dunedin has made Highlander coloured sausages, see story.

In the twenty years since competition was created the Hurricanes have their best shot at winning their first title. The city is alive with the buzz of finals fever. I will be attending the game, the anticipation is building.

I hope these sausages are the colour of despair, desolation, depression and dejection for Highlander’s fans.