direct from the South Island, Aotearoa New Zealand. It's early spring here and lambing season is well underway. Daffodils are beginning to pop up along creek banks and road sides. The days are noticeably longer. The piles of firewood are dwindling. Weirdly, all that means it must be football season. Of course, it's also a Rugby World Cup year, so most of New Zealand will have their sights focused on Japan for the next couple of months. The All Blacks' dominance isn't as guaranteed as it may have been the last few years. There are question and concerns-- there always is with the great teams. But the great teams know how to stick to their formula, incremental changes only when necessary, and they know that they always always always play to their standard of excellence. It serves the All Blacks well. It serves the Tigers well also.
So here's to both my teams for this season. May your glass be always half full (of bourbon)