Richie McCaw: 100 Tests - A Southern Bloody Legend.

Southern Legend Richie McCaw. Pic courtesy of Dean Purcell

He is a bit of a southern legend (link here) really is Kurow boy Richie McCaw. True to most Southern Legends he is not one to mince around with praise and self congratulations as we saw him visibly squirming last night after the French drubbing when Jock Hobbs showered him with praise.

Right now he has the weight of New Zealand on his shoulders and the 100th test cap is really just a milestone on the way through. He is a pleasure to watch in action, he is a natural leader and has that humility we all like in our All Black Captains and indeed New Zealand sportsmen.

Good on ya Richie. Looking forward to seeing you wave that World Cup around above your head in a few weeks time. A few mountains to climb on the way through as you "knock the bastard off" (in the delightful the words of Sir Ed Hilary).

Hagley Park on a Good Day

Flowers in bloom. Hagley Park, Christchurch

Since the Christchurch Earthquakes Hagley Park has become a real haven to visit. With everything else fairly well munted it is nice to wander somewhere free of broken masonry and cordoned off roads. As Spring comes into full life the daffodil beds over by the hospital are a fantastic spot to visit, sit and relax for a while. A band was playing today and thousands of people were out walking, running, sitting, listening and sprinkled among the trees.

Earthquakes can't smash everything!