Forum member number 1349.

What international rugby team do you support and why?  All Blacks. Living most of my life in AFL land (Melbourne), my Dad would tell us about the old days, Don Clarke, Tremain, Going etc. My uncle would get video tapes of AB tests sent over from NZ, and it was always a big deal in the home.

What Super 14 team do you support and why?  The name tells it all. I was a big fan of Marshall and Mertz so followed both of these guys which led me from being an Orc supporter to a Canterbury one.

What's the biggest challenge facing rugby?  No “global season”. As a fan I value every test I watch of the ABs, so I guess every time I watch them I want to see the best the opposition has. Unfortunately that is not the case. 

Who was the game's greatest ever player?  In my lifetime I’d have to say Zinzan Brooke. He possessed the full arsenal of skills. But add to that an attitude of winning and confidence to get the job done no matter what.

How about non-NZ players? Who were/are the greatest? As a kid it was Gavin Hastings, but of recent years I’d say Keith Wood. He transcended hooker play beyond a meathead who scrummed, hooked and threw well. It was if he played as a loose forward that did all the things a hooker was supposed to do. I guess the measure of his influence is that the rugby public have almost come to expect this type of hooker as the norm today.

The best match you have ever seen?  Definitely the 2000 ABs v Wallabies in Sydney. Unbelievable game by both teams, and great finish. This was the first test match my wife to be watched rugby with me. I get fairly animated watching the ABs, who know all the normal stuff – threaten to throw the TV out the window, slowly creeping towards the TV when the ABs are getting closer to a try, shouting at Taine Randell - and given I had popped the question just weeks earlier (she said yes), I do wonder what she thought she was getting herself in for.

The best try you have ever seen?  One of the best individual efforts was Rupeni circa 2003 for the Blues. In the wet and mud vs the Brumbies he scooped the ball up with one hand whilst running at full tilt and ran 40 odd metres brushing a few defenders off for a great try.

What position did you play, if you played, in rugby?  Only ever played one game as a junior and my Mum told me to “stick to basketball son”. Nothing to do with my ability of course  more for my own personal welfare. Have played a little “pick up” rugby here in Canberra which being a yappy point guard on the basketball court, I slotted in well at halfback.

What do you like about the Silverfern?  I like to have a laugh, and the fern is one way that provides that in amongst all the rugby talk.

How could the site be improved?  In the 3+ years I’ve been a member I think the site has improved. I have no technical IT capabilities so I applaud the guys behind the scene for all the updates and user friendly bells and whistles that have been included.

Who's your favourite poster?  I’ve had some reasonable discussions/debates with a number of posters, so no faves per se. I am an avid basketball follower as well, so I do like the fact that when I start a thread, I know Gibbit, Bezzy, Mullet, Voyeurs (where are you bro?), Murf will contribute to the discussion.

Who's the worst poster?  I don’t take other posters too seriously (Nepia might be surprised by that… ) but I’m not a huge fan of the one hit wonders who come for a troll and then don’t stay to back up their trolling.

How did you pick your user name?  I met a fellow ferner at a rugby club here in Canberra (ACT) and obviously he was impressed by my knowledge of rugby so he told me about the fern. Given there’s a bit of history between the Brumbies and Crusaders I thought it made a nice mix.

How could the game of rugby be improved?  I’m not one that gets too worked up over law changes, experiments etc. I think rugby is like life and one thing is certain in life – Change. So I like seeing how players adapt to new rule variations.
One thing I have talked to others about is changing the drop goal kick attempt as if it were a normal kick in play. If the ball does not go over, and then goes dead, why not come back to the point of the kick and a scrum be awarded to opposition team. I realise there are pros and cons of such a proposal, but I would be interested in the impact that would have.

What rugby player would you turn gay for?  Does Hugh Jackman play rugby….

Non-rugby questions now

Favourite music?  R&B (80s and 90s), and acid jazz, so Brand New Heavies, Keith Sweat, De La Soul, Jodeci, Jamariquai’s first couple of albums.

Favourite book?  I haven’t read fiction since high school, so I enjoy non-fiction books about politics, crime and economic history. “The End of Certainty” got me through University

Favourite Film?  The Candidate, starring Robert Redford

Biggest lifetime regret?  10 years ago I challenged myself to learn German and I still haven’t.

Greatest hope?  Quite simple, to see my wife and 3 children happy