Forum member number 73

Describe yourself in 25 words or less: Easygoing and friendly

What international rugby team do you support and why?  Of course I support the All Blacks due to being born in NZ.  The fact that I have lived in London for 13 years seems to have made that bond stronger.  Its the one thing that people really identify with NZ.

What Super 14 team do you support and why?    I am from the Nua so should support Hurricanes and this may sound a bit limp wristed but I genuinely support all the sides - if their is a NZ derby I generally prefer the team that has a better chance of making the semis etc to win

What's the biggest challenge facing rugby?  NZ rugby faces so many challenges right now that its hard to know where to start!  On a global scale, the ELV's have been poorly handled and we are in danger of a damaging division between North and South.  Also, protecting the integrity of test rugby should be the biggest priority of the IRB right now and the all mighty world cup is the biggest cause of this.  We are in danger of having people care only about the results of a one month long tournament every 4 years. 

Who was the game's greatest ever player?   I will go with the stock answer of Michael Jones.  Perhaps European readers might not know what the fuss is about as there was far less coverage in those days but he was a joy to watch and had everything that a rugby player would want in abundance.  I still havent forgiven him about his 'no play on Sundays' though!

How about non-NZ players? Who were/are the greatest?  John Eales would have to figure very highly as well as Campo.  He was the main reason we lost that semi in '91`.  Perhaps it shows my age that I pick two Aussies as the best, as they were our biggest threat when I became serious about rugby.

The best match you have ever seen?  August 24th 1996.  NZ clinch a series win in SA for the first time.  I wasn't at the game but was in a pub in Earls Court (The one that had a stuffed kangaroo above the bar) and it was my birthday so it made it a great day.  I had to get carried out the pub so the memory of the game is a bit hazy but it is one that had me celebrating the most.

The best try you have ever seen?   I think it would have to be the 2nd try against England in the '95 world cup semi.  England kicked off deep straight after Lomu bulldozed Catt.  It went to Little who bust through the tackle of Guscott and we swept upfield with Kronfeld going over in the corner.  I think it was voted try of the tournament...Magical stuff!

What position did you play, if you played, in rugby?  I swapped between prop and lock.  I wasn't quick enough to be a backrower, not really tall enough for lock (6 foot 2) or fat enough for prop (Although I have remedied that now  ), I prefer prop to lock as it gave me a direct battle with an opponent in the scrum rugby than my head up someone's backside as a lock.

What do you like about the Silverfern?   The camaraderie, the banter and sometimes the good rugby insight.  The fact that some genuine friendships have come from it is pretty cool as well.

How could the site be improved? Installing me as editor in chief!!  I suppose most people use it for the forum so for it to be totally utilised then it would be too improve the content on the main site.  I think it is pretty cool as it is.

Who's your favourite poster?   I have a lot of time for people on here the best posters that spring to mind are RB, Duluth, Lee Grant (Change that bloody avatar though!), Luigi oh and bartman has his moments!
Who's the worst poster?  I suppose Phooey for his parochialisms and scathing put downs but he is rarely a bad read!!

How did you pick your user name?  Grubby was my nickname at school.  Thankfully, don't really hear it that often but my latest is Booze (:Last name Hughes - Boozy Hughesy) it must be one of those ironic nicknames like Little John!

How could the game of rugby be improved?   3 words. Bring back rucking.

What rugby player would you turn gay for?  None, but my missus fancies Johnny Wilkinson and Dan Carter, must be something about first v's?

Non-rugby questions now

Favourite music?   Always have been an indie kid - The Smiths were the first band I really got into.  Flying Nun records played a huge part in my musical upbringing - The Chills, straitjacket fits (my favourite band), Bailterpsace etc. Great NZ bands, criminally ignored in their own country.

Favourite book?   The Godfather - Mario Puzo, I tend to read a lot of John Grisham on holiday.

Favourite Film?   That's a toughie - Good Will Hunting or Pulp Fiction - not sure.

Biggest lifetime regret?  Not taking cricket seriously enough and giving it away in my late teens after putting too much pressure on myself..  I played again in my early 20's in the Southern League in Hampshire.  It was only when people were saying that I could play County cricket if I got really serious about it that it dawned on me that I have made a mistake, but by that time any thoughts of turning pro had gone and I was just trying to enjoy the game and be positive about my batting.

Greatest hope?  That when I eventually depart this earth I can look back and say 'That was fuc*ing good!  I'm on track so far!