I've noted with interest a few stories on declining attendance figures at Hurricanes' Super 14 matches. We got 11,479 to a blowout against the Force in week 2, 12,008 in a blowout against the Lions in week 3, 11,442 at the Sharks game and 19,777 to watch us draw with the Crusaders. An average to date of, not counting upcoming games against the Chiefs and Reds, 13,676.

Last season we got 12,835 for week 1 against the Waratahs, 11,706 in week 2 against the Highlanders, 6,294 in New Plymouth against the Cheetahs, 16,139 against the Bulls in week 6, 16,663 against the Brumbies in week 11 and 20,162 against the Blues in week 12. This made an average of 15, 501 for games at Westpac Stadium.

In 2008 we got 15,682 against the Reds in week 2, 16,913 for a lacklustre Chiefs side in week 3, 31,571 for the Crusaders in week 7, 13,500 for the Sharks in week 8, 13,986 for the Lions in week 12 and 16,459 for the Force a week later, a season average of 18,018.

In 2007 in week 3 we got 24,208 against the Blues, 21,194 for the Brumbies a week later, 16,000 against the Stormers in Palmerston North in week 5, 20,874 for the Bulls in week 9, 15,770 against the Cheetahs in week 11 and 19,790 against the Highlanders in week 13 and in the final game of the season, 25,290 watched us get pantsed by the Waratahs. That means 21,187 watched the 'Canes play at Westpac Stadium.

2006 saw 14,000 watch us play the Force in New Plymouth, 23,400 against the Lions, 19,800 against the Sharks, 34,500 against the Crusaders, 27,011 vs the Chiefs and 21,367 against the Reds. 2006 was, of course, the year we had a home semi-final which had a capacity crowd of 34,500. A total average of 25, 215 for Westpac Stadium games not counting the one-off semifinal.

That was a drop of 4,028 between 2006 and 2007, 3,169 between 2007 and 2008, 2,517 between 2008 and 2009, and 1,825 so far between last season and the present one.

The problem with 'solving' declining attendance figures is it's difficult to pinpoint one particular reason. There's always the issue of weather, and it's impossible to make people turn up if it looks like rain or is cold. Next there's the 'make the games be played in the early afternoon!' brigade.

Not to poo-poo on that too bad, but when the Lions played Manawatu in the ANZC last year at 5.30, they attracted 8,607. When they played Harbour 2 weeks later they got 10,160. In 2008 week 5, 15,242 watched the 2.30 game against the Bay of Plenty at the Cake Tin and 14,143 watched us defend the Ranfurly Shield against Tasman in a 5.30 game I remember clearly because it was fucking pissing down with rain. Compare that with 2007's game against Manawatu at 2.30 which attracted 14,081 and 11,000 against Harbour with a 5.30 kickoff.

All of those figures are well within the normal scope of Lions attendances, but there was not a significant rise in crowd numbers in early games. It's also worth noting that quite often those early games will include a 'take a kid for free' promotion or something similar, which may alter the final statistics if their tickets are counted.

Then there are the 'Most people watch it at home because it's better' supporters. Again there's some merit to this, but enough to account for 11,539 fewer punters over four seasons? I seriously doubt that. Besides, there'd surely still be some people who go to the game and record it on MY SKY like me.

Of course there's still the 'disenchanted with rugby following the 2007 world cup'. I don't think this is the case either - I included 2006 stats for this reason. If it was because people were sulking and decided [by some odd logic] to show their disenchantment by refusing to attend matches, wouldn't that have shown up immediately after the RWC?

And it can't be because the Hurricanes aren't experiencing success, can it? We've got seven[?] All Blacks from last year, a new franchise player in Aaron Cruden, a forward pack who are finally standing up and being counted... And until this season, we were winning more than we lost.

So what could it possibly be? An increase in ticket prices? Though I am told season ticket prices increased in 2007, I can't find anything to back it up. General admission tickets - to the best of my knowledge - definitely haven't increased in price since 2007.

Is it all these things working together that have caused this downfall? If that's the case, will winning a Super Rugby title really bring the punters back en masse? Will adding the Melbourne Rebels to the list of 'same old, same old' opponents help fans feel more excited? Will changing to a conference-based system where we play the other NZ franchises twice in the competition make people want to fork out to head along?

What is the problem? What is the solution? What what what?

The NZI Sevens website tells me that the competition kicks off in 2 days and 23 hours. That guarantees that the next 5 days in the capital will be 25-35 degrees without a cloud in the sky. This will be the third straight year I've boycotted the live event and watched at home. Well, when I say boycott I mean 'this'll be my fourth year as a student, and the third I can't afford to go'. Since I actually watch and enjoy the IRB series, I figured it'd be a help to profile the teams for those who're watching - either at the Caketin or at home.

The Structure

First you'll need to understand the way the NZI Sevens work. There are 16 teams, spread across four pools [so four in each pool]. There are four trophies on offer - the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield. The 8 teams who finish third and fourth in their pool will contest the Bowl. The four teams which lose their first match in the Bowl tournament will drop down to contest the Shield, with the two winning teams in the first game going on to the Shield final, while the four teams which remained in the Bowl do the same. This process is identical for the Cup - the top two teams in each pool move on, those which lose their Cup game drop down to contest the Plate.

 

Pool A

Pool A consists of New Zealand, South Africa, Wales and Niue. New Zealand have opened the season with wins in both Dubai and George, while defending IRB Sevens winners South Africa have not made a Cup semi or final to date - losing 21-17 to eventual finalists Fiji. Keep an eye out for Mzwandile Stick, who slotted a massive dropkick from the sideline to tie their match with Kenya in George. Wales are only 2 points behind South Africa, as they have won the Bowl in both competitions, while SA has lost the Plate final in both tournaments. This will be the first time in the current tournament that Niue have fielded a team.

Keep an eye out for;

It'll be hard to miss a single NZ player, but Kurt Baker [he'll have the raggedy looking mullet, which is all the other teams ever see of him as they chase him down the wing], Ben Souness and Sherwin Stowers have been exceptional to date, while DJ Forbes has looked like he's enjoying himself once again. Forbes has been the most physical player on the tour this season, as that picture shows... and let's not forget the aforementioned Mzwandile Stick of South Africa.

Prediction: The Cup winner will come from this group. Either NZ or SA.

Pool B Pool B has Fiji, Australia, Papua New Guinea and Scotland. If I may be so bold, I'm going to refer to this group as the 'also rans' as none of the teams have shown sufficient ability so far this season to make them Cup contenders. Fiji made the final in George, but only after being pushed by Argentina and South Africa. In that match against NZ they looked extremely tired, possibly due to their focus on muscle and brute force. Australia were out of their depth in George, getting a thorough hiding from England in the Plate semifinal [though they won it in Dubai], while Scotland are yet to make a semi this year. The Scottish team have won won game - against Tunisia - and drawn against Zimbabwe, but haven't even looked close against anyone else. Like Niue, PNG have not fielded a team yet.

Keep an eye out for; Bernard and Shaun Foley from Australia - they're not the best players in the world, but they're committed and work well with each other. Clinton Sills is their best attacking weapon, and he should be good for 3 or 4 tries in Wellington. But in terms of talent in Pool B, it's impossible to look past William Ryder. He is simply a meast and the whole package - speed, finesse and strength in one tight-fitting Fijian shirt. He's an intense player and gives everything to his team - and definitely plays 'til the whistle blows. Here he is telling Stick how much he enjoyed his mother's baking. He's leading the points scoring so far this season and probably my favourite - either he or Stowers, who is leading try scorer.

Prediction; Unfortunately, this group has a rough ride. The team which tops it [Should be Fiji] will face the 2nd side in Pool A - so either NZ or SA. If Fiji can get over that hurdle, they'll be a shoe in for the final. Their best chance of winning the Cup will be to play SA in the final. Australia, Scotland and PNG will be contesting the Bowl or Shield, realistically, since the 2nd place Pool B team plays the 1st placed Pool A side.

Pool C Tonga, Kenya, England, USA. That's the way I'm picking this pool too. Tonga's first tournament of the 2009 series, but they're always a tough side. Kenya, if they progress as I've picked them, will be the NZ media darlings. Traditionally, the team which 'punches above its weight' is picked up by the national media and the commentators forever repeat that they are 'fan favourites' - usually this is the US. Kenya's development over the past few years has been excellent. While they've retained the slender frames that allow them to run so effectively, they've also learnt how to handle contact. Broken tackles are not as abundant now as they once were. My favourite part of watching Kenya though is the intelligence they utilise on field. They don't simply resort to set plays, they create them on the fly. It's hard to describe until you see it. England have been as disappointing as Australia so far, but if they can beat Tonga or Kenya, they'll get a big confidence boost. One of these three teams will be my dark horse to make the final, and one will definitely take out the Bowl. The US get an honorable mention, and will be Bowl contenders.

Keep an eye out for; If you hadn't guessed already, Kenya are my favourite team aside from New Zealand. Collins Injera [L] and Humphrey Kayange [R] are superb players and seeing them lope down the field, looking like they're not even trying, is awesome. Injera is only 3 tries behind Stowers and second on the try table this year. From England, who have the most horrid uniform on the circuit - honestly, the back makes no sense - veteran Ben Gollings and 20-year-old Dan Caprice are their best hopes.

Prediction; I've laid it out. If Tonga stumble, it'll come down to Kenya v England. Whoever wins that will be the best hope. If demoted, Kenya should lick their lips at the prospect of taking home the Plate, but England are not Cup challengers.

 

Pool D Here it is: The cliched 'pool of death'. Except in this case, it's four mediocre teams. Argentina and Samoa can compete in the Cup ranks, but none of these sides even look like winning it - but they are all around each others level, and it'll create excellent pool matches, that's for sure.

Keep an eye out for; Mikaele Pesamino of Samoa - He was basically born to hit you hard, steal the ball and run it back for a try. He is hugggge and has been around for years. If you haven't heard of him, it's a safe bet you're not going to the Sevens to watch rugby - rather to perve and get pissed.

Prediction Samoa and Argentina will top the group. Samoa can make the semis, but Argentina will play for the Plate. France will contest the Bowl and Canada the Shield.

Hurricanes front-rower Neemia Tialata has apparently designed a clothing range for the Hurricanes and will be launching it on a catwalk in Manners Mall at 12.30 today. Apparently Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Rodney So’oialo, and Piri Weepu will also be present [and I assume doing signings].

If you can't make it, they'll be sold at Hurricane Jeans and [as the WRFU press release told me] on the Hurricanes website - which actually directs you to the Champions of the World site. I wonder what Rebel Sport makes of the whole situation?

Better late than never! The Dropkicks discuss the end of the Air NZ Cup, Wellington winning the Ranfurly Shield, the Warriors in the NRL, and other sporty stuff...

Download Episode 33

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The Central Pulse

FAQs 

So who is on the team?

Just going by the website it's Sonia Mkoloma...... and some other girls.

Actually, looking at those photos of Sonia you've got on your website, it kinda looks like the ones she had done for the Brunel Hurricanes back in England.

I don't know what you're getting at? 

 

Yeah they are, you just airbrushed out the logos on her uniform! In fact you can still see the logo on the ball

...look, are you going to ask serious questions or not?

So why are you going to win?

Duh, Sonia Mkoloma!

Why might you lose?

Well we are a bit weak at Goal Shoot and Wing Defense....

...oh, and Wing Attack. And Goal Attack and Centre and Goal Defence.

Don't you think it's a little ironic calling yourselves the Pulse when the previous franchise (the Shakers) was almost dead?

This interview is over!

The Pulse's first game is against the Vixens on April 5th in Wellington.

This is going to be a hellish dull live blog because I don’t actually have a ticket for the Sevens, I’m stuck at the office. So lets get into it:

(I’ll update during the day, latest post at the bottom, no times on posts either.)

• Stupidly I wore my cowboy hat to work (trying to be sun smart) and my new yellow t-shirt eliciting plenty of “are you going to the Sevens?” from workmates. Sigh, no.
• It’s plenty hot today, people are gonna be suffering tomorrow.
• My camera is not only running out of batteries but I forgot to bring the usb cable. Wicked!
• As I’m stuck in my cubicle that doesn’t even face the window I’m hearing the sounds of be-costumed folk heading towards and exiting from various drinking establishments around town.
• Head downtown for lunch. See some good costumes, tigers, Vikings, lederhosen (that’s a new one for me).
• The most ironic of group costumes just went past (stupid no battery camera!). A guy in black face dressed as Andrew Symons with another dude dressed as Habajan Singh surrounded by a group dressed as other Aussie cricketers. Amy said they were playing cricket in midland park for a while and everyone was calling them “monkey”.
• UPDATE: I knew someone would have a photo!
  
  Photo on Flickr by Kiwi Frenzy on Location
  
• Have a quick read of the Stuff Live Blog, makes sitting at work sound exciting.

Cowgirls on The Terrace. Vikings on Willis St. Pirates on Lambton Quay.

The city has gone barmy.

Quite

• Ok, here we go! Streaming video on the TVNZ website! I love this idea from TVNZ, especially since it is technically my work’s bandwidth. I also love the slow calm commentary of Keith Quinn and Glenn Osborne, man that takes me back. Whoa weird, no ads.

• I’ve got TV now I just need beer…
• South African Duriss (is that how it's spelled) just scored his 146th try in Sevens. As Keith Quinn says "Just say that slowly...one...hundred...and...forty...six...tries... .... ... that's a lot"
• The "big men of the little Cook Islands" have just knocked off the Poms and the crowd goes nuts!!!
• Tafai Ioasa isn't in the starting line-up, but apprently that's "not a big thing"
• NZ are sticking it into the Canadians. Phil Mack (I may have heard that wrong) may be the first Native American to play a sport in New Zealand. We have no way to confirm this.
• Wellington is windy. Who knew? Apparently we're "embarrassed" about it. I'm not. Get fucked wind-haters.
• I should point out that some names may be misspelled because I don't have the team lists in front of me. I apologise if people get offended.
• 43-0 final score. Oh Canada!
• The Tongans, annoyed at being beaten by Scotland, have decided to tackle the Argentineans to death.
• All this fancy-pants throwing the ball around is a little too showy. C'mon let's see some good forward rugby boys!
• This Argentina-Tonga game is pretty good.
• You know what? Fuck this, I'm off for a drink, (then more drinks)

The Dropkicks look back at the Air NZ Cup semi-finals, and ponder just who will take out the honours in the Wellington v. Auckland final. Athlete and Dick of the Week, and the last chance to enter our World Cup Competition.

Download Episode 39 - Air NZ Cup Semi-Final review | Final preview

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