Bob Skinstad

Now the hard work really starts
Well by now Saturday’s hangover would be a distant memory, you are back at your desk with a wry smile on your face and you would have trolled the world wide web for news about the first test and noticed a few distinguishing themes cropping up. Let’s face it most of the themes are not unexpected and we should all do well to ignore the complaining whinging ones about the referee or the ignorant cry baby ones about the physicality of the test match. What you should be focusing on is the serious and sad way that Phil Vickery has been hung out to dry.

In all honesty the man was up against The Beast, he should be hailed as a hero for even thinking that his two world cup finals, incredible test match record and his legendry reputation would be enough for the impressiveness that is The Beast. Phil Vickery’s bravery can be likened to the World War One trench warfare hero who said “me first” when going over the top.

I pity poor Phil for the way his management and team mates have castigated him for his scrumming performance. I mean what did they expect? Asking Phil to scrum The Beast is akin to asking a toddler to land a Boeing. When Phil set up for the first scrum time the thoughts going through his mind would have been “I wonder what the breaking strain of neck vertebra is?” or “If I cry real tears will the coach sub me now?”

We need to embrace Phil, we need to give Phil a massive South African hug. Come on folks, he is one of the brave men of rugby.

We salute you Phil Vickery.

Now did anyone say Andrew Sheridan?

Andrew Sheridan, Phil Vickery