How the All Blacks landed rugby union's 'Whino Awards' trophy again

Greg Smith takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the World Championship of Whinging (from an admittedly South African viewpoint).

by Greg Smith on 13 May 2008

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'Prior to the 2011 RWC in New Zealand, the Kiwi Classic Whinging World Cup will be launched by Graham Henry to showcase their historical collection of past whinging'

Sydney, 2008: The prize-giving for the World Championship of Whinging and Whingers was recently held at an Academy Awards cheese and WHINE celebration here. The two previous Oscars went to Australia and New Zealand - and this year they again were the favourites for this dubious honour.

In 2006, the Aussies showed their true class in this genre with a string of award-winning performances. Ultimately it was their Tri-Nations whinging that took the honours, narrowly pipping the traditionally strong contenders New Zealand. (The Kiwis between 1995 and 2005 had walked away with the Whino Laurel (a red whine-coated cheese fern) for unsurpassable performances and tantrums ranging from the 1995 post mortem called 'We dudn't lose, we was poisoned!' to the 'Let's get those Yarpies' trans-Tasman referee's fax of 2005.

In 2006, the Aussies' 'You kicked dirt-trackers in our face!' performance was a Whino Laurel classic. Jake White handed the Australians their 59th Whino Laurel at a celebration held after the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The infamous 'dirt-trackers' whinge took place during the Tri-Nations when then Rugby World Cup-charged Springbok coach White strategically sent his 'dirt-trackers' (B-team) to Oz while preparing the Boks for their ultimate victory in France.

Comments (5)

by Twat on May 14, 2008

Ironic - coming from a South African who are Rugby Unions biggest whiners (we were banned from the sport, we've had african wars, we have political interference, etc). In case you haven't noticed, everything the NZ and AUS have said, is actually a fact (especially that SA fluked their way to the last WC). But the greatest irony mr smith is that NZ was the one country to stand by SA through all their rugby political turmoil - even risking getting world wide sanctions - yet you give the country that aided you where none other did - crap!!!! Unlike a true rugby supporter you can't even acknowledge the Springboks two greatest opponents and give them any credit. You are truly a very ungracious winner and supporter. I feel sorry for your bitterness.

by Greg Smith on May 14, 2008

Yeah... I remember our lads sleeping on a cold damp Athletic Park changing-room floor and the next day having flour bombs and other missiles thrown at them... whatever the situation was, I wouldn't treat a dog that badly and testimony to your sorry lot ! I'll be less bitter when you bunch revisit your attitudes which will be when hell freezes over...

by nesian rugby on May 14, 2008

I remember being shot at in South Africa with a NZ age grade side...gotta love the Saffas - very hospitable lot :p Greg, I love the fact that you travelled around the globe looking for points to deride the ABs and Wallabies. Shows how small minded and insecure you are. The ABs and Wallabies aren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination I give you that - but your constant search for an answer to your insecurities is laughable. You weren't by any chance the braai-eating chubby fella in the who invaded the pitch trying to tackle the ref during the ABs Bokke test were you? PS: Feel free to reply to my other comment on IRB player numbers and all the islanders like myself who grew up in NZ who obviously aren't *white* enough for you to be classed as Kiwis...

by David de Mattos on May 14, 2008

Brilliant piece Mr Smith! You have a new fan and I will be keenly waiting for further "tongue in cheek" articals!! I have sent this to my entire contact list, talk about stiring the pot!! The best part of antipodian rugby is their utter lack of sence of humour.. Ha ha ha Vat so Fluffie!!!

by poker tables poker tables on May 15, 2008

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