Runsheet: USA v 'New Zealand' 'rugby' NYC promo event

Sport Review #174

Background

The greatest nation on earth plays New Zealand (map) at rugby on Saturday.

Target outcomes

Generate buzz. Any buzz.

Guest list

Kyrie is out.

Run sheet

As guests arrive: NZ folk band Flight of the Concords acoustic set. (Note: they always look / sound like that).

Ambient talent: Five actors deployed to engage guests in natural conversations about the game of rugby, it’s history and the rules. World Rugby contractual obligations stipulate all guests must be fully briefed on new ELV’s around 50:22 and goal-line drop-outs.

Food: High end interpretations of NYC bodega style pizza slice and Rueben sandwiches, only they all have lamb. Lashings of buttery chardonnay, we’re going to need it.

Timings:

7.30pm: David Byrne in conversation with Ali Williams

7.33pm: Peter Jackson unveils specially commissioned Orcs modelled after Steve Tew and Woody Allen.

8pm: Lorde and acoustic guitarist performs Rugby Power and Stoned in the Queue at Eden Park

8.30pm: Dennis Connor presents great moments in USA v New Zealand rivalry, including the 1987 Louis Vuitton Cup, Anna Paquin taking down Winona Ryder’s performance in The Age Of Innocence for the 1993 Best Supporting Actor Oscar, and the best of Simon Marks’ Morning Report sick burns on Donald Trump.

9pm: Taika Waititi Instagram opportunity with photo wall made from ferns and pavlova.

9.30pm: Hard close. Gift packs include more lamb, a rugby ball, a 128mb USB with USA rugby highlights and Jonah Lomu Rugby PS1 disc.

Thanks for reading - Richard

This week's best NZ sport content

There is A LOT happening in this report of BLACKCAP Henry Nicholls’ return for Peninsula Harbour club cricket side, including a brutally honest post-match interview [Newshub]

The opening ceremony from All Blacks v France 1979 is a proper acid trip [twitter.com/ApsmRugby]

Scroll down for a really interesting and quite beautiful way to show cricket data - you could hang one on the wall [rowansimpson.substack.com]

They’re never going to find Bert Sutcliffe’s ashes [ODT]

“I can see now 'that bloody Goodall has put his finger up because he wants to be in on the act of being part of the 300th wicket for Paddles'. He autographed that photo of me, appealing to me and me doing that.”

Ian Anderson on Fred Goodall’s colourful umpiring career [Stuff]

Trevor McKewan says the Silver Lake deal is all go behind the scenes, but wonders if what’s left in a watered down deal will do anyone any good [Business Desk]

Video nasty

It’s called a super market.

Long read

Long profile of Succession writer and show runner Jesse Armstrong, a Brit who’s brought top UK comedy talent together to create the best show on TV [New Yorker]

Recommendation 

Heat is on Netflix. If you’re locked up this wet long weekend you should probably watch it again.

Bring back the gif 

When someone mentions personal freedom in the chat.

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