It’s really important you get the jab, so Aucklanders can do things, and more people stay alive and that - book it here and find out more.
Mt Vic Vaxx
The Australians simply cannot cope with your slow medium outswingers, off cutter and surprise yorker, bowling with the wind at the Basin. After doing the team song and smashing a few of the sponsors’ product in the shed, it’s time for the Limo. You, BJ, Trent, Timmy and Wags (and Kane, who bowled himself for three overs cos he wanted to be involved) negotiate the tight Mt Vic corners before summiting for selfies and receiving your second dose from Ewen Chatfield, complete with blazer and name tag.
Marshy’s medicine
Take a private jet to Christchurch to be met at the airport by Grizz and Robbie Deans for a tour of suburban watering holes as you enjoy a few pints of CD while brainstorming players from other unions that could slot into red and black. Shortly after midnight you’re picked up on horseback for a ride into the central city with the Crusaders music ringing from a UE BoomBox. You’re lead to the nightclub D floor where Scott Robertson and Steve Tew are engaged in an intense break-off to Wagon Wheel. Before you know it, Justin Marshall has administered the Pfizer jab - it goes in like butter. Boomfa!
Hole in one arm
Cruise out to Muriwai in a Jaguar XKSS with Sir Bob Charles (someone else will bring the sticks in a van). Sir Bob is gracious, complements your swing, gives you putts from 2m out and the wind stops blowing when you get to hole eight. You shoot three under your handicap. In the clubhouse the chips are hot, the beer is cold. You politely refuse the Deer Velvet capsules, before a kindly bar manager administers the vaccine while wearing a tea towel over one shoulder.
Game of two jabs
Put on your formal track suit jacket and trim the sideburns before time traveling deep into the 90’s for a night out with Matthew Ridge and Marc Ellis. You’re the lords of the Viaduct as the velvet ropes magically lift for the god tier banter. There are endless stories about life with the 90’s Otago team and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles before Brent Todd appears with a tray of Mai Tais with Aftershock chasers and your first dose.
The Pfizer Vaccine is now in your arm!
Peter Burling and Blair Tuke pick you up from the Devonport Wharf on Te Rehutai. You’re foiling in the inner harbour as the boys entertain you with deadpan tales of sick burns on Jimmy Spithill and point out the the galley they’ve had installed. You enjoy some interesting hazies and Wakachangi salt and vinegar as you circle Waiheke inspiring the locals to get their first shot. Just as you hit a quiet patch on the water Pete Montgomery emerges from the hold with a syringe to help you become fully vaccinated.
Thanks for reading - Richard
This week's best NZ sport content
Henry Rounce talks to young cyclist Henrietta Christie on life on the Belgian pro cycling circuit - and crashing [Locker Room]
Stephen Gallagher misses international rugby league, and has some ideas on how we get it back [Sportsfreak]
Patrick McKendry on loving boxing, being a sportswriter and a fan and Josh Parker [The Bounce]
Children should be taught how to deal with anxiety and I cannot think of a better way than forcing them to listen to the New Zealand cricket team chasing small winning targets.
Amen - Euan McCabe on beating the West Indies in Dunedin [Sportsfreak]
If you missed Dame Noeline saying fart-arsing, you’re welcome [twitter.com/KeebsTalksNetty]
Linda Burgess doesn’t like rugby or sport very much, but hilariously reviews Dan Carter’s new book - there’s a great story on how Linda got in Dan’s head one time [News Room]
Video nasty
Pop punk bands say Tonight for one minute. Yip, that’s it.
Long read
This through and measured analysis of the voices railing against New Zealand’s COVID-19 response from Josh Drummond is highly recommended [The Bad News Letter]
Recommendation
The Chestnut Man is a top class Scandinavian Noir that builds tension so magnificently you won’t even notice you’ve spilled the scorched almonds. It’s on Netflix.
Bring back the gif
When you pre-load for the Zoom drinks.
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