ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
RSA RAMBLER
Barry McLeod, 72, spent this afternoon delivering an unrequested state-of-the-nation address at the Timaru RSA, enlightening anyone within earshot of what he thinks of Scott Robertson’s All Blacks.
Ahead of their second test against South Africa, McLeod began to fire up with a handle of beer in his hand.
“About bloody time they dropped Rieko Ioan,” grunted the retired panel beater after reading the team to start.
“He’s basically gone missing the past couple of seasons. Glad they’re sticking with Beauden at first-five too, I’d bail Razor up myself if he put McKenzie back there!”
McLeod, who hasn’t missed an All Blacks test on television since 1974, went on to explain that while he approved of some selections, he still wasn’t convinced Robertson’s team was tracking in the right direction.
“Don’t get me wrong, Razor’s a sharp fella, but I’m not sure if they’re really firing yet,” he admitted. “We’ll know after Saturday. Or maybe the week after. But I tell ya what, I’ll know before Razor knows.”
By this stage, a growing audience of unwilling patrons had gathered around the 72-year-old’s bar leaner.
“He just started talking to me while I was ordering a jug,” said Timaru electrician Mark Daniels. “I nodded once, and that was all the encouragement he needed. Next thing I’m learning about Barry’s theories on Ardie Savea’s work rate.”
McLeod was quick to assure the room that, should things not improve, he was “available for selection talks at NZ Rugby any time they want.”
More to come.
