ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Ronald Meads, 71, has delivered a blunt warning to New Zealand Rugby: “If Ardie isn’t captain, then you can forget us winning next year’s World Cup.” he said at his local pub in downtown Levin.
Meads, who has been observing All Blacks politics from his favorite pub stool for over four decades, says last week’s axing of coach Scott Robertson was only the beginning. “We need more change, but this time in the leadership group. The players don’t get off scott free after you do that to a great coach!!” Meads vented between sips of a well-earned pint.
While Scott Barrett has been holding the captaincy since 2024, Meads is unconvinced. “Scott’s been alright, don’t get me wrong. But like the coach, we need to see more change,” he said, gesturing vaguely at a nearby dartboard. “Ardie Savea is the one who needs to be leading us from now. We’ve got no hope if he’s not captain, he’s a man of great mana. Look what he’s done with Moana Pasifika!”
Meads, who claims to have watched every All Blacks match since 1969, has a clear vision for the future: “Look, you can’t just shuffle the same blokes around and expect miracles. You need someone with grit, guts, and the kind of hair that strikes fear into opponents. That’s Ardie. But I don’t trust the buggers at NZ Rugby!”
When asked about Barrett’s performance as captain, Meads was diplomatic… almost. “Scott hasn’t been bad. Really, he hasn’t. We just need to see more change. If you change the coach, you’ve got to change the captain.”
As Meads polished off his pint, he leaned in conspiratorially. “Mark my words. If NZ Rugby doesn’t make Savea captain, next year’s World Cup will be just a nice story to tell your grandchildren about how close we almost were and should have made more change when we had the chance!”
More to come.
