ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
CHIEFS MANA
As the Blues prepare to face off against the Chiefs this weekend, it has become apparent that support for the Auckland-based team extends as far as the city’s outer suburbs and then sharply drops off a cliff.
Even in the South Island, far removed from the direct rivalry, the sentiment is the same. A makeshift sign in Christchurch’s central square reads, “Say NO to Auckland Arrogance! Go Chiefs!” CHIEFS MANA!”
The Blues once rode a wave of success in the late 90s and early 2000s with three Super Rugby titles, however have not lifted a full Super Rugby trophy since the days of King Carlos in 2003.
Our reporters hit the streets around the country and asked pundits who they were supporting.
“Nothing unites NZ like our collective desire to see the Blues lose,” remarked one man on the street.
“I don’t know what’s happening, but I know I’m for the Chiefs,” said a female university student who appeared very much disengaged in sport.
A 56 year-old man from Shirley, Christchurch, who was wearing a Crusaders jersey and a black eye patch gave a brief comment.
“Up the Chiefs.”
More to come.
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