Whatever Canterbury’s motivations, for once in their recent history of excellence, success and tradition building, the Red and Blacks have embarrassed themselves.

Article By: Bevan Sanson

What’s the difference between Canterbury and Horowhenua-Kapiti?

Ok, ok the answers to the above question are limitless, but in terms of recent history the answer is simple:

Horowhenua-Kapiti saw value in attending the recent national Sevens tournament in Queenstown and the Cantabs did not.

First off all let’s deal with the bouquets and congratulate “The Nua”, a Heartland Championship side, on winning the Bowl section of the tournament.

In doing so they became giant killers downing Wellington 17-14 in the semi-final and Auckland 21-15 in the final.

The sight of the Southland Stags mascot joining the Horowhenua boys for the on-field celebrations showed how much the win meant not only for those of us who hail from beneath the western foothills of the Tararua Ranges, but the rest of the nation also.

The standing ovation the team received at the end of tournament function was well deserved.

For Auckland the result might serve as a lesson to make all their academy and high performance players available for selection, and to not mess with your starting line-up during the tournament.

But any criticism of Auckland, Wellington or in fact all of the teams that participated in the event must be tempered by the fact that the administrators of each union saw the importance of sending a team to Queenstown.

Some might have needed a bit of a hand to come up with the $4500 entry fee, but gear was provided, support offered and value was seen in giving players the chance to showcase their skill on the national stage.

And it’s here where Canterbury, the union that has become synonymous for its innovation and forward thinking, has let themselves and the game down.

Like all New Zealand unions, the Red and Blacks have been struggling to make a dollar in recent seasons.

On-field success in the Air New Zealand Cup has not translated to bucks in the bank.

With last year’s Jade Stadium crowd for the competition’s final smaller than that of the Fendalton branch of the Carlos Spencer fan Club it’s clear that local fans are either placing all their emotional capital on the success of the Crusaders, or that years of winning has created the same complacency we saw from the Eden Park faithful during Auckland’s lengthy Ranfurly Shield reign.

However, none of this is any reason to deny players, coaches and team managers the chance to play in Queenstown.

I find it hard to accept Canterbury CEO, Hamish Riach’s, lack of finances excuse.

According to Canterbury Sevens Coach, Ernie Goodhue, he was told they were going to the nationals. Then, only days before the event, he received an email saying that unless he and the team could come up with the $4500 entry fee their trip was off.

If both Riach and Goodhue are to be taken at their word then why didn’t Riach tell the team weeks earlier they would have to fund their own trip?

This would have given Goodhue and his team time to get the raffle books out and spin other fundraising wheels into action.

Were there other motivations behind Canterbury’s decision?

Did they think they might not be competitive enough? Were they worried of exposing their emerging talent to the prying eyes of other unions? Do the union’s trainers and academy bosses feel players should be pushing tin in the gym this time of year, rather than playing the highly aerobic game of Sevens?

Whatever Canterbury’s motivations, for once in their recent history of excellence, success and tradition building the Red and Blacks have embarrassed themselves.

But well done Horowhenua. The two big scalps you earned on the way to winning the Bowl Final will be remembered for years to come.

As for those you left in your wake? I hope Auckland and Wellington are not feeling too downcast. They might have been on the wrong end of upset losses, but at least they fronted up.

They’ve also provided themselves some ammo to fire back at those Canterbury folk who think they wrote the book on all things rugby.

The best part about sport is playing the game and being there.

Let’s hope Canterbury’s decision makers come to understand that over the coming year.