Some times I wouldn't mind being a New Zealander. Then, when the All Blacks run on the field against the Springboks I could support them without any feelings of guilt. Patriotism is a heavy burden. Born out of subliminal radiation right from the cradle and nurtured by shared experiences of time and space, it has a hold on you that's hard to snap. Many frown on those who attempt to break it. To illustrate how pervasive it can be, I still have these nostalgic moments when hearing the old SA national anthem, Die Stem, and seeing the old SA flag because they hark back to early morning trumpet reveilles in the army - a place I didn't want to be, doing something I didn't want to do - in the old South Africa. Living abroad shifts the patriotic dimension. Once you've resided outside of your homeland for a while your links with home become more tenuous. Many emigrants we know talk of how they are never quite sure anymore where they'd rather be. This is not as disturbing as it sounds. Actually it makes life richer to know that you're also rooted in another place far away. But going back to New Zealand, they just play a more inspired brand of rugby. It's all about speed, support and handling. Power is essential too but more to out-manoeuvre than to out-muscle. The Springboks are now trying to adapt to this technique but so far the Blacks have totally outplayed them. Bravo for trying but there's a long way to go. You always feel the temptation is there to fall back on the old up and under, which mostly just serves to give the ball away. The QSL is from Print Disabled Radio, heard in Sheigra in the far north-west of Scotland in November 1996 on the 75mb. This low-powered, 1 kW station, broadcasting from Levin, New Zealand, was over 11000 miles away.
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