120. How to end a test match. PNG & FIJI give the world a lesson in mutual respect and friendliness

Rugby League is a contact sport played by men and women. Players don’t wear body armour or face masks. Tackles can be brutal. Both teams play hard to win.

Papua New Guinea and Fiji are among the smallest nations in the world. They love their sport, and an international rugby league test between the two countries today was an exciting example of skill, hard tackles, athleticism — and mutual respect!

At the conclusion of the match both sides exchanged handshakes, hugs, backpats and a combined community singing session, right there on the field. Families and friends would have been proud. Politeness and genuine friendship shone through.

Contrast that behaviour against the racquet-smashing too many professional tennis players exhibit when they lose. Parents and families must cringe! Polite people everywhere do.

The infamous “under-arm bowl” to prevent the batsman getting a decent whack at the last ball of the cricket test match in 1981. Another day that goes down in infamy.

Which brings us to swearing and sledging on the field. This is not the same as two boxers at weigh-in looking daggers at each other in an attempt to sell more tickets.

Years ago I coached a very junior grade soccer team and I insisted on polite player behaviour at all times. At the end of each match we had handshakes all round and “3cheers” for the opposing team, and “one for the ref”.

My request:

Let’s learn from these Pacific teams who can go all-out to win on the field, but when the game is over, they come together to sing songs of friendship. Glorious.

Worth a try? Put your comments in the box below. Thanks.

#####BM

This is SubStack Report #120. My other reports are here > brianmorris.substack.com

Footnote. If you’re looking for a lovely place to enjoy your holiday where the sea is warm, tropical fruits abound, and the natives are super-friendly: consider one of the Pacific islands.