New Zealand vs. South Africa

I told myself I wouldn't just blog about sports, but after what transpired overnight in the Cricket World Cup I couldn't help myself. The Blacks Caps, led by an inspired Jacob Oram, find themselves in the semi-finals once again. Ironically, it is at the same venue where New Zealand suffered it's most embarrassing loss in it's 81 year history. That's right, the fourth loss in an ugly 4-0 whitewash to Bangladesh last year. That is typical of the Black Caps. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But that's why we love them. And then hate them. And then love them again. It's also typical of the sporting rivalry we share with South Africa. So I thought I would compile a list of five lowlights, and then five highlights.

LOWLIGHT(1) In the 1995 World Cup final we faced South Africa only to lose 15-12 in extra time. We won't mention anything about food poisoning.
HIGHLIGHT(1) The following year the All Blacks won their first test series in South Africa sealing it with a 33-26 win in the second test in Pretoria.

LOWLIGHT(2) South Africa stunned the Netball World with a dramatic semi-final win over the Silver Ferns in the 1995 Netball World Championships, being led by outstanding GS Irene Van Dyk
HIGHLIGHT(2) There is a saying "If you can't beat em, join em." In Irene Van Dyk's case she beat them, but joined them anyway. Van Dyk moved to New Zealand and became a Silver Fern not long after.

LOWLIGHT(3) Despite their Apartheid laws the NZ Govt had no issue with the Springboks coming to NZ for a rugby tour which caused protests nationwide. Households were divided, games were cancelled, and players were getting hit by flour bombs.
HIGHLIGHT(3) We managed to clinch the 1981 series 2-1 with an Allan Hewson penalty goal in the dying seconds of the third test in Auckland.

LOWLIGHT(4) Johan LeRoux grew tired of Sean Fitzpatrick so he decided to bit his ear.
HIGHLIGHT(4) LeRoux was suspended for 19 months for his actions, and we won the series.

LOWLIGHT(5) Because of their Apartheid Laws, South Africa didn't allow non-white players to tour their country. Eventually a compromise was made when NZ's non-white players were given "honorary white" status. A slap in the face to the Polynesian and Maori communities.

HIGHLIGHT(5) It has nothing to do with the previous lowlight, but at the 1992 Cricket World Cup, a new opening batting combination was formed. That of Mark Greatbatch and Rod Latham. They blasted their way to an unforgettable run-a-ball 100run opening stand against the Proteas winning by 7 wickets.