25 Jul 2009 11:13p.m.

Sarah wrote:

I am disappointed with the article regarding Carters return to rugby and the game played at Denton Oval. The reporters snide comment; "a crowd that's usually in the tens"; "As a game it didn't amount to much", highlights his ignorance of the importance of this match to both Southbridge and Hornby and to many other clubs in Canterbury. He is right that the spectators aren't normally this plentiful but perhaps if there was a little more effort by Canterbury Rugby Union and "high profile" players to support rugby at club level then spectator and even player numbers and would increase - just like in the "good ol' days" when rugby was about rugby not just ego and dollars! Regarding the fact that the "game didn't amount to much" is an insult. It would be a safe bet that this game would have been a lifetime highlight of the players and supporters of both clubs and that the outcome meant a great deal to both as well. It should be said that both teams played exceptionally well despite the appearance and small contribution of Dan Carter and whilst Hornby showed signs of being star struck in the first half - they played a dynamite second half! I realise that this match has been about Dan Carters return but perhaps a little more emphasis / focus on the clubs wouldn't go astray - god knows the game and clubs throughout NZ need it! It is my opinion that the state of club rugby i.e. poor player and spectator support is partially a result of the regional union's and a lot of high profile players forgetting where the soul of the game is focusing too much on greed for profit.