George Simon: The times they are a changing
George Simon • November 4th, 2025 8:22 AM
Rugby, Racing and Beer.
The good old days, according to those that were there.
New Zealand back in the 1960's was all about rugby, racing and beer.
Apparently.
There was even a popular song about it back in the day.
Contrary to popular belief, I was far too young to remember the rugby, racing and beer ethos prevalent at the time.
Last Sunday morning after watching the All Blacks - Ireland test match in Chicago, my mind flashed back to those rugby, racing and beer days.
Particularly, how much New Zealand has changed.
Whilst the big three ruled the roost way back then, I believe that's not the case these days.
I was driving to the annual Melbourne Cup Calcutta at the Mount Maunganui Club which I co-host with my Trackside mate Brendan Popplewell and Mr Tauranga Racing, local trainer Jim Pender.
We've being doing it for several years now because it's a lot of fun and the locals keep inviting us back.
On the drive over I was listening to Sport Nation on the radio and the hosts were discussing the All Black test.
Essentially, both agreed it was one of the most boring games of rugby they had seen.
The talkback callers who phoned in were unanimously in agreement.
So was I.
I even remember thinking when the game finished that was nearly 100 minutes of my life that I wasn't going to get back.
But I digress.
Later that day, back at home, I watched the NZ vs Tonga Rugby League test at Eden Park.
The difference between the two test matches was immense.
Most would know I'm a NZ Warriors tragic and a huge fan of Rugby League, particularly the NRL competition, which the Warriors will win next year.
But I digress .... again.
I enjoy the game because it entertains me.
Rugby League is a very simple game.
Run hard, tackle, score.
Its rules are designed to showcase the skill and courage of its participants.
Generally speaking, it works, and when it doesn't those rules are changed very quickly.
If you watched the NZ - Tonga test you would have seen the genuine passion, enthusiasm and determination on display.
And I'm only talking about the Tongan supporters.
Fantastic stuff.
Rugby was exactly the same, but somehow over the years, it's lost its way.
I defy anyone to explain some of the rulings in the All Black test.
The match officials in charge of the match should be ashamed.
They destroyed the entertainment element.
I don't blame those match officials though.
For mine, the reason why many are deserting Rugby in droves is because they are not being entertained with the Rugby players stymied by the games administration at the top levels.
So, what's this got to do with racing?
Obviously, NZ Racing has changed significantly over the years.
Some for the better, others not so much.
Greater minds than mine are tasked with coming up with solutions.
What I will say though is this.
Next time you get home from a day at a racetrack, ask yourself this question.
Was I entertained?
If you weren't, odds are you won't be in a hurry to come back.
Something to think about over your next beer.
