Of course it’s a given. I found it amusing because the gloss being put on the story (‘the future of the game in NZ looks strong!’) couldn’t have been further from the content (‘an ever increasing percentage of our top players come from a few families!’). I’d consider it a positive if there was an indication that there was a larger pool of players to choose from coming through. The story suggested a smaller one. Don’t think there needs to be an oppression narrative for that to be commonsense.
Although Kippax's point is also common sense and applies to rugby too. The son's of Todd Blackadder, Eroni Clarke, Carlos Spencer, Eric Rush, Michael Jones and Stephen Bachop are all top young players. Also, you omitted Muhammad Abbas, the son of former Pakistani first class player Azhar Abbas, who has been the most impressive player at the tournament.
Kevin Barrett (provincial/Super Rugby player) produced some decent rugby players too.
I feel bad saying this about a kid (although he's 21 so not really a kid anymore) but has anyone travelled further on nepotism without anything to his name? A 80 against the might of Japan U19, and he's playing NZ Development, and now a franchise T20 league.
His dad was appointed Cricket Wellington's bowling coach. Nice to see Ravindra ton up in the Ford Trophy today.
www.cricketwellington.co.nz
Only one of these is actually a thing.
Disagree with the statement even though I agree with you in the current context.
I doubt it, unless one them married an Amazonian giant.
What's being disputed here? That some people have greater sporting ability than others? I think most people would recognise this is the case from the time they go through primary school. Somewhat scarily they are even starting to use genetic profiles in talent ID for some athletic traits.
journals.plos.org
They're not 'sporting genes' per se, but certainly genetics have a part to play in sporting performance.
