It was a weekend where there was much to take pleasure in.

Friday saw the Warriors make the post season for the first time since 2011.  That is a long time between drinks.  Warriors players have come and gone without knowing the thrill of finals play.  That Simon Mannering will finally be back at the business end after racking up 300 appearances is very sweet. But the people I’m happiest for are the faithful fans. Crowds have been up this season as fairweather fans came back to Mt Smart, but in amongst them are the 10,000 or so who kept the faith. They deserve this.

Saturday saw the All Blacks wallop the Wallabies even though they had less possession.  This side are the most vicious counter attackers on the planet. As many have pointed out there is even more upside for this team which must be putting the wibble wobbles under everyone else. Chris Rattue this morning said just give next years World Cup to us now. You got to love Mr Rattue. He’s either too grumpy or too enthusiastic.

The Black Ferns also thumped the Wallaroos. They needed a big crowd as a calling card to score the hosting rights for the Women’s World Cup tournament. They got close but they could have done with more. But the 2 matches against the Aussies have been seen by a big audience and it’s been a great advertisement for the women’s game. I enjoy women’s rugby. It’s a great watch and here’s to it going from strength to strength.

Possibly the best performance of the weekend is Rose Matafeo winning the best comedy award at the Edinburgh Festival.  This is massive. Previous winners have included Steve Coogan, Dylan Moran and Demetri Martin.  This puts Rose on the map globally.  It’s an award flight of the Conchords did not win. The Netflix special can’t be too far away.

It makes me particularly happy because Rose’s Mum taught my kids and I’ve known of Rose since she was at intermediate school.  I know how hard she worked and how supportive her family has been. And what I love the most about Rose’s comedy is that it’s simply the truth. The truth about being a 20 something woman in 2018.  She’s doing more for feminism than thousands of others who trumpet themselves as standard bearers for the F word.

And finally. on the subject of the truth, John McCain died yesterday. This morning Richard Arnold played some audio from his last speech to Congress which reminded me why I liked him

Now I know from time to time I’m one of those bombasts he disliked but what I liked is that you never died wondering what John McCain thought. Alone amongst almost all politicians in the world today he thought of the clients.  The people who vote the politicians there. He was a lone voice of truth who will be missed.