The Rugby World Cup is underway in Japan and some remotely located fans, like dairy farmer and rugby coach Blair Mirfin, believe that, as rugby is New Zealand's national sport it should be on free-to-air television.
Last week, Mirfin, who farms around 600 cows in the remote Grey Valley, told The Guardian the government should "stick some money into it".
This weekend, he chatted to Cosmo Kentish-Barnes about club rugby on the Coast and who'll do well in Japan.
Photo: Supplied
Mirfin – a former prop – has been a passionate rugby player his whole life, these days with the Grey Valley Rugby Club, who are one of six teams on the West Coast.
Japan should have some home advantage at the Rugby World Cup, he predicts.
"It's pretty humid country over there. It'd be nice to see them get through to the semifinals."
Ireland is looking pretty good, too, he says.
Mirfin has some reservations about this year's All Blacks RWC line-up...
"My main concern is not having the World Player of the Year playing his position – [Beauden] Barrett playing at fullback. [Owen] Franks [has] not been involved in the team and he's been pretty outstanding for the Crusaders this year and is once of the most experienced players in the team."
But the Kiwis should take out the trophy, he says.
"Hopefully that's the big man's plan, hopefully, it goes to track."
Blair Mirfin (on right) Photo: Supplied
