15 Comments
User's avatar
Courtney Bright's avatar

Love the farm photos! Especially the kids climbing on the termite mound. Should make a book of them to keep in the tiny home.

Expand full comment
Ben Alexander's avatar

Thanks Dr Bright! Great idea!

Expand full comment
David Primrose's avatar

From the Lions side of the fence, it has also been flat. Until last night, no games (including first test) have any jeopardy or drama. I think it is a problem in other aspects of life. Our social media is drenched in content hyping things to such an extent that it becomes unlikely that it will be realised. After looking forward to it too much for too long, I guess it was always a possibility it would be an anticlimax. There are still 2 games left and let’s hope that the First Nations Pasifika lads have set a new benchmark.

Expand full comment
Ben Alexander's avatar

Sorry for the slow reply David and wonder if you feel the same now! Overall think the tour was really good (great financially) but wish more Aussie sides had put up more of a fight.

Expand full comment
Damien Quinn's avatar

Ben the story of Tom was a nice share and I am reminded how important it is to be close to our history. Today most are scrolling the now and technology is taking us further away from understanding and connecting with the past which can teach us loads. As for the rugby and those who love the game we are all feeling it but to reverse the slide is going to take something special. The hearts and minds of the Australian sporting public are elsewhere and rugby has failed dramatically to develop the interest. I have been thinking about why this is so. I am not sure the drive to commercial success is the answer. It brings in sponsor $ but doesn't win fans. The FNP showed the way forward last night. They were together and played with great character, togetherness and physicality. Last week we came 2nd in those areas.

Expand full comment
Ben Alexander's avatar

Thanks Quinny. Couldnt agree more and apologies for the slow reply!

Expand full comment
Sarah Hunter's avatar

Gorgeous pictures, Ben. Perhaps your sister would like to enter the art show I'm helping to organise for October. Entries open Aug 1 and it's a lovely drive out to the NSW Central Tablelands www.newbridgeartshow.com

As for the rugby, well ... last night's match was very entertaining and I always maintain hope.

Expand full comment
Ben Alexander's avatar

Thanks Sarah! I let her know, but shes already gone back to Switzerland :(

Expand full comment
Thomo's avatar

Don’t be down on rugby yet Ben. Big performance on Saturday and the world is different!

Expand full comment
Ben Alexander's avatar

lol. Spot on!

Expand full comment
Clare Carey's avatar

What do you think needs to happen to lift rugby in Australia? From the games I've seen, there is a lot more red in the stands than gold. So many passionate rugby fans have travelled from the Northern Hemisphere for their team, which shows rugby isn't dead there. What are they doing that we're not?

Expand full comment
Ben Alexander's avatar

The game has money now. Now it's about prioritising fans and building connection so the fans become proud of Australian rugby again

Expand full comment
David Primrose's avatar

I think I will have a lot of fond memories. Most of those were off the pitch; the Village Inn pre Tahs, The Dock’s Fan Zone, Irish Murphys and the Paddo in Brisbane, The Duke in Melbourne etc. Great times with friends. The final games were memorable for a host of reasons. Therefore, I think the slow start and non-competitive early games will fade in the memory faster. It’s only been 4 days and I am missing the Guinness and banter!!

Expand full comment
Guy Armstrong-Watters's avatar

Good stuff, thanks Benny

Expand full comment
Ben Alexander's avatar

Cheers mate. Hope you're well

Expand full comment