Now is the Hour....

Now is the hour:  For me say goodbye:

Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea:

While you're away: Oh please remember me:

When you return: You'll find me waiting here.

The words made famous by Gracie Fields, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Eddy Howard, Kate Smith, and Gale Storm and Hayley Westenra, a NZ soprano, who sang the song at the closing of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.  And now a week on from the close of the 2015 Cup, I just wanted to say farewell to a magical Rugby World Cup, capped by a fantastic contest between rugby's two best teams. 

But there is an interesting set of facts that not many people know: that this favourite New Zealand tune was just one of the very many great marriages between Australia and New Zealand.

Australasian talent, energy and hard work, when it comes together is magical. In the case of Now is the Hour - the music was written by Australian Albert Saunders, and the lyrics were separately written by Maori New Zealander Maewa Kaihau & arranged by Field's English Manager Dorothy Stewart. This sweet lament, haunts my memories of many fond farewell's, both happy and sad.

Like last weeks Championship match: this tune has its own special alchemy.  I for one, hope that hard fought ding-dong contest will re-invigorate the strong rivalry, competition and enduring mateship between two proud nations.

I hope both nations can continue to enjoy our relationship that is both competitive and co-operative. Founded in adversity in South Africa against the Boer, strengthened in the forge of WWI and WWII, and reflected in Australia's invitation to join the Federation and NZ's decision to decline it.  It's a special relationship.

Now its four more year's, till Australia can contest again for the Cup. But I am so looking forward to a new level of rivalry between the Wallabies and All Black's in the Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe Cup!

All the best and support Movember!! https://mobro.co/leongrandy

Remember, it's only money for you - but for 57,606 Australian's and 5,784 New Zealander's it's two weeks of looking stupid, and four weeks of itchiness!

God bless! 

Leon