Quake damage puts rugby in perspective for All Blacks

The All Blacks put their World Cup battle aside yesterday as they took stock of the enormous struggle facing people in the earthquake-stricken city of Christchurch.

What they saw shocked many of the non-Canterbury Crusaders members who were taking their first look at the shattered city that has become a focus of fund-raising efforts in the World Cup.

“At the end of the day rugby’s just a game,” All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu said as he put the tournament in perspective against the years of rebuilding that lies ahead for New Zealand’s second-largest city.

The All Blacks are on a four-day goodwill visit to Christchurch, giving fans their only live glimpse of the team during the 2011 World Cup after seven games were transferred elsewhere in the country.

The powerful earthquake seven months ago killed 181 people, left 15,000 houses either condemned or in need of major repairs, and destroyed much of the infrastructure making it impossible for the city to be part of the festival.

“We’re playing for a lot of people here,” added Mealamu as he stood by a wire barricade surrounding the deserted ‘Red Zone’ where the remains of flattened buildings lie in what was once a bustling city.

“I know they’re missing out on the World Cup because all the games have been shifted out of here but you just like them to know we’ll go that extra mile for them.”

Mealamu was among eight All Blacks and coach Graham Henry who were escorted through the city by the head of the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Authority, Roger Sutton, and his demolition manager.

“My reaction is obvious. It’s horrendous, it reinforces what you’ve seen on television and through the media over the last few months,” said Henry whose 95-year-old mother still lives in Christchurch.

“I’m pleased that we can be here and support the Christchurch people as best we can. I’ve got tremendous feeling for the people who’ve endured this and hope life going forward is extremely positive.”

Christchurch home team, the Canterbury Crusaders, were forced to spend their entire Super 15 campaign on the road after their stadium was rendered unplayable, and still managed to make the final.

Members of the England and Scotland teams have also made morale-boosting visits to Christchurch, with Scotland donating US$70,000 to earthquake relief.

The Wallabies will visit Christ-church on September 28.

The International Monetary Fund estimated the rebuild could cost 15 billion dollars.