"There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call The Twilight Zone." - Rod Serling, Twilight Zone series 1, 1959-60Sound familiar? It should to Waratahs supporters.
For months now, despite the pleadings of commentators, media, supporters (the few left), ex-players, current players, Tah Man and administrators, the Waratahs have been locked into a pattern of play resembling The Twilight Zone, a dimension beyond that which is known to man. For no mere mortal could hope to comprehend what it is that drives 22 Rugby players to repeat themselves week after week, month after month despite the utter futility of it all.
Much like the man who keeps hitting himself in the head because he likes it when he stops, the Waratahs keep booting away good possession and chip kicking when a simple pass would suffice. Forwards persist with picking and driving while the backline madly try to get their attention to the fact they have a four-man overlap. And pride seems to mean dominating in the possession stats and bugger the scoreline.
Still, it makes for easy blogging. The last three posts on this blog are as valid today as when they were written: Waratahs Supporters A Band Without a Wagon, Waratahs Are So Yesterday - Bring on Scotland and Wales, and Sack 'Em All, a plea that without too much effort seems to be gaining wide traction.
So now the Waratahs and everyone associated with them have a month to contemplate the middle ground between the pit of their fears and the summit of their knowledge. It could be the hardest month of the entire season. Indeed it probably should be.
In the meantime, The Rolling Maul is going to take a break too. The Twilight Zone may be the dimension of imagination but the Waratahs are so repetitive that the Rolling Maul is out of ideas.
Enjoy the internationals.
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