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It's a Black Day in NZ

When we first arrived in NZ I posted something about Rugby being akin to religion in NZ. Well, it's very apparent now in light of our quarterfinal loss in the Rugby World Cup.

Here's an article from this morning's Dominion Post:

The All Blacks' ignominious defeat by the French has plunged New Zealand into mourning because our national psyche has been wounded, mental health experts say.

Wellington psychotherapist Gordon Hewitt said the extreme reaction was symptomatic of tribal behaviour.

"Most people I have talked to have been shocked by how much they have been affected by it when they didn't know they cared that much ... A big loss even affects the sharemarket, apparently."

The rugby team was a surrogate tribe, he said.

"Throughout human history, belonging to a group was very important for survival, and now it's almost like we are in danger because the French have beaten us."

Rugby was more than the national game, it was almost the national religion - hence the eagerness of politicians to cash in on the feelgood factor by planting themselves in the front row.

"It's supposed to be the thing at which New Zealanders are the best in the world. We are pretty invisible the rest of the time."

Mr Hewitt's advice to New Zealanders in Mental Health Awareness Week is to "look after themselves and get it in perspective".

Psychologist Marc Wilson said shattered fans could ease their anguish by sticking with the World Cup till the bitter end.

"If I was giving a prescription I would say, convince yourself we should have won if it wasn't for the referee cheating, and at least a southern hemisphere team is going to win," the Victoria University psychology school deputy head said.

"Put everything behind the South Africans." .

Pained supporters should spare some thought for the All Blacks, who would be hurting more.

Having the hopes of a nation on their shoulders, and knowing past sides had failed to bring home the cup would have played on the minds of the All Blacks, he said.

"They aren't just the All Blacks - they are playing for us."

Meanwhile, he urged people to remind themselves "there are a hell of a lot of good things out there".

"Spend time with your kids, take your son out, toss the ball around in the park. That's the most important thing. This is not the end of the world."