Cowboys do cry

If Michael Clarke’s superb handling of Phil Hughes’ death taught us one thing, it is that cowboys do cry … well, cowboys comfortable enough in their own skin to admit that they care!

Tank Lanning

If showing that you care is an indication of man’s development, then Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke sits at the top of the male food chain.

The death of fellow cricketer and close friend Phil Hughes toward the end of last year clearly hit Clarke hard, and given the circumstances surrounding Hughes’ untimely and tragic death, almost every second of Clarke’s reaction and handling of situation was caught on camera.

For a long time now, given that “Cowboys don’t cry”, men have tended not to show their feelings, especially in Australia where the less fairer sex seem to be carved from Ayers Rock. But Clarke has changed all that and has rightfully been heralded for his strength and leadership during a tough time not only for family and friends of Hughes, but also the sport as a whole.

Perhaps this softer side of man has been bubbling under for a while, though. Especially from those who are comfortable enough in their own skin to be at one with not only caring about their personal grooming, but also the people in their lives. Why, just the other day a guy I played rugby with a few years ago thought my beard a bit raggedy, so suggested a place that not only sorts out beards, but also gives you a manicure while doing so!

Speaking of rugby, 2014 saw the sport perhaps better known for it’s brutal collisions between the white lines, showcasing it’s softer and more caring side away from the field.

The moment of the year for me was when All Black captain Richie McCaw welcomed both Jean de Villiers and Bryan Habana to the 100 cap club after their 14-10 victory in Wellington.

Games between the All Blacks and the Boks are industrial. The exchanges are fierce and there is little respite for 80 minutes. But come the final whistle, the teams are able to chat over a beer, which shows the respect they have for each other. This because they care not only for the game, but their fellow players.

“One of the great things about rugby is you go at each other for 80 minutes and walk off and shake hands and have a beer,” said McCaw in presenting the 2 Boks with their caps and specially made gifts. “I just know that to play 100 tests for your country is one hell of an effort. It takes a lot of dedication and you’ve got to be a top man to fit in to a team for that long,” continues McCaw.

In that same game, All Black centre Ma’a Nonu broke his arm and could not play any part in the second half. Yet before heading to the hospital to be checked out, he still managed to leave his game jersey in the Springbok changing room for his direct opponent on the day, De Villiers, to keep as a memento.

Rugby also suffered a tragic death when Western Province and Springbok centre Tinus Linee succumbed to Motor Neuron Disease, the same brutal disease that Joost van der Westhuizen suffers from. Prior to his death the WP union invited all of his former team mates to join him at a Stormers game at Newlands, where he was invited down to the field at half time. The enthusiastic round of applause he got from the crowd brought tears to the eyes. After his death, Western Province wore black armbands to honour him when they played Saracens in London.

There is a rugby brotherhood, and it stems from really caring about your fellow players. In a team environment you learn not only about others, but yourself as well. And in doing so one becomes comfortable enough in one’s own skin to care not only about oneself, but others too.