Some would say this is a short trip, however Baron Silas Greenback decided to discuss this very topic with Dr Frederick Hairybottom (PhD).

BSG - Thank you Dr Bottom for making the time to talk with me.

HB - That's Hairybottom.

BSG - Yes I have, no need to get personal though. Anyway Dr Bottom, you have recently published a research paper on the psychology of the BOP rugby supporter.

HB - Yes I have, my 3 page paper is a first of its kind I believe and really 'wedges open' the mind of a BOP supporter.

BSG - So what makes a BOP supporter tick?

HB - Well they appear to have a very well developed sense of optimism and thick skin. A sense of delusional optimism is also quite prevalent amongst this strange breed.

BSG - Strange breed?

HB - Yes they are, most rugby supporters match an almost fanatical support with a highly honed defense mechanism for their team. However BOP supporters have an almost 'laze-faire' attitude, often agreeing with people who criticize their team.

BSG - So they are a disloyal bunch then?

HB - No, no, quite the reverse, they are very passionate, they have simply mastered the ducks-back defensive technique.

BSG - Ducks-back defensive technique??

HB - Yes, they simply let other supporters slag off their team and ignore it. They are economical with the effort they put into defending their team. They seem to prefer putting more effort into optimistic predictions for the future and re-living glorious moments from the past.

BSG - So lazy supporters then?

HB - No not exactly more 'economical yet enthusiastic' supporters.

BSG - I see...

HB - Yes most supporters of other teams no longer bother entering into debates with BOP supporters.

BSG - Ahhhh yes because we are so fearsome!

HB - Well.... no....... more because arguing with a BOP supporter is usually an exercise in ditching all logic and descending into 'logic chaos'.

BSG - oh.... so we're nutters then...

HB - Well I that was my conclusion, however I was convinced by some nice gentlemen to change my conclusion.

BSG - Aha.

HB - Yes a group of nice people came around and we had a wee chat and they convinced me that BOP supporters are indeed wonderful people, they also convinced me to buy a lovely blue tee shirt and made me memorize some sayings.

BSG - Really? Like?

HB - "Hawkes Bay are our biatches!!" "Dirty scumbag Waikato!!" "Western BOP Finances rules!!" and of course "Go the Steamers!!!"

BSG - Very good!

HB - Actually you look a bit like one of those nice chaps....

BSG - errrr no that cannot be me... I am not involved with any shadowy supporters organisations....

HB - Yes, yes I am sure you were one....

BSG - No, no... errr is that the time? I have to go... goodbye.