“There’s no quicker way to gauge how people feel about you than calling a game of rugby in New Zealand”

We have been stalking Sumo for a while now and finally managed to corner him at a BKs in Hamilton.

In episode one we talk about early rugby memories.

In Episode#2 we talk about post match rituals – a little unimaginative perhaps.

And in Episode#3, we start to explore Sumo’s raw sexuality

A proud proponent of man-love, a truly sexy man doesn’t know when he’s at his best.

But seriously …

Scotty Stevenson’s background is in marketing and journalism.

He studied Communications at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and worked for several advertising agencies.

He also writes as a freelancer – something that is more hobby nowadays than bread-winning but he seems to enjoy keeping a hand in.

Like all of our modern story tellers, Stevenson spent time behind a bar.

Those of you who worked in the lower Federal Street area of downtown Auckland may remember him from Mo’s Bar – the tiny street corner outlet with the huge prices.

I recall one of those morning after moments when each EFTPOS receipt that you pull out of your pockets is met with deepening cringes.

There were other establishments in the Hobson Street and Ponsonby areas before he settled on his dream job at Sky TV.

Stevenson has an easy rapport, well and truly at home in Rugbyland.

He is approachable and accommodating and although we didn’t get to the subject, from his attitudes I would guess he had a working class background.

Despite the stubble and casual look, ‘Sumo’ is a professional – articulate and measured – all within the fresh persona that he brings to New Zealand rugby commentary.

Related stories from the Rugby Lifestyle Network

• Sumo offers his opinions on rugby hairstyles
• Sumo, man-love and the Richard Kahui Air New Zealand safety video
• Scotty ‘Sumo’ Stevenson brings some interest to the commentary (KiwiRugby.com)

Sky TV Commentators Scotty ‘Sumo’ Stevenson and Ian Smith

Our whole raison detre is based on the premise that the real interest lies in what happens off the field.

On Thursday night, Sky was out in force at Bay Park Stadium for the Bay of Plenty v Manawatu match.

Scotty ‘Sumo’ Stevenson was not involved in the match commentary but was busy before the game interviewing and yarning with some of the great Bay players of the past.

There were functions with injured players milling among sponsors and supporters.

I was speaking to Lance MacDonald, talking about the USA Sevens experience in Las Vegas.
[MacDonald had played Sevens for New Zealand in the past but did not want to return the the fitness regime required in the abbreviated version of the game]

The weather was atrocious – heavy rain threatened the spectacle but it did give the off-field proceedings an air of winter camaraderie.

Referee poster boy and ex-Bay of Plenty player, Glen Jackson was on hand, playing an official role in proceedings.

Referee, Glen Jackson

Sideline comments were provided by Ian Smith, who looked a lot more comfortable in the bar than he did outside in the rain.

Sky Commentator, Ian Smith

The referees found something to smile about.

Referee, Garrett Williamson

Masaga continued his good form with another try.

Lelia Masaga

After the game, there is always a decent crowd back at the bar under the stand where rugby mates re-unite to dissect the match and tell more stories.

Long may the great rugby traditions live!

He felt that the 80′s style was alive and well in the republic.

Fabio Lanzoni is an Italian model who was big in the 80′s and 90′s.

His list of accolades is long and distinguished

- Cover shots of romance novels and magazines
- Box cover of a video game
- Romance novelist
- TV star
- Women’s clothing designer
- Movie star (kind of – see below)

Among his many enthralling movie cameo’s is this little number from Dude, Where’s My Car?

In search of the South African Fabio

Springbok legend, Percy Montgomery was the most notorious of the South African Fabios but we were in search of the new breed of Fabios who can be seen in the Curie Cup and Super 14 rugby competitions.

The Northern Bulls from the Southern Hemisphere’s Super 14 rugby competition have 3 Fabio candidates
1. Wynand Olivier (centre, 12)
2. Dewald Potgieter (open-side flank, 7)
3. Jacques-Louis Potgieter (reserve half-back, utility)
I went among to their week 9 match against the Chiefs to investigate.

1. Wynand Olivier

Olivier plays at inside centre and sports a lovely blond do.

Fresh from the salon, the Springbok number 12 has a classic 80′s look.

Verdict: Definite Fabio and heir to Percy’s throne

2. Dewald Potgeiter

While the hair is flowing, the roots are not dark. This guy is a natural blond and his look is more natural than manicured.

My assessment is that Dewald Potgieter is more of a ‘surfy’ type than a Fabio.

Fabio implies a degree of poser and the abrasive number 7. just doesn’t have it in him.

This is in part because he plays in the forwards and is a pretty tough player with a fair bit of talent and partly because it is true.

Verdict: Surfie-Boy – No Fabio

3. Jacques-Louis Potgeiter

The other Potgeiter in the Bulls outfit could almost pas as Olivier’s little brother.

He left the Bulls for 2 seasons with the Cheetahs but returned to be re-united with Olivier.

How am I looking?

Nice look son ...

In truth, Potgeiter’s return to the Bulls was probably more about ensuring he was going to get the starting spot that will be vacated by Fourie du Preez. The Springbok scrum-half is leaving after the world cup to take up a contract in Japan.

Verdict: Fabio and Olivier groupie

Wynand Olivier with Wesley (WSPCCA beneficiary) May 09 (2) Originally uploaded by 2oceansvibe

Northern Bulls and Springbok centre, Wynand Olivier sports the blond ‘Fabio’ hairstyle. Percy Montgomery is probably the quintessential South African Fabio. Percy Montgomery Originally uploaded by gillstrawberry

Saia Faingaa with his ‘keeping it real’ dreadlocks

George Smith cut his off over a year ago leaving very few dreadlocks in the Australian Super 14 teams. Faingaa is doing very well since his move from the Brumbies. He is particularly busy around the field, throwing himself into rucks with no regard for his personal safety.

Queensland Reds Hooker, Saia Faingaa

Growing the ‘fro

Chiefs captain and All Black fullback, Mils Muliaina. Back for the Chiefs and growing his hair.

All Black fullback, Mils Muliaina

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• Tony Johnson on NPC Hair Styles
• Richard Turner on facial hair
• Scott Robertson on French v Kiwi Style