Arts All Blacks announcement by John Clarke

Television (Excerpts) – 2006

John Clarke combined his twin passions for sport and the arts in this memorable piece, which he performed at the 1995 Auckland Comedy Festival. In an excerpt from documentary The Dagg Sea Scrolls, Clarke describes his inspiration: childhood memories of what seemed to be "the most important thing in the history of the universe" — the announcement of the All Black team. Clarke's team is devoid of athletes; instead he chooses a lineup high on writers and musicians, who have contributed as much to Kiwi culture as any All Black. Check out both the complete team list, and a bonus piece written by Clarke.

...in my head at that time was that very particular sound that I used to hear when I was a kid: of the team being announced after the trials under the stand in sepulchral tones, in an echoey kind of venue, as if it were the most important thing in the history of the universe.
– John Clarke on being inspired by memories of All Black team announcements as a child