Tormenting Kiwis a bonus for Spithill

One of the greatest comebacks in sporting history is still Australian Jimmy Spithill’s ambition – torturing New Zealanders worldwide is merely an added bonus. Facing an 6-0 deficit in the race to 9 points, the skipper of Oracle Team USA said: “Imagine if [the Kiwis] lost from here – what an upset that would be.” Today’s races saw Spithill notch up two more wins to make it 8-5.

The inconceivable prospect is now approaching a reality. Oracle were docked two points for cheating, meaning the actual score line is 8-7. They have won six of the last eight, including the last four on the trot.

American media are now beginning to believe their team has got what it takes to see off Emirates Team New Zealand’s challenge. In the last four completed races, the USA boat has looked completely dominant.

It is worth remembering Spithill’s remark during Oracle’s darkest hour: “That would be one hell of a story, one hell of a comeback, and that’s what I’d like to be a part of.”

The fact that millions of Kiwis worldwide are suffering as a result is just part of the joy of winning for the Aussie battler.