Pitbull Moore's Tale

Book review of 'Beware of the Dog' - Brian Moore

Former Yorkshire cricket captain Len Hutton once said of his teammate Geoffrey Boycott, that: “His idea of heaven would be to bat all night, having batted all day.”

Someone as outspoken and stubborn as Boycott could also be found playing Rugby, his name is Brian Moore and his idea of heaven may not be too far off his fellow Yorkshireman’s – scrummaging was not only an art, but to Moore, became an obsession. So much so that he dedicates an entire chapter of his autobiography ‘Beware of the Dog’ to the subject.

Fear not though for those of you who are not keen on Rugby Union. The trials and tribulations of his turbulent life are laid bare for all to see. Akin to his playing style, it’s straightforward and there are no punches pulled. He is even honest about his dishonesty when playing the game to international standard.

The transition of a half Malayan adoptee raised in Halifax to 1991 World player of the year, Lions tourist and World Cup finalist during Rugby Union’s own transition from amateurism to professionalism is one that he describes vividly and with panache.

Typically there are some stories, some of them rib ticklers, others which will make you wince or cringe at the brutality of such honesty – one gets the feeling he is nowhere near as vocal now in his current climate of the BBC commentary box as he once was (a sobering prospect).

His battles with his inner demon ‘Gollum’ sound similar to those encountered by many in sporting circles. While self doubt is something that resonates with most people; say missing a simple five-yard putt at Golf or an easy pot in snooker, Moore’s has eaten away at him for many years and questioned his every success beyond belief.

To come down from the high of playing an intense sport for so long only makes the reader wonder how he did not go off the rails like so many before him. His third wife has helped him cope, but don’t expect him to grab the pipe and slippers just yet.

The fact that I have many things in common with Moore only helps to improve the enjoyment of an enthralling book. Both from Yorkshire, both hookers by nature and both studied for a degree. These are just coincidences though, and while I may not possess his array of test caps, his forthright opinions are ones I’d also like to take with me to the commentary box.

Rating 8/10

Favourite quote: “The Maori challenge ‘Ka Mate’ had been performed before games by All Black sides for many years, but only over the most recent thirty or so has it become an overt and intimidating ritual. If you look at old footage, it looks more like a Morris Dance.”