Tipsters guide to the All Blacks squad
Marc Hinton, www.stuff.co.nz |May 27, 2009 - 10:06AM
In my squad below I've gone for only three props and six
loosies, acknowledging the attrition rate of that position. But
that could go vice-versa depending on the thinking of the three
wise men.Here's what you need to know about the looming All Blacks
squad:Certainties: Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, John
Afoa, Brad Thorn, Rodney So'oialo, Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen
Donald, Ma'a Nonu, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui, Joe
Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina.Probabilities: Neemia Tialata, Keven Mealamu, Kevin
O'Neill, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam, Scott Waldrom, Lelia Masaga,
Rudi Wulf, Cory Jane,.Possibilities: Aled de Malmanche, Jamie Mackintosh, Wyatt
Crockett, Isaac Ross, Jeremy Thrush, Adam Thomson, Kieran Read,
Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Anthony Tuitavake, Hosea Gear.Injured, presumed missing: Corey Flynn, Ali Williams,
Anthony Boric, Brendon Leonard, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter,
Scott Waldrom.Likely All Blacks squad: Backs: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane,
Joe Rokocoko, Lelia Masaga, Rudi Wulf, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith,
Ma'a Nonu, Isaia Toeava, Stephen Donald, Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan.
Forwards: Richie McCaw (capt), Tony Woodcock, Neemia Tialata, John
Afoa, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Brad Thorn, Kevin O'Neill, Isaac
Ross, Rodney So'oialo, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson,
TBA.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tipsters guide to the All Blacks squad - New Zealand - rugbyheaven.com.au
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Monday, May 11, 2009
Why All Blacks selectors are still at sixes, sevens
Duncan Johnstone, Sunday Star Times | May 11, 2009 - 10:23AM
Richie McCaw is so good at his role he actually poses a major problem for the All Blacks heading towards RWC 2011.
They are overflowing with established and exciting options at blindside flanker and No 8 but the race to be McCaw's deputy as a specialist openside flanker remains wide open.
These days it's not a job with a lot of pluses. McCaw's value to the team as a leader and as the world's best seven mean that opportunities don't come along too often when you are working in his shadow.
It's that paucity of game time that has led McCaw's former deputies - Marty Holah, Chris Masoe and Daniel Braid - to all pack their bags in frustration.
It's a position that desperately needs to be filled. McCaw will require rest stops along the road the All Blacks travel over the next two years as they develop and refine their cup squad. He's operating under the recurring concussion worries that have already seen him twice spelled during this year's Super 14.
Significantly, the All Blacks lost two of the three tests McCaw missed last year with an ankle injury as Rodney So'oialo and Adam Thomson were pressed into makeshift openside cover from their preferred back row positions.
One man doesn't make a team but McCaw certainly goes close.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has spoken encouragingly of the alternatives starting to put their hands up.
"There are one or two other sevens [flankers] around the country who have played particularly well throughout the Super 14 and I think it is becoming quite competitive," he said without naming names.
Scott Waldrom got the backup role on the end of year tour and his trip summed up the scenario. He played against Munster midweek but didn't feature in any of the test 22s. He has pushed his cause with the Hurricanes, as has his main opponent late last year, Tanerau Latimer, with the Chiefs.
Josh Blackie's return from Japan has been blighted by the plague of injuries that have handicapped the Blues. Unlucky not to get an All Blacks callup during his original tour of duty with the Highlanders, Blackie simply needs more game time to convince the selectors second time around.
"He's had a couple of quality games. Is that enough? I think it's still a bit grey there," said Henry.
It could be that the All Blacks don't carry a specialist openside in their squad for the first phase of the season at home, preferring to keep McCaw's would-be understudy busy with the Junior All Blacks, who have thankfully been reinvented in 2009.
Jerome Kaino was the big mover last year as he upped his work rate, particularly with some ferocious defence, to join McCaw and So'oialo in the favoured starting trio of loose forwards.
They were a key to the All Blacks' success in a rebuilding season that unearthed Thomson, rewarded Kieran Read and Liam Messam and gave Waldrom his moment.
All four have had massive Super 14s, with Messam epitomising their further development this year.
"I think he has been fantastic. His leadership off the park has been great and on the park his play is just getting tougher and tougher," coach Ian Foster said of Messam's contribution to the Chiefs' strong Super 14 charge. "He has become a very influential rugby player. We are delighted with where he is at."
Another Chief, the enigmatic Sione Lauaki, is pushing his claims again.
Their versatility makes it difficult to pick who will miss out in the mix to be backups to So'oialo and Kaino.
It's a position the selectors would love to have at No 7.
Richie McCaw is so good at his role he actually poses a major problem for the All Blacks heading towards RWC 2011.
They are overflowing with established and exciting options at blindside flanker and No 8 but the race to be McCaw's deputy as a specialist openside flanker remains wide open.
These days it's not a job with a lot of pluses. McCaw's value to the team as a leader and as the world's best seven mean that opportunities don't come along too often when you are working in his shadow.
It's that paucity of game time that has led McCaw's former deputies - Marty Holah, Chris Masoe and Daniel Braid - to all pack their bags in frustration.
It's a position that desperately needs to be filled. McCaw will require rest stops along the road the All Blacks travel over the next two years as they develop and refine their cup squad. He's operating under the recurring concussion worries that have already seen him twice spelled during this year's Super 14.
Significantly, the All Blacks lost two of the three tests McCaw missed last year with an ankle injury as Rodney So'oialo and Adam Thomson were pressed into makeshift openside cover from their preferred back row positions.
One man doesn't make a team but McCaw certainly goes close.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has spoken encouragingly of the alternatives starting to put their hands up.
"There are one or two other sevens [flankers] around the country who have played particularly well throughout the Super 14 and I think it is becoming quite competitive," he said without naming names.
Scott Waldrom got the backup role on the end of year tour and his trip summed up the scenario. He played against Munster midweek but didn't feature in any of the test 22s. He has pushed his cause with the Hurricanes, as has his main opponent late last year, Tanerau Latimer, with the Chiefs.
Josh Blackie's return from Japan has been blighted by the plague of injuries that have handicapped the Blues. Unlucky not to get an All Blacks callup during his original tour of duty with the Highlanders, Blackie simply needs more game time to convince the selectors second time around.
"He's had a couple of quality games. Is that enough? I think it's still a bit grey there," said Henry.
It could be that the All Blacks don't carry a specialist openside in their squad for the first phase of the season at home, preferring to keep McCaw's would-be understudy busy with the Junior All Blacks, who have thankfully been reinvented in 2009.
Jerome Kaino was the big mover last year as he upped his work rate, particularly with some ferocious defence, to join McCaw and So'oialo in the favoured starting trio of loose forwards.
They were a key to the All Blacks' success in a rebuilding season that unearthed Thomson, rewarded Kieran Read and Liam Messam and gave Waldrom his moment.
All four have had massive Super 14s, with Messam epitomising their further development this year.
"I think he has been fantastic. His leadership off the park has been great and on the park his play is just getting tougher and tougher," coach Ian Foster said of Messam's contribution to the Chiefs' strong Super 14 charge. "He has become a very influential rugby player. We are delighted with where he is at."
Another Chief, the enigmatic Sione Lauaki, is pushing his claims again.
Their versatility makes it difficult to pick who will miss out in the mix to be backups to So'oialo and Kaino.
It's a position the selectors would love to have at No 7.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Two Blues re-sign to All Blacks
Rugby: Two more senior All Blacks commit to World Cup
8:06AM Monday May 04,2009
All Blacks Tony Woodcock (top) and Ali Williams have re-signed with the NZRU until 2012.
Two key members of the All Blacks forward pack, Ali Williams and prop Tony Woodcock, have extended their contracts with New Zealand rugby through to 2012.
The New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed the re-signing of the two 28-year-old Blues veterans last night.
Williams, made his All Blacks debut against England at London in November 2002 and has been a regular selection since, compiling 61 tests.
Woodcock made his All Blacks debut two weeks after Williams, against Wales at Cardiff, and he has played 49 tests.
NZRU chief executive was pleased two more senior All Blacks had made a commitment to New Zealand.
"They are both key guys for the All Blacks and their Super 14 franchises and we are very happy that we now have a number of key players who will be playing their rugby in New Zealand in the immediate future," Tew said.
8:06AM Monday May 04,2009
All Blacks Tony Woodcock (top) and Ali Williams have re-signed with the NZRU until 2012.
Two key members of the All Blacks forward pack, Ali Williams and prop Tony Woodcock, have extended their contracts with New Zealand rugby through to 2012.
The New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed the re-signing of the two 28-year-old Blues veterans last night.
Williams, made his All Blacks debut against England at London in November 2002 and has been a regular selection since, compiling 61 tests.
Woodcock made his All Blacks debut two weeks after Williams, against Wales at Cardiff, and he has played 49 tests.
NZRU chief executive was pleased two more senior All Blacks had made a commitment to New Zealand.
"They are both key guys for the All Blacks and their Super 14 franchises and we are very happy that we now have a number of key players who will be playing their rugby in New Zealand in the immediate future," Tew said.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
All Blacks to take on Barbarians
All Blacks to take on Barbarians
Duncan Johnstone, www.rugbyheaven.co.nz | April 8, 2009
The New Zealand Rugby Union are forging on with plans to include a test against Wales on an end of year tour that could eventually push out to six matches kicked off with a neutral Bledisloe Cup in against Australia in Japan.
The NZRU have confirmed a December 5 date with the Barbarians at Twickenham that will complete the tour.
At present four fixtures have been confirmed, including tests against Italy, France and England.
But there are two weeks open at the start of November that could allow New Zealand to include a lucrative test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
November is the window where the European clubs have to make their players available to international rugby and the month where the NZRU must strike their deals.
Wales coach Warren Gatland is keen to keep his side in tune with the best teams in the world and is pushing for a match against the All Blacks.
It could also be a lucrative money-spinner for the NZRU.
New Zealand and Wales are building their relationship and there is talk of Wales' tour here next year including midweek matches, again something that Gatland is pushing for.
But the big money on the 2009 tour could come from the Japan Bledisloe Cup match which will be played by the All Blacks and Wallabies en route to Europe.
It follows last year's successful staging of a Bledisloe Cup test in Hong Kong.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew has confirmed that Denver, who were in a bidding war with Tokyo to host this year's fixture is off the agenda for the time being.
NZRU officials are in Tokyo this week for further discussions with Japanese officials.
No midweek matches have been allocated as yet for the end of year tour.
Therefore it looks as though the All Blacks touring party will be restricted to 30 players for this tour, as opposed to the 35 who headed north at the end of last year for a trip that included a midweek clash with Heineken Cup champions Munster.
The NZRU revealed they were keen for the Barbarians match to be played midweek following their Saturday November 28 test with France in Marseille.
But consents around the ground would have reduced the capacity of Twickenham considerably and the All Blacks year's playing schedule will now run till the end of the first week of December to cash in on a full house at the London headquarters.
Matches arranged so far for the 2009 end of year tour:
Saturday November 14: Italy v All Blacks, San Siro Stadium, Milan
Saturday, November 21: England v All Blacks, Twickenham, London
Saturday, November 28: France v All Blacks, Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Saturday, December 5: Barbarians v All Blacks, Twickenham, London
Duncan Johnstone, www.rugbyheaven.co.nz | April 8, 2009
The New Zealand Rugby Union are forging on with plans to include a test against Wales on an end of year tour that could eventually push out to six matches kicked off with a neutral Bledisloe Cup in against Australia in Japan.
The NZRU have confirmed a December 5 date with the Barbarians at Twickenham that will complete the tour.
At present four fixtures have been confirmed, including tests against Italy, France and England.
But there are two weeks open at the start of November that could allow New Zealand to include a lucrative test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
November is the window where the European clubs have to make their players available to international rugby and the month where the NZRU must strike their deals.
Wales coach Warren Gatland is keen to keep his side in tune with the best teams in the world and is pushing for a match against the All Blacks.
It could also be a lucrative money-spinner for the NZRU.
New Zealand and Wales are building their relationship and there is talk of Wales' tour here next year including midweek matches, again something that Gatland is pushing for.
But the big money on the 2009 tour could come from the Japan Bledisloe Cup match which will be played by the All Blacks and Wallabies en route to Europe.
It follows last year's successful staging of a Bledisloe Cup test in Hong Kong.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew has confirmed that Denver, who were in a bidding war with Tokyo to host this year's fixture is off the agenda for the time being.
NZRU officials are in Tokyo this week for further discussions with Japanese officials.
No midweek matches have been allocated as yet for the end of year tour.
Therefore it looks as though the All Blacks touring party will be restricted to 30 players for this tour, as opposed to the 35 who headed north at the end of last year for a trip that included a midweek clash with Heineken Cup champions Munster.
The NZRU revealed they were keen for the Barbarians match to be played midweek following their Saturday November 28 test with France in Marseille.
But consents around the ground would have reduced the capacity of Twickenham considerably and the All Blacks year's playing schedule will now run till the end of the first week of December to cash in on a full house at the London headquarters.
Matches arranged so far for the 2009 end of year tour:
Saturday November 14: Italy v All Blacks, San Siro Stadium, Milan
Saturday, November 21: England v All Blacks, Twickenham, London
Saturday, November 28: France v All Blacks, Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Saturday, December 5: Barbarians v All Blacks, Twickenham, London
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
2009 World Rugby Rankings
International power rankings
Stephen Samuelson | March 25, 2009
The Six Nations is over and the dust has settled on another six weeks of internationals. This will be the last power rankings until New Zealand take on France and Australia play the world No.12 Italy.
1. (1) New Zealand - Current IRB ranking: 1 (1)
It's is less than three months until the All Blacks return to the playing field, but does anyone expect France to give them a run for their money?
2. (2) South Africa - Current IRB ranking: 2 (2)
All eyes are on the northern hemisphere to see what Lions squad will be sent to the Republic. The big Proteas, little Boks can start their tilt for top spot with a series win against the Poms and Celts.
3. (3) Australia - Current IRB ranking: 3 (3)
In limbo at the moment. Clearly a better team on a home-and-away basis than the anything the Six Nations can offer, but it has been a long time since they have unleashed a dominant international season to challenge for top spot.
4. (4) Ireland - Current IRB ranking: 4 (4)
Their rise was confirmed on Sunday morning when Ronan O'Gara dropped kick Wales into fourth spot on the Six Nations ladder - and Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years. Will be relishing a crack at Australia and South Africa in Dublin next November.
5. (5)Wales - Current IRB ranking: 7 (5)
They under achieved in the Six Nations this year but surely the IRB rankings have got it wrong. A wake call for Warren Gatland.
(6) England - Current IRB ranking: 6 (7)
All hail the runners-up in the Six Nations. They won all their home games and lost their two away matches by a total of nine points. Perhaps they are on the way back.
7. (7) France - Current IRB ranking: 8 (8)
Little can be read into their win against Italy in Rome - they won on the field and by all reports James Bond lookalike Sebastien Chabal won the fight off the field with prop Martin Castrogiovanni.
8. (8) Argentina - Current IRB ranking: 5 (6)
Have jumped another spot on the IRB rankings despite doing nothing. They do play an understrength England team in June.
9. (9) Scotland - Current IRB ranking: 10 (9)
They have dropped a spot on the IRB rankings, but really, can Fiji claim to be a better team? They were outclassed in the Six Nations but the Scots never threw in the towel.
10. (10) Fiji - Current IRB ranking: 9 (10)
Italy's woes leaves Fiji in a strong position. On the strength of beating Tonga, Samoa and Japan since the last World Cup, they have managed to jump from 11th to ninth in the world rankings. Georgia beat Russia are on the weekend and are now closing on Italy in 12th spot. Nick Mallet cannot last.
Stephen Samuelson | March 25, 2009
The Six Nations is over and the dust has settled on another six weeks of internationals. This will be the last power rankings until New Zealand take on France and Australia play the world No.12 Italy.
1. (1) New Zealand - Current IRB ranking: 1 (1)
It's is less than three months until the All Blacks return to the playing field, but does anyone expect France to give them a run for their money?
2. (2) South Africa - Current IRB ranking: 2 (2)
All eyes are on the northern hemisphere to see what Lions squad will be sent to the Republic. The big Proteas, little Boks can start their tilt for top spot with a series win against the Poms and Celts.
3. (3) Australia - Current IRB ranking: 3 (3)
In limbo at the moment. Clearly a better team on a home-and-away basis than the anything the Six Nations can offer, but it has been a long time since they have unleashed a dominant international season to challenge for top spot.
4. (4) Ireland - Current IRB ranking: 4 (4)
Their rise was confirmed on Sunday morning when Ronan O'Gara dropped kick Wales into fourth spot on the Six Nations ladder - and Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years. Will be relishing a crack at Australia and South Africa in Dublin next November.
5. (5)Wales - Current IRB ranking: 7 (5)
They under achieved in the Six Nations this year but surely the IRB rankings have got it wrong. A wake call for Warren Gatland.
(6) England - Current IRB ranking: 6 (7)
All hail the runners-up in the Six Nations. They won all their home games and lost their two away matches by a total of nine points. Perhaps they are on the way back.
7. (7) France - Current IRB ranking: 8 (8)
Little can be read into their win against Italy in Rome - they won on the field and by all reports James Bond lookalike Sebastien Chabal won the fight off the field with prop Martin Castrogiovanni.
8. (8) Argentina - Current IRB ranking: 5 (6)
Have jumped another spot on the IRB rankings despite doing nothing. They do play an understrength England team in June.
9. (9) Scotland - Current IRB ranking: 10 (9)
They have dropped a spot on the IRB rankings, but really, can Fiji claim to be a better team? They were outclassed in the Six Nations but the Scots never threw in the towel.
10. (10) Fiji - Current IRB ranking: 9 (10)
Italy's woes leaves Fiji in a strong position. On the strength of beating Tonga, Samoa and Japan since the last World Cup, they have managed to jump from 11th to ninth in the world rankings. Georgia beat Russia are on the weekend and are now closing on Italy in 12th spot. Nick Mallet cannot last.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Worlds Greatest Rugby Nation
Fan Stories
The world's greatest rugby nation – it's All Black and white despite Springbok and Wallaby claims
Sportingo - James Mortimer (06/06/2008)
*Disclaimer - Views expressed within this story are not necessarily the views of the NZRU or allblacks.com
Sportingo
As the Southern Hemisphere international season commences, many - including some Kiwis - gloat about and mock the New Zealanders' demise. How uninformed they are.
‘... let’s get this hollow commercial concept of World Cups out of the way. The only real tournament was played in 1987 – which the All Blacks won with a path of domination that was astounding’Canterbury have completed the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 with their seventh title in the 13 years that the tournament has been operating. This means quite simply that the world’s dominant provincial team has won over 50 per cent of the toughest domestic international series - a tournament that ranks alongside the Heineken Cup.
If you add the three titles that the Auckland Blues have claimed, this makes for fearsome reading for Australian and South African supporters. Only three times has another country claimed the title. The current world champions, South Africa, for all of their bleating, have won only one title despite empty claims that they have the toughest domestic competition. As well as this, New Zealand has five times provided the losing finalist to the competition’s Grand Final. Fifteen finals appearances to seven by Australia, while the Africans have only appeared in three finals!
But, of course, many point to the fact that countries' overall domination is reflected in their international performance – and in this arena the All Blacks quite simply have no peer.
First, let’s get this hollow commercial concept of World Cups out of the way. The only real tournament was played in 1987 – which the All Blacks won with a path of domination that was astounding not only for the fact that they were unchallenged, but that they had recently had a massive number of their players banned over the “Cavalier” controversy.
In 1991, the All Blacks did the rugby world a favour by appointing two conflicting coaches and fielding a side on the decline. The Wallabies, eventual champions, nearly lost to Samoa in pool stages and only defeated Ireland by one point. The Australians at this point had evolved into a top team courtesy of being groomed by New Zealand by numerous Bledisloe thrashings.
In 1995, the All Blacks were the dominant team in the cup – hosted by South Africa, whose re-entry into top rugby was due to the New Zealanders’ consistent attempts to play African teams despite their worldwide sporting ban. The Springboks then repaid this favour by poisoning the entire All Blacks team, but despite this could only defeat the legendary team in extra time.
The following three tournaments New Zealand paid the price with poor selection policies, inconsistent game plans and over-hyped expectation. The victories by Australia, England and South Africa in the cups were by name only. John Eales, Martin Johnson and John Smit have all admitted publicly that their teams were given huge favours by having the All Blacks knocked out by once-in-a-lifetime performances by other teams.
South Africa and Australia owe their standing on the world rugby stage to the constant competition with the New Zealanders. The South Africans claim dominance in the amateur days of international rugby, but the controversy over apartheid, biased referees and constant cheating assured South Africa were a false world power. Despite this, New Zealand continued to send teams, despite fears of even being banned from Olympic events and they openly defied the Gleneagles agreement – the only country to do so. Ironically, the All Blacks continued to nurture the South African rugby beast.
Australia gained much from being the Tasman neighbour of New Zealand. Up until 1997 the Wallabies had only won seven Bledisloe Cups and the All Blacks held it for 27 straight years in the mid 1900s – however, the Australians grew from regular competition with the greatest of rugby nations.
But, of course, like any great argument, we need proof to back up these audacious claims. In over 100 years of rugby the All Blacks have only lost 96 times. Every other country in the world has lost at least twice that many games. South Africa have lost more, despite being banned from international competition for many years. New Zealand are the only team in world rugby not to have a half-century of points posted against them and their largest losing margin is 21 points – half of any other team.
The All Blacks have won 75 per cent of all games played, with a success rate almost as impressive overseas as at home, being the finest touring team in world rugby, and being almost unbeatable at home. Some people claim they are an over-hyped, over-marketed product. The simple reality is that they are the biggest rugby draw card on the planet and that any union will clamber to host the best team of all time.
Only five of the current Test playing nations have beaten New Zealand, and they have a dominant winning percentage over any team. They score more tries, more points and hold higher levels of game statistic ascendancy over all teams, dominating possession and territory even when on the rare losing end of the ledger.
This is why they are the most feared and loathed team in the world. They consistently play attacking rugby and are the most watchable team in the world … unfortunately to their downfall in the commercial World Cup. The sight of the black jersey and the magnificent sporting spectacle of the haka, an impenetrable black wall of defence, unrelenting wave of black attack – the All Blacks are a sporting team of legendary and godlike status.
The world's greatest rugby nation – it's All Black and white despite Springbok and Wallaby claims
Sportingo - James Mortimer (06/06/2008)
*Disclaimer - Views expressed within this story are not necessarily the views of the NZRU or allblacks.com
Sportingo
As the Southern Hemisphere international season commences, many - including some Kiwis - gloat about and mock the New Zealanders' demise. How uninformed they are.
‘... let’s get this hollow commercial concept of World Cups out of the way. The only real tournament was played in 1987 – which the All Blacks won with a path of domination that was astounding’Canterbury have completed the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 with their seventh title in the 13 years that the tournament has been operating. This means quite simply that the world’s dominant provincial team has won over 50 per cent of the toughest domestic international series - a tournament that ranks alongside the Heineken Cup.
If you add the three titles that the Auckland Blues have claimed, this makes for fearsome reading for Australian and South African supporters. Only three times has another country claimed the title. The current world champions, South Africa, for all of their bleating, have won only one title despite empty claims that they have the toughest domestic competition. As well as this, New Zealand has five times provided the losing finalist to the competition’s Grand Final. Fifteen finals appearances to seven by Australia, while the Africans have only appeared in three finals!
But, of course, many point to the fact that countries' overall domination is reflected in their international performance – and in this arena the All Blacks quite simply have no peer.
First, let’s get this hollow commercial concept of World Cups out of the way. The only real tournament was played in 1987 – which the All Blacks won with a path of domination that was astounding not only for the fact that they were unchallenged, but that they had recently had a massive number of their players banned over the “Cavalier” controversy.
In 1991, the All Blacks did the rugby world a favour by appointing two conflicting coaches and fielding a side on the decline. The Wallabies, eventual champions, nearly lost to Samoa in pool stages and only defeated Ireland by one point. The Australians at this point had evolved into a top team courtesy of being groomed by New Zealand by numerous Bledisloe thrashings.
In 1995, the All Blacks were the dominant team in the cup – hosted by South Africa, whose re-entry into top rugby was due to the New Zealanders’ consistent attempts to play African teams despite their worldwide sporting ban. The Springboks then repaid this favour by poisoning the entire All Blacks team, but despite this could only defeat the legendary team in extra time.
The following three tournaments New Zealand paid the price with poor selection policies, inconsistent game plans and over-hyped expectation. The victories by Australia, England and South Africa in the cups were by name only. John Eales, Martin Johnson and John Smit have all admitted publicly that their teams were given huge favours by having the All Blacks knocked out by once-in-a-lifetime performances by other teams.
South Africa and Australia owe their standing on the world rugby stage to the constant competition with the New Zealanders. The South Africans claim dominance in the amateur days of international rugby, but the controversy over apartheid, biased referees and constant cheating assured South Africa were a false world power. Despite this, New Zealand continued to send teams, despite fears of even being banned from Olympic events and they openly defied the Gleneagles agreement – the only country to do so. Ironically, the All Blacks continued to nurture the South African rugby beast.
Australia gained much from being the Tasman neighbour of New Zealand. Up until 1997 the Wallabies had only won seven Bledisloe Cups and the All Blacks held it for 27 straight years in the mid 1900s – however, the Australians grew from regular competition with the greatest of rugby nations.
But, of course, like any great argument, we need proof to back up these audacious claims. In over 100 years of rugby the All Blacks have only lost 96 times. Every other country in the world has lost at least twice that many games. South Africa have lost more, despite being banned from international competition for many years. New Zealand are the only team in world rugby not to have a half-century of points posted against them and their largest losing margin is 21 points – half of any other team.
The All Blacks have won 75 per cent of all games played, with a success rate almost as impressive overseas as at home, being the finest touring team in world rugby, and being almost unbeatable at home. Some people claim they are an over-hyped, over-marketed product. The simple reality is that they are the biggest rugby draw card on the planet and that any union will clamber to host the best team of all time.
Only five of the current Test playing nations have beaten New Zealand, and they have a dominant winning percentage over any team. They score more tries, more points and hold higher levels of game statistic ascendancy over all teams, dominating possession and territory even when on the rare losing end of the ledger.
This is why they are the most feared and loathed team in the world. They consistently play attacking rugby and are the most watchable team in the world … unfortunately to their downfall in the commercial World Cup. The sight of the black jersey and the magnificent sporting spectacle of the haka, an impenetrable black wall of defence, unrelenting wave of black attack – the All Blacks are a sporting team of legendary and godlike status.
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