Awesome and inspiring All Blacks
2 Aug 2010
MARK KEOHANE, in his weekly Business Day column, says New Zealand deserve credit for their recent Test performances.
South Africans can bury their heads in the sand and mock the All Blacks for supposedly peaking a year before the World Cup, but those who believe this are in denial about the state of Springbok rugby and too accepting of mediocrity.
The All Blacks are playing amazing rugby. Is that too hard to acknowledge? Alternatively is it that too hard to enjoy watching?
The All Blacks a year ago were awful and their selections and performances in the Tri Nations were among their worst since 1998 when the New Zealanders lost five Tests in succession. Then the question was whether there was a next generation of Kiwi who could sustain their historical dominance of world rugby. Now we know there is one good enough.
In a year their coaches have identified players they believe capable of playing total rugby, and in the first three Tests of the 2010 Tri Nations these players have delivered near complete performances on attack and in defence. It has been inspiring stuff and if you haven’t been awed then your love is for a team and not the game of rugby.
Watching the All Blacks in the last month reminded me why rugby union has the greater appeal to rugby league and that there isn’t a more inspiring sight in rugby union than players creating magic with their hands and not simply relying on a kick for points.
There is a place for kicking in any match, but it is when the kick is made that defines the kick. In Melbourne two defensive kicks led to charge downs and tries, but those were the only ordinary kicks in a game dominated by hand speed, passes and a desire by both teams to retain the ball as a form of attack.
Teams will on occasion succeed in countering the way the All Blacks are playing and there will be days when the passes don’t stick and the bounce isn’t favourable, but to dismiss the All Blacks of peaking a year to early is an insult to what they have produced in the last month.
Even if the All Blacks don’t win next year’s World Cup, you can’t take away the genius of the attack in Auckland, Wellington and Melbourne.
Test rugby is supposed to be the ultimate test for a player, which is why it is called Test rugby. The introduction of the World Cup has cheapened Test rugby because so many teams use the tournament, held every four years, as an excuse for indifferent performances between World Cups.
The Boks are taking comfort that they are getting thrashed now and not in the World Cup year. What nonsense. A Test defeat is a defeat and should not be as easily dismissed or forgotten.
Whenever a coach gets his selection wrong he can claim experimentation ahead of the World Cup, and on the odd occasion a team plays scintillating rugby between World Cups the accusation is the team has peaked too soon.
Some coaches say they deliberately want to give away nothing in between World Cups because showing their hands would prejudice their World Cup prospects.
If this is the case and the only matches of significance are those played at the World Cup, then national colours should not be awarded for those 35-odd matches played by the Springboks between World Cups and they certainly should not be called Tests, because that is when players supposedly test their best skills against the best of another nation and spectators are prepared to pay large sums of money to watch the spectacle.
Instead, in this professional age that rewards the mediocre, sensational wins are mocked and embarrassing defeats are cherished as good things because it is not a World Cup year.
That isn’t right. There has to be accountability to every Test and there should never be something as a meaningless exercise if a player represents his country.
I don’t buy into the theory that rather your team loses this year than in a World Cup year. I buy into the theory that says you give your best every time you play for your country and people pay to watch because there is an expectation that this best will bring victory.
And when this skill brings seven tries away from home, it is an achievement worthy of awe and not the ridicule of getting it right in the wrong year.
The All Blacks in Melbourne got it right on the right day; as they did in Auckland and Wellington, and I’d rather that was the case with the Boks this year and every time they play the game they call Test rugby.
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243 Comments
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3 Aug 2010, 07:01 am
@Muttonbird(Muttonbird)-199:
Take a hike Troll. Your comments are boring and childish.
3 Aug 2010, 07:08 am
The All Blacks are deserved leaders and in all propability winners of this years Tri-Nations…
They are playing very good rugby.
Were there some “strange” desicions by refs, sure – but they take nothing away from the great rugby by the All Blacks.
Do we need to panick ? NO – some influential players are currently out for the Boks and WILL change the picture when they return.
Only bad thing about the All Blacks winning is that TheTackler surfaces again, seeing he is never here when they lose…
3 Aug 2010, 07:12 am
@Muttonbird(Muttonbird)-164: Feel free to visit your regular porn sites and leave the rugby punters alone
3 Aug 2010, 07:19 am
After whacking the Boks at altitude at Soccer City, the ABs will be able to claim that stadium as their “hoodoo ground” as they will never have lost any test there!
Won’t that be amusing?
3 Aug 2010, 07:20 am
That, and the instant 3-0 riposte to the Boks’ lucky streak in 2009.
3 Aug 2010, 07:58 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-201: @JL1(JL1)-203: Why are you guys being such cry-babies?
3 Aug 2010, 08:00 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-124: Soccer city was destined to be ABs toughest game of the year from the outset – away to its toughest opponent at altitude.
As to England – while any side can have its day, it’s pure support from the heart and not head to suggest a Twickenham win/draw would be on the cards with the current strongest sides. England last beat the ABs in London in 2002 and before that 1993. The 2002 side was great – putting two consecutive wins up for the only time in history between the teams. Currently England sit on 8 consecutive losses since 2004, a record. With 6 wins in 105 years it surely needs a great side like the 2003 RWC winners to be able to make that statement in all seriousness.
Ironically you argue England is on track for 2011 – just the attitude Keo is heavily critical of in the piece which begins this blog.
3 Aug 2010, 08:03 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-197:
Good post. Keo write such rubbish sometimes, and then does a 180…..
It’s slightly annoying that journo’s don’t actually have to have rugby knowledge, just a way with words.
3 Aug 2010, 08:09 am
Nothing’s changed here, I see.
3 Aug 2010, 08:20 am
“The Springboks in 2008 were the first team to beat the All Blacks in Dunedin in 100 years of Test rugby. A year later France went south and did the same thing. Once one has done it, others tend to follow.”
I’m pretty sure that honour belongs to the great John Eales’ team in 2001 – stats they can be so dangerous in the wrong hands can’t they!
3 Aug 2010, 08:21 am
@Dawn(Dawn)-209: what’s new with you Dawn? Any fresh insights on the tri-nations, currie cup?
3 Aug 2010, 08:25 am
Has that Whitelock dude surpass the record of Wynand Olivier’s test try feat? Or is he equal?
3 Aug 2010, 08:31 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-173: Sure I fully understand that, but it reminds me of the Aussie ice skater who o won at the Olympics because everyone better( who he was trailing) fell over and he cruised to the finish line..he won gold and good on him…best in the world, not a f’n chance.
The best in the world are those who win have the highest win rate, stay at the top or get as low as number two and then come back and hang on to the lead while everyone try’s to figure out how to beat them and when they finally do beat them they cant maintain that edge, the true champs re gather and blitz ‘em. The history shows it time and again.
We may well fall over again at the WC, but so might you and Australia…maybe one of the Pacific Islands may have a dream run. Tonga very nearly spoiled the Boks party a few years ago and it can happen again. NZ could well win everything between now and the WC and then have one bad game like we did against a France or Australia, but does that mean we arent the best in the World, nope but if the Boks are to fall in a heap well alot of people wont be very surprised in their present form. Its tough at the top mate and only the best have prolonged periods there.
3 Aug 2010, 08:44 am
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-213:
But you see, right there is the problem! Steve Bradbury will forever be remembered for his gold medal because he won the Olympics. Same with a World Cup, the winning team will always be remembered.
Does it make him or the world champs the best in the world, not by default but for whatever reason they managed to win the one people remember.
You can carry on about your proud record and proud you should be but I bet you a $1k that the day your team wins the WC will forever be edged in your mind and no matter what will happen after will rank as one of the best sporting moments you have EVER experienced.
3 Aug 2010, 08:48 am
WTF is this Mutton head character..if he’s a Kiwi I apologise on behalf of my countrymen and women and can only say he must come from the drug rehab on Great Barrier Is. Best to ignore him and he will be like a pimple and disappear slowly.
3 Aug 2010, 08:48 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-201:
Youre possibly the worst ‘troll’ on this entire site so why the fark would anyone take notice of you ?! Your comments have been ‘boring and childish’ for years but you still seem to be around…
3 Aug 2010, 09:18 am
Why the surprise re the ABs? This is why the crowing from our lot not so long ago was so clearly moronic. YES, the boks CAN and SHOULD be the equal and on occasion the better of them as we were last year, but until we actually try to understand WHY the ABs are so consistent over the years we will more often than not be on the losing side.
The KEY, Let me repeat that – the KEYYYYY – is to simply play rugby like it wa meant to be played. That means: wait for it..
GET FORWARDS WHO CAN GET QUALITY BALL TO BACKS WHO CAN USE IT. STOP THE OTHER SIDE FROM DOING THAT TOO. That is all the ABs work towards.
Think about it. That’s it. Now consider the sides who we put out over the last month and ask yourself if we ever really had a chance of doing that. Did we realise that that was what we needed to do?
3 Aug 2010, 09:21 am
@Monty15(Monty15)-188:
HEAR HEAR
Not in a million years would I swap it either. They can have all the twinkly gold cups that they like; a Series victory on the veldt against the RWC Champions, in the face of history……it does NOT get better than that !
3 Aug 2010, 09:34 am
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-215: Do not apologise for me you cheeky bugger. Your posts are so long-winded and dull it’s a struggle to get through them, which I don’t. Have you not heard of economy of speech or are you addicted to the sight of your own rantings and, hey, what’s this B.S. justification for not winning the Webb-Ellis trophy for 23 years? “We are number 1 so it doesn’t matter”. You’re mad are you not?
3 Aug 2010, 10:59 am
This has to be one of the most enjoyable reads from Keo in a long time. Keo unlike someguys on here respects the game of rugby. Every test is a test and should be played to win,not this oh well RWC next year.
Thank you Keo for saying this,i only wish i had said it.
3 Aug 2010, 11:02 am
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-220:
Its not the first Keo article you’ve read, is it ?
3 Aug 2010, 11:05 am
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-220: dont let keo fool you, he was stating earlier this year the demise of AB rugby, now hes changed tact? lol careful with that word “respect” and keo in the same sentence
3 Aug 2010, 11:26 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-221:
Why?
@poppa69(poppa69)-222:
I gave him the respect call as i to believe that every test should be played to win,unlike some of these clowns that actually disrespect the game of rugby and saying the sport only means anything every four years.
3 Aug 2010, 11:43 am
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-223:
1 thing today
Another thing tomorrow.
Thing 1 and Thing Too.
3 Aug 2010, 12:09 pm
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-214: Well right there is what it is all about for me the fan. I dont care how we ( the AB’s) will be remembered, but it is about the now for me and we are winning and winning so well and so often against current WC’s and leaving heads spinning all over the rugby planet, how we will be remembered is that when people talk rugby, they know first and foremost that rugby and champions and number one get rolled up into one team All Blacks. Yes we may be remembered, as others will as “oh that team won the WC a couple of times” but when the word rugby is mentioned we all know whose team will be remembered, if it is that important, as the team no World Champion was ever really able to ‘champion’.
3 Aug 2010, 14:38 pm
@Monty15(Monty15)-188</a@Monty15(Monty15)-188:
Second that.
3 Aug 2010, 15:05 pm
If only the WC was important and the yardstick to measure performance and merit, would we ever have legends?
3 Aug 2010, 15:16 pm
Is it only me, but I find that the 1995 WC springboks are afforded more marvel status than the 2007 WC springboks. Why? Besides the heartwarming external factors, the opposition or the difficult road to the final must have played a roll. Makes one think hey.
3 Aug 2010, 15:28 pm
@Momentum(Momentum)-228: One reason- because you beat the AB’s and with Nelson Mandelas presence it was a monumental day and win…with very worthy opponents to play, not a win over a pack of old handbags like in 2007.
3 Aug 2010, 15:36 pm
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-229:
Makes sense. Just a pity the present AB’s are not afforded the signifigance they deserve by some of us as they bring so much to the game.
3 Aug 2010, 16:08 pm
@Momentum(Momentum)-230: Yeah dead right..alotof the knockers do not want to admit who the real leaders are. this is a piece cut and pasted from somewhere which really tells us how good they are and continually strive to be:
But to suggest that rugby union is now stuck in a permanent four year cycle wholly designed around the World Cup is something of an insult to the game.
When Graham Henry and his All Blacks returned from the 2007 Rugby World Cup, there was naturally disappointment and shock that the side had been eliminated, despite entering the tournament with more form and results than any other nation.
The simple fact that while the loss to France in Cardiff hurt, nay had many All Blacks fans walking around in numb shock, their record leading up to the tournament was unequalled.
The 20-18 defeat was only the sixth since 2004, and over that time the All Blacks won 42 of 48 test matches (87.5%), thumped the British and Irish Lions 3-0, won three consecutive Investec Tri-Nations, recorded a touring Grand Slam, and maintained an iron grip on the Bledisloe Cup.
Are the All Blacks peaking too soon again?
Perhaps.
But for now the side is on a 12 match winning streak and untouched as the International Rugby Board’s number one team, is unbeaten in 2010, is but one victory from securing a 10th Tri-Nations title in 15 years, an eighth Bledisloe Cup and record equally ninth straight Wallabies victory.
The question of peaking and other such theories will only be answered in the months of September and October next year.
For now, let us just enjoy the brand of rugby this All Blacks side is exhibiting and the results they are compiling.
3 Aug 2010, 16:09 pm
..the last sentence is what it is all about..the now!!
3 Aug 2010, 17:29 pm
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-232:
Sorry captain, was on my way homefrom work.
I must agree the AB’s are leading the way at the moment with scintillating rugby. What is scary is if other teams are not in awe and remain in denial by finding all sorts of unconstructive reasons for not performing on par or better will leave us stuck in the past whilst the NLI’s are evolving rugby.
3 Aug 2010, 20:27 pm
If the ABs retain the form they are currently in, then the other nations must fall back on the bent referee option.
Worked last time…..
3 Aug 2010, 23:50 pm
@Auntie Mavis(Auntie Mavis)-234:
lol
4 Aug 2010, 00:20 am
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-231: ‘But to suggest that rugby union is now stuck in a permanent four year cycle wholly designed around the World Cup is something of an insult to the game.’
but for most nations it is true. England, France and Argentina all work on a 4 year cycle and Australia are heading that way too. I think even NZ and SA, two nations who value every test are beginning to take this outlook too. Many nations in pro rugby just aren’t set up to be competitive in every test, the physical demands of club rugby are increasing all the time.
4 Aug 2010, 04:59 am
Losing, to the New Zealand and South African rugby public is not an option. We admired the Boks last year because no one could touch them, it’s the AB’s turn… but things can change so quickly?
Aussie just aren’t world-class material yet? They’ve unearthed some great talent in Pocock, Cooper and Genia, the rest of the world teams dont strike fear into their opposition like the AB’s and the Boks do so they tend to focus on the big show.
4 Aug 2010, 08:44 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-236:
tis cr@p and you know it.
The UK teams focus as much on 6N glory as the ABs do on TriN glory.
The only teams that start talking RWC are those that have lost matches and therefore out of the 6N picture.
4 Aug 2010, 17:01 pm
gotta love a bok-supporter forum…last year your boks were “awesome” against all comers…this year its not that the ABs are any good, just that “aussie and Boks are so poor”….hahaha
…..well with that logic, your ’07 WC title was a fckn joke – knock out stages were, wait for it….FIJI, Argentina and then england….now thats a case for poor opposition (and a lucky tournament draw)…
credit, where credit due…and in turn, the rest of the rugby world may even start to like you one day
4 Aug 2010, 17:11 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-238: Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Wales focus on the 6N in the knowledge their chances of winning Bill are slim at best. France most certainly look to the World Cup, they fielded kids for two years straight and they seem to be coming good right on time and MJ knows his job hinges on WC performance. Argentina aim for the WC because they don’t have a tournament in which to play and Robbie Deans has made his feelings clear this week that he’s looking at the long game. To be honest NZ and SA are the only two teams who expect to win every test, but I think that approach is getting less and less realistic in the pro era for the reason stated in my last post.
5 Aug 2010, 00:31 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-240:
If only-RWC matches matter these days, then why do Engl fans spank on (and on) so much about beating NZ in Wellington in 2003 ? The 13-man scrum is the story MJ gets asked most about….
Cmon, your RWC-theory is as convenient as your ‘injuries’ or ‘too tired at end/start of season’ ones you wheel out every year.
5 Aug 2010, 03:33 am
I agree as an English fan the “ we are aiming for the WC” is just a excuse for poor results and coaching, with the faint hope by some coaches that there underperforming team may get lucky at the WC and reach the semis and then they can justify there comments and past 4 years of rubbish rugby.
In all honesty the Abs , boks and the aussies have always been at the top of rugby and consistently beaten the teams below them, hence it’s a great reason for the 6 nations teams to always pull the rebuilding for the world cup dross excuse!!
As an English fan I have had to sit through 7 years of very average rugby some terrible with the odd victory over Aus and a usual 3rd or 4th place in the six nations
We always hear the injury excuse and building for WC from our coaches and fans but to me it’s all a reason for poor performance. Can you imagine how certain English fans on this blog would be reacting if they had won 13 games straight including thrashing the Boks by 20 , putting 49 points on Aus, 37 on France (in France), 66 on Ireland , 42 on Wales , we would be over the moon and I don’t think we would be pulling out the building for the cup excuse.
Sure the Abs may lose the cup it’s a one of tournament, however at least there fans get treated to a few years of brilliant rugby and results in between, we could possibly be out on the quarter finals and oh great another 4 years of rebuilding to the next WC and 3srd placing in the six nations
6 Aug 2010, 23:31 pm
@west(west)-242:
tremendous post.
BH, did you read this ?!!!!!!
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