Darkness lifts as Blacks break the curse
23 Oct 2011
RYAN VREDE writes the certainty which accompanied New Zealand into this fixture gave way to hope in the second half, but ultimately the nation that needed victory prevailed over the one that wanted it.
Only New Zealanders can fully articulate the torment it must have caused into know they are the pre-eminent side in world rugby but not be completely acknowledged as such because of the inability to capture the title that legitimises that claim. Of course an inordinate amount of emphasis is placed on winning the World Cup. But not winning it left a massive void that vexed them to their very souls. It was the national obsession.
A nation’s identity was intricately entwined and dependent in the result of last week’s semi-final against Australia, and later once more as France pressed incessantly in the second half. It is a fallacy that New Zealanders love rugby. They love the All Blacks and defeat would have surely been a mortal blow to their belief in the lovers that had so often betrayed them.
In beating Australia there was a discernible sense that the ceiling had been shattered. You could feel it in the energy in the stands, and you could see it in the manner the players carried themselves post-match. There was none of the arrogance of the 2007 group. Only a collection of men secure in the knowledge they were the superior in all facets of play when compared to their opponents in the final. They didn’t exhibit that superiority tonight, but if ever a nation and its players didn’t care about the aesthetics of the performance it was New Zealand.
However, the importance of their victory transcends the healing of past wounds. There was a more immediate reason – they were simply the best at the tournament and more deserving than the desperately inconsistent French, who entertained more with their off-field antics more than they ever threatened to do between the chalk lines.
Most pertinently it killed off the flawed belief that pragmatism must always take precedence over panache at the global showpiece. Certainly are times where it is necessitated, periods of this final featuring many of those. But it has become an absolute without the unequivocal evidence to support that statement.
Furthermore, like the 2007 World Cup winning Springboks side, there are players in this Blacks side who deserve to have the prestigious title of world champion, none more so than their irrepressible skipper Richie McCaw and this side’s fulcrum, Dan Carter. It seems a simplistic argument to make, but there are just some players befitting of the honour, and the Blacks boast many such players. In addition, their coaching staff have consistently been the best and most innovative in world rugby throughout their tenure. They now have the title they most coveted.
In raising the Webb Ellis cup over his head, McCaw was symbolically also lifting the weight of a burden they have carried since 1987. Belligerence was required to achieve this. They’ve failed when required to exhibit that trait in the past. Not so tonight. Well done you brilliant Blacks.
By Ryan Vrede, at Eden Park.
Follow Ryan on Twitter.
96 Comments
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23 Oct 2011, 19:03 pm
ABs have the RWC bragging rights for 4 more years, but that’s not as important as winning the next test. And then the one after that. And cementing their lead as the top #1 ranked rugby nation on earth — their traditional place.
23 Oct 2011, 19:36 pm
Sorry tackless but the game was so boring that nobody will be watching rugby in 4 years time if that’s the standard. Anyway the AB depth is so thin that they will have do some serious cherry picking from the islands or pay Bryce & Paddy even more to ever win again.
23 Oct 2011, 19:42 pm
Bugger off posts.Might be the way things are done over your way, but the best team won. End of story.
23 Oct 2011, 20:12 pm
Monty, after Bryce Lawrence reffed the Sharks vs Crusaders match this year, he should never have being elevated to a RWC match and his namesake Mark Lawrence left out. It had to be Paddy giving instructions and dishing out virgin sheep or money. That was a AB’s – B team on the field today and at least 3 countries would have thumped them.
23 Oct 2011, 20:23 pm
As a Kiwi I’m not sure how I feel at the moment. Relief I guess, that at long last we have the RWC. But this tournament is fast becoming a claytons competition. Any team can win on its day, not necessarily the best team in the world. This wasn’t the spectacular showpiece of Rugby Union that we were all expecting. In fact it was boring. Anyway we are the champion for the next four years and for some this means a hell of a lot. For me the sight of so many visiting fans to our country enjoying themselves will leave a lasting memory. .
23 Oct 2011, 20:39 pm
IMO its a well written article. For what its worth I do think that Bryce was on the take in our QF. However over the last 4 years I do think that NZ deserve their new status. Guys lets move on and start debating how to get SA rugby back to the summit. Rugby is now professional. We need administrators, coaches and management to be the best we can source. SA is full of talent. Its the system that has failed us. We really need to start from a blank piece of paper and see if their is a system that ensures we are one step ahead of NZ. And at the moment they are light years ahead of us. Simples. Lets debate the big stuff. Strategy.
23 Oct 2011, 20:48 pm
@horiman(horiman)-55: Yes I feel the same way…I realized at the end of the game that we didn’t need this trophy to legitimize who we are, the best in the world, but before to say it was arrogant because of the silverware that has eluded. Now we can say it, this tournament is all wrong and for France to cap it off with the possibility of winning as they nearly did exemplifies the distortion.
Sure we have bragging rights, but big f’n deal. Our legacy is really what we have achieved to this in every thing else. Now we are the most successful team ‘ever’ on the face of this planet but only because of Bill?…what about the domination of the real showpieces of Tri-Nations, B+L tours, Bledisloes etc.
They need to sort out a better way to give all the top tier teams a fairer run instead of sudden death.
23 Oct 2011, 20:50 pm
@XV(XV)-56: Do what the other successful teams are doing…get a Kiwi coach
23 Oct 2011, 21:07 pm
The way forward is via the Internet and the supporters having more say. The current administrators will fight it tooth & nail, but even they will have to listen to a simple internet poll such as who the next coach should be a) Mitchell, b) Coetzee c) Meyer d) Jones e) Erasmus f) Gatland g) Drotsky h) Plumtree. From there on you can eventually force those arrogant ******** to respect the people who pay their exorbitant salaries.
23 Oct 2011, 21:44 pm
For what it’s worth – congrats to the All Blacks, and NZ – and all the Kiwi fans that frequent this site. Will done gents! Enjoy!
23 Oct 2011, 22:33 pm
@posts(posts)-52: The AB game is what keeps it exciting — 15 man rugby. Running rugby. Winning rugby.
The ones who bore everyone witless are the yarpies with their dull, one-dimensional “kick-and-chase” ten-man game.
23 Oct 2011, 23:21 pm
What a boring twat you are 61,instead of out celebrating your win you are on here still having a go at sa.I suppose you cant pull yourself off in public as then people would see what a winy snivelling sicko you are.To the abs well done,to the kiwis on this site go play with yourselves as you clearly dont have lives outside of this site.
23 Oct 2011, 23:36 pm
@horiman(horiman)-55:
as an ex-pat South African living in Auckland, the highlight for me was the pool phase. seems like a lifetime ago, but even the September weather was better than what has been dished up in October. It was such a carnival atmosphere, and so many games. once we got into the knock outs, with no midweek games it all became a bit tense and slowly wound towards the anti climax.
I’d probably feel different had the boks stayed in and won. but they did not and that’s how I feel.
23 Oct 2011, 23:45 pm
@slavedriver(slavedriver)-62:
what i was thinking too, although I tried to say it a bit more diplomatically on the other thread
23 Oct 2011, 23:47 pm
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-58:
we got a few in SA already. do you think there is a conincidence that the 2 teams contesting the currie cup final next weekend are both coached by Kiwis!!!
and the lions will probably be even more competitive next year in the S15.
23 Oct 2011, 23:52 pm
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-57:
how do you manage to post that without sounding like the arrogant idiot of some other kiwi bloggers on this site?
you’re right. well said.
24 Oct 2011, 02:21 am
A week ago the fifth ranked yarpies could still say “Yes we play awful boring rugby but we are the world champs”. Well, pilgrims, now you’re NOT the world champs. You’re the 3N wooden spooners. 5th ranked on the IRB table. QF expellees. You’re the rugby equivalent of Muammar Gaddafi.
24 Oct 2011, 06:04 am
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-57: Totally agree, have also long thought far too much importance is placed on the competition for the Web Ellis trophy given what a lottery the format always turns out to be. Now we’re in a position to say as much.
24 Oct 2011, 06:36 am
I take comfort in the fact that had the Springboks not been screwed over by the Lawrence family, in cooperation with Paddy O’Brien, the Springboks would’ve had a damn good chance of heading home with the Cup right now.
Nothing you can do about corrupt officials. Voice disapproval? Ain’t gonna help squat.
24 Oct 2011, 06:58 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-61: Hey Tackles, put your alter ego T. Roal. back in the costume box , have we?
24 Oct 2011, 07:10 am
reading through some english newspapers to see what they had to say about the game and surprise surprise on their comments page their are also nasty little kiwis having a go at them.Short man syndrome is alive and kicking amongst these vile kiwis.
24 Oct 2011, 07:17 am
Congrats to the kiwi’s for winning their first rwc.
24 Oct 2011, 07:22 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-67:
1(1) NEW ZEALAND 91.34
2(2) AUSTRALIA 86.49
3(5) FRANCE 84.79
4(3) SOUTH AFRICA 84.34
5(6) ENGLAND 81.58
6(4) WALES 81.10
7(7) IRELAND 80.65
8(8) ARGENTINA 80.28
9(9) TONGA 76.63
10(10) SCOTLAND 76.20
Did Wales pick up points for losing?
Come on Tackles, up your game! I see you keep on telling us that the Boks lost 5/6 games in this year’s 3N as well, when exactly were the additional games played?
I think with all the excitement you popped a valve and lost yet another brain cell…you should really think of slowing down on that glue sniffing!
24 Oct 2011, 07:31 am
Congratulations to the All Blacks and their fans around the world. Bask is your time to be called Champions of the World!!!
To Cane, Hurricane, Nils, Poppa, Corporal Punishment, Rossoneri, Mpundulu, Black Panther and all the others on Keo… Enjoy your team’s success!!
Awesome stuff!!!
24 Oct 2011, 07:35 am
Hollow rigged victory.
All of a sudden there was a medal spare for DC…
24 Oct 2011, 07:43 am
Congratulations New Zealand
24 Oct 2011, 07:51 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-73:
If WCups are the measure then
91.34 New Zealand
91.33877777 France
86.49 Australia
and so on
Believe me 86.49 is way over the top for Australia and the rest that follow.
24 Oct 2011, 07:54 am
Finally
24 Oct 2011, 08:31 am
Congrats to the ABs and New Zealanders in general, even our AB supporting mates on this blog! ABs deserved a World Cup more than any other team for their consistant performances in the years between WCs. They don’t sacrifice everything in the 4 years between WCs claiming they are aiming at the event even though they probably wanted it more than any other team.
Have to add though: How about aiming to become Word Champs away from home next time?
24 Oct 2011, 08:37 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-73: They lost 5 of their last 6 games versus Australia prior to this world cup. Then they lost their WC encounter too, bringing their record to 6 defeats in 7 encounters.
Those are the facts!
The Boks are Australia’s bunnies.
24 Oct 2011, 08:39 am
@Craven(Craven)-79: They play rugby, not scrabble.
24 Oct 2011, 08:45 am
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-72: Their second, pilgrim. Looks at the trophy.
24 Oct 2011, 08:46 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-80:
Stop twisting your own wods, it is there black on white saying 5/6 3N games. What about the rankings you got wrong?
24 Oct 2011, 08:52 am
UFO 74: thank you mate, wonderful and generous entry. Thank you.
24 Oct 2011, 08:55 am
Craven 79: I’m certain for Steve Hansen and Forster and the rest of the new AB coaching team they’ll want to dominate in the next four years as a build up to defending the cup successfully in 2015, they’ll use winning though in the next four years as a platform to get four more years with the old bill!
24 Oct 2011, 09:14 am
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-85:
Well done sbali. Its about time I guess. Kodwa cishe balahla, yaze yayimbi i-final. Niwinile kodwa,even with Duck at 10 so that must count for something!!! Hahaha
Hows that Dusautoir??? Yessess idlalile leyandoda!
24 Oct 2011, 09:25 am
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-84: Just a dumb question,but how do you pronounce yor nic?Do you start with the m or is it silent?
24 Oct 2011, 09:30 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-86: bane ntlantla udusautoir nezinja zakhe bebafikile
bamshaya uMcCaw wafuna ukuhlanza ebaleni hehehe
ujoubert ubaxolele!
24 Oct 2011, 09:36 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-88:
On that performance ALONE if Dusautoir won IRB Player of the Year I wouldnt be mad…Bonnaire was also MASSIVE. First time this year I saw Kaino COMPLETELY outplayed-thats how good French loosies were.
But on overall work,Kaino should still be IRB Player of the Year.
PS-Weepu showed how his nomination was a joke.
Nonu completely shut down by Mermoz.French pack was outstanding.
Joubert ubasizile impela.amaFrench ebefikile!!!
24 Oct 2011, 09:42 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-89: mermoz & rougerie made nonu & smith their bunnies…rougerie breaking tackles at will.
kaino fortunate not to get pinged in the 75th minute, when fiddling with ball in ruck after losing his footing, especially after snakey – the tackler – took forever to roll away.
ibidakiwe ilineout yeAll Blacks yoh
24 Oct 2011, 09:43 am
Certain players in AB’s are probably DONE internationally.Only way is down now:
McCaw (great player but the extra 2 years AB’s want him to go on-WISHFULL)
Williams
Thorn(retiring)
Mealamu
Hore
Woodcock
Weepu
Who is going to replace the above???(below)
Todd
Boric
Whitelock
Flynn(already in his 30′s as well)
Crockett
Mathewson/Ellis???
24 Oct 2011, 09:44 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-90:
Yeah Harinodiquoy OWNED the Ab lineout
24 Oct 2011, 09:55 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-92: Yilamahlanya wamaFrench kuphela that can give a guy his DEBUT game in a tense world cup final against the All Blacks, farking MADNESS! and lo and behold the plonker knocks on under pressure and bye bye world cup.
24 Oct 2011, 10:09 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-21:
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/RugbyWorldCup2011/French-in-rage-over-Joubert-20111024
“The French would have none of it as they started accusing Joubert of failing to notice All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw’s ‘illegal’ actions at the breakdown and that he had gotten away with murder.”
As I already said……..
24 Oct 2011, 11:24 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-93:
Yeah i saw that…debut in World Cup Final…at 9…in place of their placekicker and general Yachvilli..Only the fckin French
25 Oct 2011, 04:50 am
@LITELOCK(LITELOCK)-87: mini shimmy wommy?
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