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Are the All Blacks still chokers?
In true Divine Brown style, we’ve blown more world cups than we care to remember. It seems incredible that our sole title was won 20 years ago. To say that we did not choke in 91,99 and 03 is fine if you like living in Disneyland, but the fact is given our pedigree we should have won at least one of those tournaments. Failing on the big stage is acceptable to me, as these things happen, but to lose so many tournaments consecutively proves the All Blacks are chokers. This world cup, they can dispel that theory (and I hope they do) by bringing the damm thing back. -
Will Graham Henry be covered in glory or shot to pieces by New Zealand when he comes back from the world cup?
As with John Mitchell, John Hart and Laurie Mains before him, it don’t matter how good or bad his All Black coaching record is. If he delivers a world cup, he is god. If not, then New Zealand and its media will always remember him as the man that coached a losing AB side. -
Will Dan Carter and Ritchie McCaw deliver cup winning performances?
More than any All Blacks, Carter and McCaw will be under pressure to live up to their (justified) reputations as the worlds best players in their respective positions. This tournament will define Carter in particular. He is the best in the business, but can he handle the enormous weight of expectation and still kick goals and steer the back line around? -
Will the rotation policy be justified?
OK, between today and our last cup game someone will be injured and unable to participate. When this happens we should have capable replacements ready to slot straight into the team. If those guys don’t perform then rotation has done little except hand out cheap caps. Alternatively, maybe we did not rotate enough . . . maybe not exposing the back up players to the toughest teams will mean they are not quite up to it. -
How will the NZ rugby media perform?
Will they talk us our chances and set un-realistic expectations for the public? Hmm, I think I know the answer to that already. Will they provide rational and objective reporting? Hmm, again I think I know the answer to that as well :)
2 comments ↓
In 1991, 99 and 03 the better team on the day won. If supporters of those teams continue to use the AB “choker” tag rather than actually believe their teams were better on those particular days, then thanks for the backhand compliment. You are essentially saying your own team only won because the ABs let them!
As for 1995, well we all know what should have happened there. Regardless of whether it was or was not deliberate, the simple fact remains, two thirds of the team WERE sick! And we still went into extra time at 12 all!! Awesome effort.
2007 and 2011 will see AB wins. Simply by taking the 07 cup alone, the ABs will suddenly have the best WC record ie. 2 titles and the only team to make it to every semi final.
The only record in world rugby the ABs don’t have is just round the corner!
Go the ABs
Davo
[...] best. They love playing mind games with the All Blacks, and love to play on the fact we’ve lost more world cups than we care to [...]
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