The All Blacks are favourites for every World Cup despite not winning the tournament since 1987. The 1987 team was one of the greatest teams to wear the All Black jersey. But, the current team is reported to be even stronger. So, what will this World Cup bring for New Zealand? Before discussing the current side, here is a brief history of New Zealand’s success and failure in the World Cup:
During the inaugural tournament hosted in New Zealand back in 1987, the All Blacks were dominant; they played expansive rugby and controlled the ball with powerful forwards and a fast back line. In the Semi-Finals vs. Wales, they crushed the Welsh 49-6. They entered the record books with a 29-9 win over France in Auckland. This impressive win initiated a huge cult following in rugby and produced the huge burden of expectation for every following World Cup.
In 1991 after a less than convincing group stage with narrow wins over England and Italy, they lost out to Australia in the Semi-Finals. This was arguably one of the weaker teams that represented New Zealand at any of the past World Cups. Naturally the population of New Zealand were disappointed and looked ahead with anticipation to the next tournament.
They bounced back in 1995 with a strong showing where they were runners-up to South Africa. That match was monumental for South Africa as a nation with Nelson Mandela handing over the trophy to Francois Pienaar in an iconic moment for post-apartheid South Africa. The rugby seemed less significant than the change spreading throughout the country at that stage. The Kiwis were devastated to have missed out on the Webb-Ellis Trophy, especially after a powerful dismissal of England in the Semi-Finals 45-29.
Then in 1999, not even a strong two try-scoring performance from Jonah Lomu could help the All Blacks overcome France; they lost out in the Semi-Finals 31-43. The Kiwis had now developed the ‘chokers’ tag given to them by the sporting press. A team with such talent and potential were failing to bring home the Trophy to a demanding public.
In 2003, once again New Zealand was tipped as the firm favourite. However, they lost out to Australia in the Semi-Finals 22-10 in Sydney. The Wallabies were possibly at their strongest in 2003 since their 1991 victory. However, the pressure of being favourites for a World Cup was too much for the New Zealanders.
In 2007 in France with Dan Carter starting to make the No. 10 shirt his own, the Kiwis narrowly lost in the Quarter-Final 18-20 to the hosts in a match won by the boot of Jean-Baptiste-Élisade. 2007. With the likes of Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina to call on it was no surprise that New Zealand finished the tournament as the top try-scoring nation with 48. However, this impressive attacking display was not enough to get the All Blacks any closer to lifting the Webb-Ellis Trophy.
There is so much expectation placed on the shoulders of any New Zealand XV because they play such an exciting brand of rugby. Quick and skilful backs and powerful combative forwards make a fascinating blend of entertaining rugby. In New Zealand rugby is a religion. New Zealand currently tops the table in the World Rugby ranking and has thrived in the latest Tri-Nations matches. The Kiwis have made short work of the current World Cup holders, the Springboks, thrashing them 40-7 and they comfortably beat a confident expressive Wallabies side, beating them 30-14.
New Zealand has some of the best players in the World to call on. You cannot talk about New Zealand’s rugby without mentioning Dan Carter or Richie McCaw. Carter is the best player in the World. There is no doubt about it, although his blindside flanker colleague McCaw may have something to say about that. Carter at 29 has 82 caps for his country after making his All Black debut at the age of 21. He is in mesmerising form and is being rested to avoid injury after leading his side to convincing wins in the first rounds of the Tri-Nations. Carter is the leading point scorer in World Rugby with 1272 points in Test rugby. Can he be the man to lead New Zealand to World Cup glory? He is in the same form that Jonny Wilkinson was in 2003 when he guided England to victory in Australia. However, Carter is a more well rounded player. Carter is a devious attacking threat having scored 29 tries (more than most International wingers) and does not shy away from his defensive duties. As long as Carter can stay fit it is difficult to see any other side seriously challenging New Zealand for the 2011 title.
Richie McCaw is one of the greatest captains in World Rugby. He deservedly and unashamedly demands respect from every player in the World. McCaw is one of the best openside flankers in the game; he is phenomenal at the breakdown and plays right up to the limit of the offside line and the referee’s whistle. Another vital part of McCaw’s prowess is his ability to play to the referee’s liking. Some suggest he is lucky in that his reputation protects him from incurring the wrath of the officials. He knows exactly when he can push the boundaries of legality, a must for any decent openside. McCaw has won an outstanding 97 caps for New Zealand and looks to break the 100 mark in New Zealand this autumn. McCaw is another player that must keep fit to give the All Blacks the best chance to win the World Cup.
Finally, it is important to consider the importance of home advantage in this year’s World Cup. In 1987 in New Zealand, the Kiwis managed to secure the first ever World Cup. This year the passionate New Zealanders will be cheering the team on in their thousands in the Stadiums and in the open training sessions. The pressure will be truly on McCaw’s men to win the Webb-Ellis trophy and banish the ‘chokers’ tag once and for all. For added inspiration this year, the February earthquake in Christchurch which killed over 180 New Zealanders and damaged thousands of houses and even the Christchurch stadium forcing England’s pool stage games to be moved will be more than enough motivation to help the All Blacks push themselves even further in their attempt to win the World Cup.
Have you got thoughts or comments? Do you think New Zealand has what it takes to win the 2011 World Cup? Message below or post/follow @tommyd91 on twitter.
As published on www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk I am pleased to report that I will be writing regulary for talkingrugbyunion, but I will also continue to include my own match reports and articles here.
No comments:
Post a Comment