INVICTUS II: THE SET-UP
In the Clint Eastwood film Invictus Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) leads South Africa to a home World Cup triumph inspired by Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman). A sequel, Invictus II, could feature Richie McCaw leading New Zealand to the final of a home World Cup inspired by the anguish of the previous 24 years.
THE OPENING SCENE
Johannesburg, 1995. South Africa are parading the Webb Ellis Cup around Ellis Park, and Pienaar is telling an interviewer: "We didn't have 62,000 fans behind us, we had 43 million South Africans." So far, so Invictus. But then we cut to the away dressing room, where a group of disconsolate Kiwis led by Sean Fitzpatrick are clutching their stomachs and bemoaning a local waitress called Suzie. The camera moves to deep focus beyond the captain to show a row of occupied lavatory cubicles. Braying groans emanate from within. Close up on Fitzpatrick's steely face: "This should have been our day. Were we poisoned?"
HOW THE FILM UNFOLDS
Twickenham, London, four years later The action moves to London, two months before the end of the old millennium. It is half-time of the World Cup semi-final and New Zealand are walking confidently off the pitch 17-10 up against France. Coach John Hart says: "Same ageen, boys, and the fush 'n' chups are on me." But then, a horror montage: France score 33 points without reply. Philippe Bernat-Salles goes over in super slo-mo before the final whistle ends the sequence. Jonah Lomu is on his haunches. The picture dissolves and returns with spinning anger-laden New Zealand newspaper headlines before cutting to captain Taine Randell with a haunted and hunted expression in exile on a Florida beach.
Sydney, four years later It is now 2003. Enter our hero, McCaw. His nostrils flare with intent as the camera goes tight on him while he performs the haka. But then, as Sir Les Patterson recites the opening stanzas of The Charge of the Light Brigade, we see Carlos Spencer throwing a misplaced pass and Stirling Mortlock scampering 75 metres to score. As he intones the word "cannons", the thud of Elton Flatley's boot sends another kick between the posts. McCaw vows "never again". Fade to black.
Cardiff, four years later Millennium Stadium, 2007. McCaw is at the head of the All Blacks in the tunnel. France stare out the haka and Luke McAlister scores a try. Cut to joyous scenes over Auckland breakfasts. But in the second half France run in a try. Frédéric Michalak's forward pass elicits two blasts of the tuba on the soundtrack but is not seen by the referee, Wayne Barnes, and Yannick Jauzion scores another try. In the dressing room the camera pans across discarded thigh strappings and rests on Graham Henry, head bowed in the corner. Crowded House sing Don't Dream It's Over.
Auckland, four years later 2011 now. Families hold hands as they walk to see the opening ceremony. Footage of the host nation's dark year spools.
Auckland, 15 days later Redemption against France in crushing win. The people start to believe.
Wellington, seven days later Dan Carter is practising his kicks. He crumples in agony. A TV bulletin fades in, reporting he will miss the rest of the tournament. McCaw's jaw stiffens.
Auckland, 12 days later McCaw rubs his sore foot. "It matters not how strait the gate," he says. "How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul."
Auckland, four days later A semi-final win over deadly rivals Australia, to the sounds of Handel's Zadok the Priest.
THE FINAL SCENE
To be written at Eden Park on Sunday morning ...
