I was relieved to read on the New Zealand Herald website that the All Blacks were going into the final with a “who dares wins” attitude. The downfall of sporting teams who have fashioned a record like Steve Hansen’s side is that they are often more inclined to protect it rather than play.
And did the All Blacks play. There is little doubt this side are the best the game has had and perhaps the greatest sporting team of any code on the planet right now. They dominated every aspect of the final and reinforced the knowledge there is a considerable gap between them and the rest of the rugby world.
Australia gave it their best shot and midway through the second half came back to 21-17 with some intelligent rugby, scoring two tries when the All Blacks were reduced to 14 men by Ben Smith’s yellow card. However, that only served to emphasise once again the All Blacks’ amazing mental strength and composure under pressure as they completed the job by 17 points.
The All Blacks team and New Zealand rugby will now be at peace having totally fulfilled their potential and becoming the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup three times and retain the trophy. It’s a reward for all those involved in the game there who do everything possible to ensure this team are successful on the world stage.
Nothing is compromised and the team respond by ensuring they do everything in their power to repay this support and trust. It is simple yet not easy, based on total transparency and no hidden agendas in an environment where the ability of the team is the only question. As a coach and as a team, that’s ideal; there are no excuses and no outs. You just do the job to the best of your ability. That is done with the mindset that what is best today will not be good enough tomorrow, humble enough to appreciate you are not the finished product.
“Better every day” is the catchphrase of the All Blacks. You are always learning and you get more out of the hard times. You also need the continuity of quality people; most of the management of this team have been there for three World Cups, the core of senior players for three or four. They know were they have been, where they are at right now and what is needed to improve.
It made me so proud to see Richie McCaw lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second consecutive time and appreciate the absolute commitment to excellence Steve Hansen and his coaching and management team, and the players, have gone through to do the business. Richie is the ultimate role model and probably the most influential player in the history of the game.
His fellow senior players, such as the retiring players Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Daniel Carter, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu, have formed the backbone of this team for more than a decade. Great players and outstanding men. What a pleasure to see Daniel play at the peak of his considerable powers, kicking and navigating the team superbly and dropping another game-changing goal to bury the disappointments of previous tournaments. He will go down as one of the greats of all time.
Now that it’s all over, let’s chat about the rugby, things I think about that may or may not seem important to others who are passionate about this great game. Rugby as a sport is in good shape and has gained momentum in this tournament. There have been some great games, the gap between the tier one and two nations has narrowed, a big positive, but the question now is what the future holds for the emerging countries.
Georgia in the Six Nations based on merit? Japan are now involved in Super Rugby and hosting the next World Cup, and what about the Pacific island nations? Fiji were the most impressive this tournament but were handicapped by being in the pool of death. There should be a road map for all of them.
The fans have been fantastic; there is no other sport like rugby, with supporters who respect the opponent, have great banter and good humour, and enjoy each other’s company. Seeing the Japanese and the Scots’ arms around each others shoulders enjoying a dram before the game in Gloucester was special. Rugby brings people together like no other game.
What are we going to do with the rules of rugby? Mum is a little concerned about little Johnny because the game is becoming too physical. She may have a point. The rulebook is far too complicated, no wonder it’s difficult for referees. Start again: simplify the laws, decrease the physicality by lowering the tackle zone and use hands to recycle at the breakdown. Make sure all the props are straight and square at a scrum, heads above hips. And does the rolling maul from a lineout give the team with the ball too much of an advantage? Does it contradict how the game is refereed outside of the lineout, with players in front of the ball carrier protecting him? And should we substitute the referee when he is either tired or having a shocker?
And what about England and France, the disappointments of this tournament? These things don’t just happen, there has to be a reason, or a major root cause. Can the players have two masters, club and country? There needs to be a seamless connection between club and country for players to develop their potential. Players need to be on one programme to develop all the criteria required to be world-class athletes. The fitness and skill levels in the main are below their counterparts in the southern hemisphere. The gap between club and international rugby is not being bridged. Perhaps they are playing too much rugby and the work on fitness and skill is compromised so they can survive the playing demands. However, it’s so easy to point the finger at individuals when the major reason for failure is beyond their control. The solution, if being the best at international level is part of the agenda, is in the hands of their masters.
In closing, I have enjoyed the challenge of writing this column, a first for me, and I thank the Guardian for the opportunity. It has provided great balance from socialising with wonderful people from all around the rugby world.
