New Zealand has only 4 million people, yet they are by far the best rugby nation in the world. But why cant the win the world cup?
The rugby world cup was held in France last year and was another heartbreaking experience for all New Zealanders. They were huge favorites to win the world cup, but lost to the host nation France in the Quarter-finals. They game was full of controversy, an obvious forward pass which lead to a French try was missed by referee Wayne Barnes. Barnes again was in the middle of it when he called advantage over when Luke McAlister missed a drop goal from 45m out. In most cases the referee would say there was no advantage from the kick and award a penalty.
But the referee isn't the only person to be blamed. Poor organisation and communication resulted in a wasted opportunity late in the game, when there were plenty of opportunities for a drop goal which would have given the All Blacks the lead.
And then there is the coach Graham Henry. In the months leading up to the World Cup, he chose to withdraw all of the All Blacks squad from the Super 14 competition and having them involved in an elite program. Allot of people disagreed with this approach and thought it would be better the players have real game experience.
With Graham Henry signed for the next two years as coach, its is unclear who will coach the All Blacks thought their 2011 World Cup campaign. With the 2011 World Cup being held in New Zealand there will be even more pressure for the Ab's to perform. They now have the "choker" tag and are eager to shake that off, what better place to do it than in your home country in front of your home fans. I think 2011 is finally the year the AB's grab that second World Cup title.
comments (2) write a comment »
write a new comment
6 months ago
Good insight. The AB's are the best rugby country in the world and they take great pride in their performance on the rugby field, but the immense pressure does get to them when the w/c comes around. they will win it in 2011, and them probably in 2015 and i would put money on them winning it again in 2019.
6 months ago
I'm a kiwi supporter and quite frankly I don't care whether we win the world cup or not. I know I can walk into a pub to watch the All Blacks play and know that I will always have the better chance of walking out with a smile on my face than any other nationality. There can only be one winner at the world cup and the All Blacks can't control everything. I'd rather have the self confidence than the self doubt that any England supporter has.
write a new comment