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Impatient All Blacks hungry to renew with success
New Zealand has been expecting a second world title since 1987 and their eternal tag of favourites has proved a millstone round their necks.
In a country where rugby is almost a religion, one World Cup triumph does not satisfy a demanding public. Since 1987, and their inaugural triumph on home soil, New Zealand fans have been straining at the bit, however much their record would make any other country proud. But one final (1995) and three semi-finals (1991, 1999 and 2003) since then has only whetted their appetite. To make matters worse, arch-rivals Australia have pulled off the double in that period. The All Blacks have repeatedly fallen short under pressure after being billed favourites, a title their prestige and total rugby, a lethal mix of power and superb handling, so rightly deserves. Unbeatable in 2005, New Zealand and its troop of stars will again face their old demons in 2007. Twenty years after their first triumph, another World Cup would be more than symbolic.
Colours: |
Black jersey, back shorts, black socks |
Emblem: |
Silver fern |
National anthem: |
God Defend New Zealand |
IRB world ranking (2006/07): |
1st |
Rugby World Cup record: |
Winners 1987 Finalists 1995 Semi-finalists 1991, 1999, 2003
Scored 1,398 points, conceded 462 |
Head coach: |
Graham Henry |
Squad Member List: |
Forwards: Jerry Collins, Carl Hayman, Andrew Hore, Chris Jack, Richie McCaw,(Captain) Chris Masoe, Keven Mealamu, Anton Oliver, Keith Robinson, Rodney So’oialo, Reuben Thorne, Neemia Tialata, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock Backs: Dan Carter, Andrew Ellis, Nick Evans, Doug Howlett, Byron Kelleher, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAlister, Leon MacDonald, Aaron Mauger, Malili Muliaina, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava. |
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