All Blacks

The All Blacks will be pleased to see that their World Cup nemesis, France, has been drawn in pool A with the All Blacks. We say this because if they are to choke against France, again, then maybe they can do it in the pool stage and not get knocked out of the competition this time. All kiwis we know will be hoping for this! The only time New Zealand will meet France again in the competition after the pool stages is in the final (assuming either team get this far). All is not well with Rugby in New Zealand, or with the national team. We think it is fair to say that Rugby in New Zealand does not enjoy the status it once held. Make no mistake, they are passionate fans and their support often tips over into arrogance, unfortunately. However dwindling crowds, player drain, the rise of other codes, and a Rugby Union apparently unable to reverse these trends have left the 2011 All Blacks a team trying to maintain its position in the upper echelon of rugby union teams without having the manpower or money of its rivals.

All Black Weaknesses at the Rugby Union World Cup

In respect of the team itself, the true world class players in New Zealand rugby are Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw. Both of these players were part of the 2007 World Cup campaign failure. They have now been playing a long time and it remains to be seen how they will be holding up come 2011. There is no strong contender to replace either of them. Neither Stephen Brett nor Stephen Donald has stepped up to the mark when opportunities were presented to them, or have had particularly impressive Super 14 competitions this year. New Zealand also has a number of weaknesses in the forwards. Lock has been an issue for as long as we can remember, and with almost everyone out injured, the war horse Brad Thorn barely keeping up, New Zealand has a lot of trouble here. Also propping stocks are weak since the news came through that Carl Hayman would rather be paid well in his job than play for New Zealand. No surprise that, and fair enough. The Rugby Union have forced him to choose with their rules. Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hoare, and Tony Woodcock are not the most formidable front row and we have doubts that Tony Woodcock can continue at his high standards for the rest of this season having been shown up in the tour of the home nations in 2010. The Franks brothers give some hope in this area, but may still be a shade too inexperienced by the time of the 2011 Rugby Union World Cup. In the midfield, the traditional weakness has been plugged where Conrad Smith, Maa Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams and Luke McAlister may continue their duel for top honours. Sivivatu and Rokocoko have been replaced with great young talent like Rene Ranger, Gear, and Cory Jane slotting in on the wing when required. Richard Kahui was also in the mid-filed picture if the coaches play him in position, but a world beater he is not. Yet. Ongoing injuries and fitness are also a worry for this talented young player who may yet make a return to the playing field. Also newcomer to Rugby Union, Sonny Bill Williams may unseat Ma’a Nonu in the starting line up at number 12, particularly if Nonu continues to show a lack of maturity resulting in suspensions and unnecessary penalties and yellow (or red) cards.

All Blacks Coaching Staff at the Rugby Union World Cup

The All Blacks have retained the same coaching staff that did not perform to expectations in the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup. Graham Henry, Steven Hanson, and Wayne Smith are all in place to see out this home tournament that kiwis are insisting (again) be won, but this time they are at home where they have won the Rugby Union World Cup before. This will be the first time that coaching staff with the experience of failure at a Rugby Union World Cup has been left in charge of the All Blacks. It is possible this will make a difference, however with player concerns that the coaching staff cannot address there may not be much for the Coaching Staff to work with and craft a World Champion side from.

All Blacks Rugby Union World Cup Record at Home

The All Blacks have a perfect record of winning Rugby Union World Cups when they are playing at home. In the 1987 World Cup Final the All Blacks defeated France to take out the competition and triumph. Playing at home again in 2011 will be a big advantage, but the tournament is not without challenges for this side. Player drain, stretched resources, several ageing key players, and sponsor concern over poor performances since the victory long ago in 1987 all conspire against this side maintaining the perfect record at home. There will be a lot of nervous kiwis heading into the Rugby Union World Cup in 2011, and with good reason.