All Blacks: Champions of Rugby Union
Rugby union has been dominated by SANZAR nations for the last one decade along with a couple of European giants, including England and France. The French hace never won a Rugby World Cup but have gotten very close to securing the title on a few occasions.
In fact they have been runners up on three occasssions including the first and last global showpieces. The other four sides have shared all the world titles among them since 1987, with New Zealand, Australia and South Africa winning two times each and England
on one occasion.
New Zealand's rugby team, which is largely known as All Blacks, become the pioneer side to lift the first international accolades in 1987 and laid a strong foundation for the forthcoming years in the sport. They had waited for 24 years to repeat history
and win RWC and in every event since 1987 they were declared hot favorites. However they were never able to deliver until this year.
Their unmatchable abilities and strong combinations in forward and back bunches have always made them a threatening side. Playing against All Blacks has always remained a dream for any player of the world.
After repeated defeats in rugby world cup knock out stages, the All Blacks were titled chokers, but they did not give up their determinations of bringing the Webb Ellis Trophy home. Defeating a team was never an issue for them but fear of loss became the
hurdle in their way to reach glory. They did a wonderful job in group matches in all world events but failed to control their nerves on many fixtures.
The fear of loss after being the favourites was the biggest problem to handle for them. New Zealand, after being given the rights of hosting Rugby World Cup, took the opportunity as a challenge and looked at a chance to create a miracle.
They were disrupted by many unexpected disasters during the same year the global show was going to be kicked off. A severe tremor that hit the second largest city of New Zealand, Christchurch, in March, proved devastating for their preparations. Super Rugby,
the largest event before world championship, was in its opening stages when the second best side of New Zealand, Crusaders, lost their home ground due to the deadly quake. International Rugby Board declared the AMI Stadium in Christchurch unfit to host any
match until 2012 and ultimately Crusaders became the nomads.
Their home matches were shifted to Nelson, but hence they qualified for the final of Super Rugby 2011, where they were defeated by Australian derby Queensland Reds. Then came the Tri-Nations Cup 2011, and New Zealanders were outclassed by arch rivals Wallabies
in the final. The defeat put a huge question mark over their preparations for the global event.
This was the crucial time for All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw and Coach Graham Henry to reunite their side and make them mentally prepared for even bigger tournament. The event started and All Blacks remained flawless in group matches. Their real test begun
at knock out stages and here we go first, second and the third obstacle was crossed with flair as McCaw converted dreams into reality with an exemplary leadership.
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