England have proved you don't have to be no1 to get to a tournament final, how do the ABs learn from this?

Question

I support the AB's as a proud NZ citizen, but also England as my birth place (just as it should be). I love the anti-pommy banter but less the viscous attacks as some are particularly intelligent . AB fans have not been magnimuss in defeat - the last 4 teams have been so in victory which shows their worth in sport. I say it's time we regained our humour + understand how 2 show passion, guts & how not to underestimate non-consistent teams. The pre-tournament comentary from some media has been embarressing - esp score-line predictions & the writing of "RWC AB Champions" books . In NZ we have become what Eng used to be - cocky & over-confident & even arrogant. That's partly what gave them a bad name historically , but times have changed & we could be heading in the same direction in terms of superiority. The AB's are still the best over time, but not in modern RWC events.

Answer 1

To the Riddler,

Your arrogance shines through as stated in question. Of course you can learn from the experience.

Better prep, don't underestimate opposition.

your comment about 'we would have creamed Engalnd' is exactly the problem. You said the same before France and were talking about the semis.

You need to learn how to play the big pressure games.

ABs are theNo 1 ranked team but they are not great RWC when pressure matters. This they need to address and humility would be a good start.

Answer 2

There is not a thing to learn from this. If not for poor refereeing in the quarters we would have been in the semi's and we would have creamed England. When we play England twice next year we will smash the ever living c**p out of them. Quite a number of the English players said knowing they were playing France instead of the All Blacks gave them a huge boost in confidence. Quite a number did not want to face the All Blacks and understandably so.

Answer 3

I doubt NZ will learn anything from England's performance. It has been difficult not to underestimate England this time round - no form going into the cup and totally spanked by RSA.

I can't understand why people think that NZ made a mistake or need to improve. For the top teams the WC is really just three tests. Quarter, semi, and final. Only a fool would judge a team or a nation by their ability or failure to win just three tests once every four years. We have struggled to win the world cup - but so have many nations - why should we feel the shame of failure more than any other country?

I think because other countries expect us to, and are secretly disappointed if we don't throw or toys.

When all is done and dusted, playing and watching our own NZ brand of rugby is far more important to New Zealand people than gaping in awe as the English trundle around the pitch killing the ball and kicking points.

I think you may have a point about the cocky, over confident and plane arrogance of many NZ supporters. Humility is a virtue that many kiwis are fast becoming strangers to.

But . . . we sure can play rugby. And it's worth noting that England have never beaten New Zealand at any world cup !

Answer 4

there was nothing really to learn, the AB's just made poor decisions in the dying stages of the game and it cost them their world cup run...taking a drop goal from 50m when they were inside the 22 for over 5 minutes?

Answer 5

I whole heartedly agree with the previous answer, as an ex pat Brit. The NZ media hype was embarrassing. Maybe, New Zealand should concentrate on real World championships in sports that we have current or near potential champions, such as Motocross, A1GP ! These have a far greater worldwide audience and participation. The All Blacks played well. The lesson is as our mums taught us (baby boomers) as kids: "Oh dear how sad, never mind, lets do better next time. Now go out and get on with life" Unfortunately for our boys of Y generation its seems their role models can not handle less than an ideal result. We need to teach them how to magnamus in defeat as well as victory. Cut out the c**p criticising the ref etc and move on.