To soften the blow for Kiwis after the World Cup failure? To avoid being scarred for life!?

Question

France coach Bernard Laporte says New Zealand are the best rugby union team in the world, despite his side beating them in the World Cup quarter-finals.

France in turn lost to England in the semis, but Laporte said the All Blacks played the tournament's best rugby.

"This World Cup has been crazy. Who has played any rugby? The only ones are the All Blacks," he said.

"They have the power and the genius, something that no-one else has. They are the best team in the world."

New Zealand were hot favourites to win the tournament but lost 20-18 to France at the first knock-out stage despite dominating the first half.

After they returned home, New Zealand coach Graham Henry said their failure would "scar them for life" but also said "we are the number one rugby side in the world and have been for a long time and still are.

"It's just that we haven't got that little yellow cup."

And Laporte, who will step down as France coach after the tournament, echoed Henry's sentiments when looking back at France's quarter-final win.

"We beat them, but if we had played them the next day and the following days, there was a great chance we would have lost," he said.

"The All Blacks are the only team who can put 30 points on everybody else."

Answer 1

All Blacks got screwed.  They are without a doubt the best best side in the world.  Unfortunately, with that knowledge, they decided to rest on their laurels in the 2nd half against the French and they paid the price for it.  I know it's tough for the South African population to admit, but the All Blacks are a better side.  Since they consistently beat the boks (it is however the best rugby on earth to watch).  Even in their last win against the ABs at Rustenburg, the only reason the boks won was because Rodney lost his temper in the last minute, and by a huge stroke of luck Andre Pretorius managed to goal the penalty.  So just count yourselves lucky that the boks didn't come up against the All Blacks in the final because it would have been a painful loss for the South African nation.

Answer 2

Go to the kitchen Susan C. I do not care who says what, the All Blacks did not win the world cup. The Springboks did and the are the WORLD CHAMPIONS. Why is it that the Kiwis cannot take the fact that they lost. Excuses, excuses, the ref, the d**n English ref, Yeah right. Sorry New Zealand, be men and take your defeat AGAIN.

Answer 3

The All Blacks are indeed curently the best team in the world, no contest. However, ye be warned, for the age of the Puma is coming...

Answer 4

Yawn, yawn.

Settle down W W - totally over the world cup.



Who won the last time the mighty world champions played the ABs, and the time before that, and the time before that ?

You may have won the WC but it's been a long time since RSA have beaten NZ.

Pull your head in mate, it's just a world cup !

Answer 5

well no blame on the kiwis but they were put in a pool with no major sides (sorry scotand) they were kind of pampered mabey because they always go in to the the cup thinking they will win so..... when the met france they hadent been fully prepared. But i also thing the pumas are on the rise

Answer 6

Umm.....huh?, that S***e's  old news, like WW said," cook me some fukcing egg's.

Don't even bother turning up in 2011, it's a non event.

:)

Answer 7

They fell asleep in the second half and France took full advantage.  The World Cup at the final stages, is a knockout comp.  Any team is capable of beating the other on the day.

The All Black backs hung off Michalak and that's why France made a great break down the flank to score.  They can whinge all they like, but the fact remains that France were the better team.

I do not rate the All Blacks as the world's best, that title goes to South Africa.  They won it, they are it.

2011 may provide a different story

Answer 8

I think the all black aura has been destroyed forever..not least because of the arrogance of their supporters but the  constant ungracious whining, after they lost fair and square...too a better team.

The next world cup is going to be about 40 times more competitive than the last one....South Africa won't give up their crown easily, England will be once again...mighty, and france will be there or there abouts.. and every team in the top eight would have mastered the impenetrable  defense... Think this was the last chance for new zealand to make a impact in a proper rugby competition...nothing will be certain in four years and a choke in their pwecious  backyard....in the very early stages of the competition...is probably now..even more likely to happen.

Answer 9

Cry me a river mate, anyone and everyone just about comes up with this and that about how the all blacks are the best team, they're full of it!HELLO!!!n.z haven't won a world cup since the 80's and until they do, whoever holds the world cup trophy now, is the best team in the world!

CHOKERS!that's what the all blacks are,especially at the world cups!!!The all blacks supporters are gonna love this!I don't care, it's true.P.s I love my country but am so sick of them giving excuses for the all blacks,yes!IM A KIWI!!!!