Kiwis fly in Wellington 
Putting a week of controversy behind them, the Kiwi rugby league team put the English away in emphatic style over the weekend 34-4 at Wellington's Stadium. The result puts pressure on England, who must now win their final pool game against the World Champion Australians to deny the Kiwis a place in the Tri-Nations grand final. Confidence is high in the Kiwi camp following their win, with the team already booked in to a Sydney hotel in anticipation of what they hope will be an Australian victory, and a lifeline for the defence of their Tri-Nations title. According to Kiwi coach Brian McClennan, Reuben Wiki and his boys will be "blowing up green and gold balloons, getting streamers and putting them around the room and cheering for the Aussies".
(11 November 2006)

Former AB and famous father
Former All Black Brian Fitzpatrick has died aged 75. A sturdily built five eigthths, Fitzpatrick was a strong runner and tackler. He made two tours with All Black sides in the early 1950s, playing in three tests and 19 other first-class matches for NZ. Terry McLean, who covered Fitzpatrick's last tour, rated him the best tackler in the team. Fitzpatrick also played for Victoria University, New Zealand Universities, Wellington and Auckland. Brian Fitzpatrick's son, Sean, is the most capped All Black in history. 
(2 October 2006)

All Blacks 7, Opposition 0
The All Blacks remain undefeated in 2006 having secured both Bledisloe and Tri-Nations trophies after a ferocious Eden Park test against Australia on 19 August. The victory puts Graham Henry's team on the verge of breaking a record that has stood for 36 years. For five unparalleled years the likes of Brian Lochore, Kel Tremain, Ken Gray, Colin Meads, Ian Kirkpatrick, Fergie McCormick, Chris Laidlaw and Earle Kirton reigned supreme, unbeaten from 1965-70. No All Blacks team - until now - has come close rivalling this record. For a period in the late-1980s New Zealand was unbeaten in 23 games, but that stretch featured win sequences of 12 and 10, interrupted by a 19-19 draw against Australia. The current All Blacks is on a winning run of 14 tests. If they can win their two upcoming matches against the Springboks they will be on 16 wins, one test away from what was considered an unreachable mark.
(21 August 2006)

All Black domination 
The All Blacks have continued their domination of their Northern hemisphere tour with a 23-19 victory over England. Easy victories over Wales and Ireland were useful opportunities for trying out new playing combinations, but the Twickenham match proved to be a true test for the All Blacks who played their best side with the exception of Ritchie McCaw who was a late withdrawal. The All Blacks' forward pack stood strong against a highly rated English front row fresh from an annihilation of the Wallabies. With three All Blacks sent to the sin-bin, the side was one man down for a full 23 minutes in the final stages. With the Scotland match firmly in their sights New Zealand are now within a game of repeating their northern hemisphere Grand Slam of 1978. 
(20 November 2005)

Rugby fever reaches new heights
The All Blacks demolished the British and Irish Lions in three straight Tests, in one of the most highly anticipated rugby tours of recent years. The hype both at home and in the UK was spectacular, with thousands of Lions supporters making the trip Down Under for the series. Reuters ran a sequence of articles on the history of Lions tours in NZ and the BBC set up a weblog for Lions and All Blacks fans to share their experiences of the tour online. Planet Rugby published an unofficial set of awards, including Player of the Series (All Black Daniel Carter), Match of the Tour (NZ Maori’s first ever win over the Lions), and Best Crowd Signage ('Will exchange wife for Test tickets' - sighted in the stands of the Westpac Stadium during the Wellington match).
(May-July 2005)
   

Kiwis tie down Kangeroos
The Kiwis convincingly defeated the Australian Kangeroos with a rousing 30-16 victory in a rugby league test at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland. Led by the hat-trick of tries by Clinton Toopi (a trans-Tasman record) and another two to Vinnie Anderson the Kiwis reversed a 48-6 loss earlier in the season. Shell-shocked Australian players, on the eve of a tour to Great Britain, admitted they had been handed a king-sized "reality check." Phil Gould: "All honours must go to New Zealand".
(19 October 2003)
      

It's a black-out
SMH: "they [the Wallabies] simply cannot beat the All Blacks". The All Blacks join England as World Cup favourites after winning both the Tri-Nations' Trophy and and Bledisloe Cup, making it two out of three thus far in 03. John Mitchell's side remained unbeaten in both competitions, and racked up two record victories over South Africa (52-16) and Australia (50-21) in the process. The Bledisloe Cup win against Australia was the first since 1997 (a cup difficult to wrench off the holders under current two-game format because the winner needs to win both matches home and away) and caused "a quite untypical rapture" amidst the All Black ranks. Said captain, Reuben Thorne; "After a long wait we were desperate to get it back. It took everything we had." The match was the centenary of All Black test rugby and also the 100th Bledisloe Cup match. For the record in the period 1903-2003, the AB's have won 269 games, lost 87, and drawn 17 - one of the most consistently impressive histories in international sport.
(July-August 2003) 
  

Alone he stands
Christian Cullen's signing to Irish side Munster after his exclusion from the 2003 All Black squad has created controversy at home and disbelief abroad. One person happy with the outcome is Munster rugby boss, Alan Gaffney, who goes into hyperbolic overdrive when describing his famous import. "[Cullen is] probably the most important and biggest signing ever made by any team in European rugby history […] His signing is just a fantastic thing not just for Munster, but for all rugby supporters in the northern hemisphere. Quite simply, he is an icon of the world game."
(6 August 2003)

Paddy meets his match
Paddy O'Brien became New Zealand's most capped referee in Test rugby after officiating at the Six Nations game between Wales and France in Paris. The match marked O'Brien's 27th Test and 181st first class game. O'Brien: "To be the most capped Test referee in New Zealand rugby history is something which I am going to take a lot of pride out of."
(28 March 2003)

Sevens heaven for home-crowd
NZ's rugby sevens team delighted a 32,000-strong crowd in Wellington, beating England 38-26 to win their first home series in four years. NZ now lead the 11-leg International Sevens series with 68 points, followed by Fiji and England on 56 and 46 respectively.
(9 February 2003)
     

Rugby as it should be
Former All Black captain Ian Kirkpatrick was a guest of honour at the 30th anniversary of 1973's legendary NZ vs. Barbarians match. Dubbed "rugby's Mona Lisa," the Barbarians' victory is viewed by many as the most thrilling game ever played. The London Hilton ceremony brought together over 900 rugby enthusiasts, including the surviving members of both teams.
(25 January 2003)
   

Sevens heaven
Kiwi dominance impresses at Manchester where they prove themselves masters of the form: "New Zealand dominate seven-a-side rugby the way that Lance Armstrong lords it over cycling, Tiger Woods bestrides the world of golf and Ian Thorpe rules water like a modern Poseidon clad in daft goggles and size 14 flip-flops." Matt Dawson: "they had the edge when it mattered".
(4 August 2002)

All blue
Former Kiwi rugby player centre Tony Marsh" a major force" in French rugby's resurgence in this years Six Nations tournament as the French take the Grand Slam for the first time since 1988. 
(5 April 2002)
       

Hakaed out?
Has over-exposure taken the edge off the AB's haka?
(16 January 2001)
               

Tumeke Te Nana
Karl Te Nana picked up Man of the Tournament and R10 000 after New Zealand's winning sevens effort in Durban.
(20 November 2000)

A diamond in the rough 
A little-known NZ rugby book has received critical acclaim in the UK. Inside French Rugby: Confessions of a Kiwi Mercenary offers an insight into author John Daniell's experiences as a professional player, and is described as a "gem off the beaten track" in the Observer. "Daniell depicts it all with a beautifully understated humour and affection, while still managing to shake his head in disbelief at some of the excesses of his confreres," reads the review. "You may have to delve behind the more prominently positioned rugby books to find this one, but it will reward you long after the clamour surrounding the others has drifted away on the wind." Inside French Rugby is published by Wellington's Awa Press. 
(11 November 2007)

Something to Crowe about
Russell Crowe is gradually proving the naysayers wrong as co-owner of the South Sydney 'Rabbitohs' rugby league club. Crowe and businessman Peter Holmes a Court took over and privatised the beleaguered club in 2006, sparking numerous protests from fans and league officials. "What we're doing has never been done before," said Holmes a Court in the Sydney Morning Herald. "I still don't know if we're going to be successful. I know this is a crazy thing to do. It doesn't stack up on any of the numbers my accountant will agree to as a business deal. But I know this club would not have survived." The SMH is impressed with the pair's efforts so far: "As anyone at the club who was there for a nanosecond of the dark days will attest, their influence has been remarkable." 
(30 July 2007)

ANZACs honoured in Acton 
The second annual ANZAC Sports Challenge will be held at Twyford Park in Acton, London, on April 21. The event celebrates NZ and Australia's shared ANZAC heritage by staging friendly matches across a range of sports codes, including rugby, touch, Aussie rules, netball and soccer. Non-sporting attractions include food, beverages and merchandise from home, as well as an array of musical and cultural performances from both NZ and Australia. 
(March 2007)

Home town tribute 
A memorial to legendary All Black captain Dave Gallaher is being planned in his home town of Ramelton, Ireland. The Dave Gallaher Society is proposing the transformation of a bottle recycling waste ground into a walled garden with murals, a fountain and a central bronze statue of Gallaher in classic rugby pose. The society also wants to hold a "twinning" ceremony with Gallaher's adopted home of Katikati, which is well known in NZ for its extensive public artwork. Dave Gallaher was born in Ramelton and emigrated to NZ with his family in 1878. He played 33 matches with the "Originals," so named because they were the first NZ rugby team to use the All Black name. The Originals won 32 of their 33 games. 
(26 January 2007)

All Blacks depart Europe undefeated
The All Blacks completed their European end-of-year tour with a comprehensive victory at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, overcoming the Welsh 45-10. The result, means that the All Blacks finish the 2006 season with 13 wins from their 14 internationals, their only loss coming against the South Africans in September during the Tri-Nations. While much of the pre-match commentary focused on the controversy surrounding the non-performance of the traditional haka, the All Blacks remained undeterred. For the fourth match in a row in this European tour, it was the defensive power of the All Blacks that stood out as the key to their victory. Reporting on the match for The Guardian, Paul Rees observed "Wales were rushed into making mistakes. New Zealand, as at Twickenham and in Lyon, absorbed pressure by applying their own and attacked from turnovers when the defence was disorganised. It was simple, brutal and lethal." In Scotland, All Black domination of world rugby this season continued, as Ritchie McCaw was named the IRB player of the year. According to reports by Reuters, "the fiercely competitive and destructive flanker was at the heart of his country's Tri-Nations success and victorious European tour". The All Blacks were named the international team of the year, and Graham Henry awarded coach of the year. All Black selector Sir Brian Lochore was also honoured at the ceremony, receiving the Vernon Pugh award for Distinguished Service. The All Blacks now return home to New Zealand to start planning for their return-trip to Europe in September 2007, where they will be aiming for another clean-sweep tour to win back the Webb Ellis Trophy.
(29 November 2006)

One for the true fan 
In the era of selling Britney Spears' used chewing gum on eBay, Adidas has released a limited edition All Blacks poster containing DNA samples from every member of the national team. According to Chris Waugh of Adidas NZ, the appropriately titled Bonded by Blood poster "[reflects] the depth of support All Blacks fans give to their team. Adidas believes rugby is an essential part of NZ's DNA and we wanted to show how the players and their supporters are inextricably linked - how supporting the All Blacks is in our blood." The DNA was taken from sterilised blood samples donated by the players. 
(24 June 2006)

Home turf heroics
NZ went to the top of the IRB Rugby Sevens table after their third straight victory in the Wellington tournament. The Kiwis beat Argentina 31-7, giving them 52 points in total, ahead of traditional rivals Fiji on 44. In December NZ won the South African leg at Outeniqua Park Stadium, beating Fiji 33-19. The next tournament takes place in LA.
(5 February 2005)
   

Six out of six Sevens
NZ claimed its sixth successive IRB Sevens World Series victory, ahead of the final leg of the competition in France. By the end of the London Sevens tournament in June, NZ had enough overall points to stand clear of any other competitor.
(6 June 2005)
   

Black day for ABs
After starting as promising co-favourites the All Blacks finished a disappointing third in the 2003 World Cup being knocked out in the semi-finals 22-10 by a more professional and committed Wallaby performance. England defeated Australia 20-17 in an utterly memorable final. Solace for Kiwi fans facing another 4 years of hurt: the Aussie fans weren't expecting it either and the ABs have again fallen victim to another of rugby's greatest upset wins. "It's only a game". Lock Chris Jack, breakaway Richie McCaw, and the speedy back three of Joe Rokocoko, Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina made the tournament Fantastic XV. "Don't lose sight of the fact that this New Zealand team are the ones who have set the standard for world rugby this year. They are a very, very good side." Wallaby coach Eddie Jones (who at least nurses an empty trophy cabinet through the off-season)  
(15 November 2003)
   

Robin Williams: "I realised I could fall out of Jonah's nose ..."
Jonah Lomu has announced his withdrawal from this year’s NPC competition, and has given up any hope of making the 2003 World Cup squad. The most famed of wingers has experienced foot and calf muscle problems as a result of his dialysis treatment. In Peter Fitzsimons' SMH column Robin Williams recalls his encounter with the taro-fuelled combine harvester: "It is so freakin' brutal. I met Jonah Lomu. I never knew how huge he was. I felt like a peasant in a Godzilla movie. Quickly! Tell the other villagers! We go now! I realised I could fall out of Jonah's nose, and he wouldn't even know."  
(18 September 2003)
    

Fast and furious Springbok safari
The All Blacks thrashed South Africa 52 - 16 in the Tri-Nations opener in the high velt fortress of Loftus Versfeld. It was South Africa's worst home defeat with the ABs producing a fine display of getting-it-wide running rugby based around a sturdy forward platform. In a complete performance they ran in seven tries to South Africa's one, including a brace each to wings Doug Howlett (above) and Joe Rocokoko. 
(20 July 2003)  
     

Captain Kirk at the helm
Former All Blacks captain, David Kirk, has been appointed chief executive of troubled Australian publishing company PMP. Chairman Graham Reaney believes the ex-Rhodes scholar and governmental advisor has what it takes to turn PMP's fortunes around: "He has a strong track record of growing shareholder value by driving change throughout all levels of a business."
(11 February 2003)
  

"Oh the shame"
Crys the Sydney Morning Herald. In a great weekend for trans-Tasman rivalry the All Blacks put one hand on the Beldislode Cup with a tough 12-6 victory over the Wallabies in atrocious conditions in Christchurch and the All Whites "humiliated" the Socceroos 1-0 to win the Nations' Cup and gain entry to next June's Confederation's Cup against such global heavyweights as Brazil and France. The ABs followed up with a convincing win a week later, over-powering the Springboks 41-20 at Wellington's cake-tin.
(15 July 2002)
   

Canterbury Crusaders find rugby holy-land
"New Zealand's Crusaders put up a persuasive case as world rugby's champion provincial team with their unbeaten sweep through the Super 12 series" ... sealing the tournament with a dominant 31-13 win over the ACT Brumbies. Earlier the Crusaders approached rugby nirvana in the final round - routing the NSW Warratah's by an incredible 96-19. It was like a mismatched fathers vs. sons beach match. Competition records: biggest win, biggest margin of defeat, most tries scored in a match. It was NSW rugby's biggest loss in 120 years of representative football, "the blackest day for the blue shirt" whimpers the shell-shocked Sydney Morning Herald. Can the AB's continue the form? Alarm bells ring in Aussie.
(12 May 2002)
        

School of hard knocks
Jonah Lomu talks to The Independent about growing up on South Auckland's mean streets. "I lost an uncle decapitated in a shopping centre and a cousin who was stabbed. That's when my mother said I was off to boarding school. Her greatest fear was that I didn't know my own strength...once I learned to control my anger...that was the biggest turning point in my career". The street's loss - world rugby's gain ... 'till the fields ring again and again?
(16 January 2002)
     

Mighty totara of NZ rugby mourned 
All Black and NZ Maori legend Pat Walsh has died of cancer aged 71. Renowned for his versatility, Walsh played 13 Tests in four positions between 1955 and 1963. He served as an All Blacks selector from 1969 to 1971 after a knee injury ended his playing career, and went on to work as a hotel publican and philanthropist. NZ Herald obituarist Don Cameron describes Walsh as "one of the legendary characters of New Zealand rugby - and certainly among the mightiest totaras of the Maori game...He had speed, skill and superb balance anywhere in the backline and spiced these assets with the mischief (and sometimes the mystery) that only Maori seemed to possess in those days of uninhibited rugby." 
(24 November 2007)

Carter in Adidas viral 
All Black Daniel Carter stars in a new viral advertisement for Adidas. The ad was shot at Carter's parents' house, and shows Daniel and his father talking about his childhood spent kicking goals in the back yard. "We shot the whole spot in 30 minutes," said copywriter Nick Marzano of Dutch ad agency 180 Amsterdam. "It was totally unscripted apart from a couple of scribbles on a scrap of paper - just Dan and his dad at home in the backyard, having a kick around, a good laugh and talking about old times." The ad will be seeded virally on websites such as YouTube. 
(18 September 2007)

Watch this space 
Former All Black star Jonah Lomu believes he is back to his physical peak and will not rule out a return to rugby - or even a switch to rugby league. "It's irrelevant what everyone else thinks," says the 32-year-old. "I've always been a dreamer and I will be until I die." Lomu was struck down by a rare kidney condition at the height of his All Black career. It is rumoured that he recently turned down a contract with Australian rugby league's newest franchise, the Titans, because it would compromise his multimillion-dollar deals with rugby sponsors. 
(15 July 2007)

World firsts for NZ ref 
North Canterbury's Nicky Inwood made history this month as the first woman to officiate in a Six Nations women's rugby match and the first to referee at England's Twickenham Stadium. The 37-year-old controlled the match between England and Italy, the curtain-raiser to the men's Six Nations clash between the same countries. "It is an absolute honour and delight to represent NZ as an international referee, and to be involved in a women's Six Nations game is simply the best," she said in the NZ Herald. A former player for Canterbury and Wanganui, Inwood represented the Black Ferns from 1989 to 1991. She has been a referee since 1999 and has officiated in two women's rugby World Cups. 
(10 February 2007)

Haka faux pas #46 
The haka continues to be flavour of the month in international marketing circles. This time, an English women's rugby team has caused controversy by including an image of a topless haka in their fundraising calendar. Canterbury Women's Rugby Club spokeswoman Rebecca Willis has apologised for any offence caused: "It was based on the haka but it wasn't necessarily the NZ haka ... We didn't know we would be treading on toes and we didn't think it would get as far as NZ." Maori Party MP Pita Sharples has played down the incident in the international press: "Some Maoris were upset by it, not terribly upset, but they thought it was in bad taste. When the club comes to NZ, I would expect them to respect the haka. But over there, as a fundraising effort, I wish them well."
(9 January 2007)

Capping off a great year
Following their seven-try, record-breaking victory last week against the French in Lyon, the All Blacks continued their run of success in Paris against the host nation at the Stade de France. Despite the French side showing greater resolve in front of a home crowd of 80 000, the All Blacks claimed a hard fought 23-11 victory. Meanwhile, the rugby world's fascination with Ritchie McCaw continued as the All Black captain was named International Rugby Players' Association's Player of the Year. "It's special to be acknowledged by your peers, and I'm really grateful for that. The All Blacks have had a good season and my teammates are part of this award too," McCaw said, recognition of the fact that four of the five category finalists came from the All Black side. Adding to what has already been a highly successful year for Graham Henry's squad, Jason Eaton was named international newcomer of the year and the All Blacks were awarded team of the year. McCaw and Daniel Carter are also shortlisted for the soon-to-be-announced, International Rugby Board's Player of the Year award. The Tri-Nations champions conclude their European tour against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
(24 November 2006)

JK on growing the game 
The Observer talks to All Black legend John Kirwan about his globetrotting ways and aspirations to coach in the  UK. “Kirwan was a travelling rugby player long before it became the fashion it is today…Unsurprisingly for a man with such a thirst for different cultures, Kirwan becomes impassioned when discussing the importance of the game growing.” Formerly head coach for  Italy, Kirwan now lives in Venice and works as a consultant for Japanese club side NEC Green Rockets.
(5 February 2006)

A victory for the underdogs 
Not to be outdone by their rugby union counterparts, NZ's national rugby league side achieved a momentous Tri-Nations win against traditional rivals England and Australia. The BBC describes the NZ's 24-0 victory over Australia in the series final as "one of the most remarkable performances in rugby league history." Manu Vatuvei scored two tries and Paul Whatuira and Brent Webb each scored one. Australia has not lost a Test series since 1978 and the match marked their first scoreless result since 1985. 
(26 November 2005)

Five million in the stands 
Despite widespread international media opinion that we would be out in the first round, New Zealand has won the bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup. After South Africa's unexpected removal from the running, New Zealand and Japan were left in contention with the final round of voting going New Zealand's way. Australia voted for Japan. After a campaign tour of 12 countries in 20 days, the final pitch included presentations from Helen Clark, Tana Umaga, Jock Hobbs, Colin Meads and Chris Moller. Clark was the first head of state to visit the IRB offices in Dublin, an appearance that cemented New Zealand's commitment to the Cup. Former All Black Captain-turned commentator Sean Fitzpatrick summed up the bid's key messages: "Every New Zealander feels they have a share of the All Blacks. They love their rugby union and will do everything to make sure the event is one to remember." 
(18 November 2005)

2005: year of the All Black 
The All Blacks' decisive win over Scotland on December 2 made them the first NZ side since 1978 and the first team since Australia in 1984, to complete a "grand slam" of the UK and Irish home sides on a single tour. "The grand slam and what we have done previously has capped a great year, which is delightful," said coach Graham Henry. "They wanted to set some history in NZ and they have done that, something very special." As expected, NZ took out all major categories at this year's International Rugby Board awards. Daniel Carter won player of the year, Graham Henry coach of the year, and the All Blacks team of the year. A 2005 recap: the AB's won 11 of 12 Tests, crushed the Lions 3-0, won back the Tri-Nations, retained the Bledisloe Cup, and became the second All Blacks side in a century to achieve a grand slam against Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland. 
(2 December 2005)

Golden Oldies return to the source
Wellington is to host next year’s World Golden Oldies Rugby Festival, the first time the event has been held in NZ since it was launched there 28 years ago. The festival is expected to attract approximately 5,000 35+ competitors and supporters from 18 different countries. “Wellington is the home of NZ rugby and it will give the players and their supporters a really warm welcome,” says Ambassador for the 2006 Festival Andy Leslie. “It’s also a great city to visit ... I, for one, am looking forward to being part of next year’s Festival.”
(19 May 2005)
   

Plays hard, plays fair
All Black captain Tana Umaga received the Pierre Coubertin Trophy from the International Committee of Fair Play on December 9. Previous awardees include Martina Navratilova and Nelson Mandela. The trophy recognised his good sportsmanship in helping Welsh captain Colin Charvis, who was knocked unconscious during a June 2003 Test match in Hamilton. Umaga removed Charvis's mouthguard to ensure he did not swallow his tongue and placed him in the recovery position while play continued around them. Later in December, the Guardian picked Umaga to lead their 2004 dream team, which included fellow All Blacks Joe Rococoko, Daniel Carter (“the season’s big discovery”), Richie McCaw, and Jerry Collins.
(12 December 2004)
    

Quick legs, quicker wit
Former All Black Eric Rush interviewed by the Gulf News at the launch of the 35th Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s tournament. Rush joined Dan Crowley and John Bentley as key note speakers for the event. “I've played against both Dan and John,” he said. “You'll have to check with them, but I think we won.”
(25 September 2004)
    

In their own league
The “Kiwi Super League invasion” continues, with NZ Test centre David Vaealiki signing to Wigan, and Warriors prop Jerry Seu Seu to join the competition next year. Ali Lauitiiti (Leeds), Motu Tony (Castleford), Richard Swain (Hull), David Solomona (Wakefield) and Logan Swann (Bradford) are already in the UK.
(27 July 2004)
   

Kiwis make it 5 in a row
NZ held on to its world series rugby sevens crown for the fifth year in a row, despite losing 22-19 to England in the final of the London leg. The Kiwis had already  reached an unassailable position of 112 points by beating England 28-19 at the Bordeaux final the previous week.
(7 June 2004)
   

Giant of the game acknowledged by IRPA
The International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) presented Jonah Lomu with its discretionary Special Merit Award at a ceremony in Sydney on November 18. Lomu, described by The Star as “the face of the last two World Cups,” missed this year’s Cup on account of ill health caused by a rare kidney disorder. IRPA president, Tony Dempsey: “This award is not automatically presented every year as the recipient must be worthy of the honour. However, IRPA believes Jonah has made a huge impact on the game of rugby ever since making his test debut against France in 1994.”
(9 October 2003)
    

Great expectations
The All Blacks go into this year's Rugby World Cup ranked second after England, yet the British press largely favours them to win. According to the Observer, "the ABs are certainties for the final stages. If the Australian weather is good to them, then NZ could edge out England in the final." In an Independent poll of their top rugby writers, 6 out of 8 believe victory will go to the men in black, with winger Doug Howlett the overall pick for player of the tournament. The ABs opened their campaign in Pool D with a solid 70-7 win over Italy, a 68-6 victory over Canada and a comprehensive 91-7 demolition of Tonga.