Inside the All Blacks.m4v

Summary

This script delves into the rich history and cultural significance of the New Zealand All Blacks, a rugby team revered for its excellence and legacy. It explores the players' deep connection to their national identity, the pressure of upholding a century-old tradition, and the Maori influence on the team's ethos. The narrative highlights the journey from aspiring youth to achieving the honor of wearing the black jersey, embodying the spirit of unity, humility, and passion that defines New Zealand's rugby legacy.

Takeaways

• 🏉 The All Blacks are a symbol of national identity and pride in New Zealand, with a legacy deeply rooted in the country's history and culture.
• 🔱 The team's success and reputation are built on a foundation of hard work, sacrifice, and a strong sense of unity and tradition.
• 🖤 The black jersey is a sacred symbol for the All Blacks, representing a legacy of over a century and a commitment to uphold its honor and standards.
• 🌐 The All Blacks' influence extends globally, with fans around the world admiring their skill and the passion they bring to the sport of rugby.
• 👦 Many young players in New Zealand aspire to join the ranks of the All Blacks, viewing it as the ultimate achievement in their rugby careers.
• 🏆 The All Blacks carry the weight of national expectations, with a responsibility to maintain their status as the world's greatest rugby team.
• 🤝 The team's multicultural makeup reflects New Zealand's diverse society, with Maori and Pacific Islander players contributing to the team's strength and identity.
• 🎭 The All Blacks' pre-match haka is a powerful display of unity and cultural pride, serving to motivate the team and connect them to their heritage.
• 🌟 Personal stories of All Blacks highlight the transformational impact of representing one's country and the lifelong honor associated with wearing the black jersey.
• 🏛️ Rugby in New Zealand is more than a sport; it is a significant part of the education system and a source of national values and community spirit.
• 🏞️ The All Blacks' style of play, characterized by open, attacking rugby, reflects the country's love for an exciting, dynamic game that captivates fans worldwide.

Q & A

What is the significance of the All Blacks in New Zealand's culture and identity?

The All Blacks are deeply ingrained in New Zealand's culture and identity, symbolizing national pride and unity. They are seen as heroes and are part of a legacy that has grown over more than a century, intertwined with the history of New Zealand.

What does it mean to be an All Black beyond being a skilled rugby player?

Being an All Black means being part of a legendary team that has a significant cultural and historical impact on New Zealand. It involves embodying the values, traditions, and expectations of the nation, both on and off the field.

How does the All Blacks' training camp offer insight into what it means to represent New Zealand in rugby?

The training camp provides an intimate look at the players' dedication, the weight of national expectations they carry, and the immense duty of maintaining the All Blacks' myth at its peak, reflecting the importance of rugby in New Zealand's national identity.

What is the All Blacks' approach to maintaining their legacy and history?

The All Blacks strive to continue their legacy by respecting and valuing their history and tradition. They see themselves as caretakers of the legacy, aiming to leave it in a better place for future generations while adding to it through their own achievements.

How does the All Blacks' multicultural and diverse background contribute to their strength as a team?

The All Blacks' diversity, including Maori, Pacific Islanders, and others, brings different strengths to the team. The Maori culture, for example, emphasizes unity and collective over individual success, which aligns with the team's ethos of strength through unity.

What is the importance of the haka in the All Blacks' identity and how does it serve the team?

The haka is a significant part of the All Blacks' identity, serving as a unifying ritual that brings the team together. It is a way of expressing themselves as a group and showing respect for their culture, and it also energizes and prepares them for the game.

What role does humility play in the All Blacks' approach to the game and their legacy?

Humility is a key virtue for the All Blacks, emphasizing that no one is bigger than the game. It is reflected in their behavior on and off the field, their respect for tradition, and their understanding that they are part of a larger legacy that will continue beyond their individual careers.

How does the All Blacks' passion for attacking rugby reflect the team's style and philosophy?

The All Blacks' passion for attacking rugby is a reflection of their philosophy to play an open, dynamic game that focuses on perpetual movement and taking risks. This style is a trademark of the team and is deeply rooted in New Zealand's rugby culture.

What is the significance of the All Blacks' black jersey and what does it represent for the players?

The black jersey is a symbol of immense pride and responsibility for the All Blacks. It represents the nation's identity and the players' commitment to uphold the team's legacy. The first time a player wears the jersey is a significant, memorable moment in their life.

How does the expectation of success from the nation impact the All Blacks and their performance?

The high expectations from the nation can be a source of pressure for the All Blacks, as they are held to a standard of consistently winning and performing exceptionally well. However, it also drives them to continually improve and maintain their status as the team to beat.

What is the vision for the future of the All Blacks as portrayed in the script?

The vision for the future of the All Blacks is one of continued success and growth, with a focus on nurturing young talent and ensuring that the team's legacy and ethos are upheld by future generations of players.

Outlines

00:00

🏉 The All Blacks' Myth and Legacy

This paragraph delves into the rich history and cultural significance of the New Zealand All Blacks, a rugby team that has become a symbol of national identity. It discusses the team's unique status, the pressure of maintaining their legendary status, and the players' sense of duty to uphold the team's legacy. The narrative includes personal anecdotes from players, reflecting on the honor and responsibility of representing their country and the All Blacks' tradition.

05:00

🎖️ The Timeless Value of the All Black Jersey

The second paragraph emphasizes the enduring legacy of the All Blacks and the reverence with which the team is held in New Zealand. It touches on the team's reception at official events, the jersey's historical importance, and the deep connection between the All Blacks and the country's political and cultural figures. The paragraph also explores the idea that being an All Black transcends mere sporting prowess, becoming part of a century-old legend intertwined with New Zealand's history.

10:02

🔗 The Bond Between Past and Present All Blacks

This section highlights the strong communal bond that transcends generations within the All Blacks. It discusses the connection between past legends and current players, the importance of respecting and adding to the team's history, and the sense of brotherhood that defines the All Blacks family. The narrative also touches on the role of the modern player in upholding the team's tradition and the significance of the team's reunions and shared experiences.

15:06

🌱 The Roots of the All Black Dream

The fourth paragraph explores the early influences and dreams that inspire young New Zealanders to aspire to become All Blacks. It recounts personal stories of players who were motivated by the team's visits to their hometowns and the impact of receiving encouragement from All Blacks members. The narrative illustrates how the dream of becoming an All Black is deeply rooted in New Zealand's culture and how it shapes the lives of its youth.

20:07

🏫 The Importance of Rugby in New Zealand's Education System

This section discusses the integral role of rugby in New Zealand's education system and its impact on the country's youth. It describes how rugby is present in schools at all levels and contributes to a nationwide system of values. The paragraph also shares personal stories of players who started playing rugby at a young age, influenced by their families and communities, and how these early experiences laid the foundation for their future careers.

25:12

🏞️ From Rural Beginnings to All Black Destiny

The sixth paragraph narrates the diverse backgrounds of All Blacks players, from small rural communities to urban environments. It illustrates how rugby serves as a way of life in these communities and how it has been a transformative force for individuals who have faced adversity. The narrative highlights the journey of players who have risen through the ranks to represent their country, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination, and the support of their communities.

30:38

🌐 The Multicultural Foundation of the All Blacks

This section examines the multicultural and multiracial profile of the All Blacks, which has become a cornerstone of the team's ethos. It discusses the historical context of Maori and Polynesian involvement in the team and how the Maori Rugby Academy in Rotorua is nurturing young talent. The narrative also explores the cultural significance of Maori culture within the team and its contribution to the unique style and flair of the All Blacks.

35:55

🤜🏻 The Maori Culture and Team Unity

The seventh paragraph delves into the Maori culture's emphasis on unity and collectivism, which aligns with the team spirit of the All Blacks. It discusses how Maori players have a natural understanding of the game and how their upbringing predisposes them to excel in rugby. The narrative also touches on the importance of the haka as a unifying ritual that embodies the team's passion and respect for their heritage.

40:57

🌌 The Transcendent Power of the All Black Jersey

This section reflects on the profound emotional impact of wearing the All Black jersey for the first time and the lifelong connection it creates. It discusses the jersey's symbolic significance and how it represents the values of the nation. The narrative also highlights the responsibilities that come with being an All Black, both on and off the field, and the legacy that players aim to uphold.

45:58

🏛️ The All Blacks' Humble Character and National Pride

The ninth paragraph explores the unassuming character of the All Blacks and their embodiment of New Zealand's national pride. It recounts the story of Keith Murdoch and the values of humility, respect, and responsibility that define the team. The narrative emphasizes the All Blacks' commitment to the game and their role in inspiring a sense of national identity and pride among New Zealanders.

🏹 The All Blacks' Passion for Attacking Rugby

The final paragraph celebrates the All Blacks' passion for attacking rugby, which has been a hallmark of their gameplay for over a century. It discusses the team's natural inclination towards an open, dynamic style of play and the cultural significance of this approach. The narrative also reflects on the expectations placed on the All Blacks by the nation and the world, and the team's ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.

🌟 The All Blacks' Future and Enduring Legacy

This concluding paragraph looks to the future of the All Blacks, focusing on the dreams and aspirations of young players who aspire to wear the black jersey. It emphasizes the continuity of the team's legacy and the importance of maintaining the All Blacks' high standards and respect in the rugby world. The narrative leaves us with a sense of anticipation for the next chapter in the All Blacks' storied history.

Keywords

💡All Blacks

The 'All Blacks' refers to the national rugby team of New Zealand, known for their iconic all-black attire and their strong performance in the sport. They symbolize national pride and are central to the video's theme of New Zealand's rugby legacy and cultural identity. The script often mentions the All Blacks' historical significance, their role as heroes, and the pressure they face to maintain their legendary status.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to a cultural group, which is deeply explored in the script through the lens of the All Blacks and rugby in New Zealand. It is tied to the national identity and the shared values and traditions that define New Zealanders, such as the importance of the haka and the collective spirit of the team.

💡Haka

The 'haka' is a traditional Maori dance performed by the All Blacks before their matches, symbolizing unity, strength, and a connection to New Zealand's indigenous culture. It is a powerful expression of identity and pride, and the script describes its significance in team bonding and its role as a motivational ritual.

💡Legacy

The term 'legacy' in the script refers to the historical and ongoing impact of the All Blacks on New Zealand's national identity and rugby tradition. It is about the collective achievements and the responsibilities that current players have to uphold and add to this storied history, as illustrated by their discussions about carrying forward the traditions and maintaining excellence.

💡National Pride

National pride is a recurring theme in the script, highlighting the deep sense of accomplishment and unity that the All Blacks bring to New Zealand. It is evident in the way the team is revered and the expectations placed upon them to represent the country with honor and distinction in international competitions.

💡Rugby

Rugby is the central sport in the video, deeply ingrained in New Zealand's culture and national identity. The script discusses how rugby is more than just a game in New Zealand; it is a unifying force that shapes the country's values and social fabric, with the All Blacks at the pinnacle of this tradition.

💡Tradition

Tradition is a key concept in the script, referring to the long-standing customs and practices associated with the All Blacks, such as the haka and the black jersey. It connects the team's past with the present, emphasizing the importance of respecting and continuing these practices to maintain the team's identity and ethos.

💡Unity

Unity is a core value expressed through the All Blacks' teamwork and collective spirit, as well as the broader sense of national unity that the team inspires. The script discusses how the team's multicultural composition and shared commitment to the game strengthen their bond and represent the diversity of New Zealand.

💡Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is highlighted in the script as a fundamental aspect of the All Blacks and New Zealand society. It is shown through the diverse backgrounds of the players and the way different cultures contribute to the team's strength and identity, enriching the All Blacks' ethos with a variety of strengths and perspectives.

💡Humility

Humility is a key value of the All Blacks, as described in the script, which is reflected in their conduct on and off the field. It is exemplified by their approach to victory and defeat and their respect for the game's history and the players who have come before them, such as the story of Keith Murdoch.

💡Passion

Passion is a driving force for the All Blacks and New Zealand's rugby culture, as depicted in the script. It is evident in the players' love for the game, their commitment to excellence, and the fervor with which they represent their country. The passion for rugby is also a source of national pride and a catalyst for the team's performance.

Highlights

The All Blacks' image as warriors in black has haunted the rugby world's imagination for over a century.

The All Blacks embody a national identity deeply connected with New Zealand's history and culture.

Rugby players in New Zealand are seen as heroes of almost mystical proportions.

The All Blacks' legacy is maintained through the immense duty of upholding the team's myth and New Zealand's status as a top rugby nation.

The journey to becoming an All Black is deeply personal and often begins with a dream fueled by admiration for the team.

The All Blacks' training camp offers insight into the meaning of being part of the team and the nation's passion for rugby.

The All Blacks are expected to continue their winning tradition and meet the high expectations of the nation.

The team sees themselves as caretakers of the All Blacks legacy, aiming to preserve and enhance it for future generations.

New Zealand's multicultural society is reflected in the All Blacks, contributing to their strength and unity.

The All Blacks' history is marked by legendary players and significant moments that have shaped the team's identity.

The 1905 original All Blacks' jersey is a sacred relic, symbolizing the team's heritage and pride.

The All Blacks' values extend beyond the rugby field, emphasizing humility, respect, and being a good citizen.

The Maori culture's emphasis on unity and collective strength is integral to the All Blacks' ethos.

The Haka is a powerful expression of the All Blacks' identity and a unifying ritual for the team and the nation.

The All Blacks' jersey represents the values and history of New Zealand, evoking strong emotions in players and fans.

The All Blacks' success is a source of national pride, with the team's achievements deeply intertwined with New Zealand's identity.

The All Blacks' style of play is characterized by an attacking mindset and a passion for open, running rugby.

The expectations placed on the All Blacks are immense, with the nation valuing their victories as a reflection of national pride.

The All Blacks' myth endures through the dedication of its players, who carry the legacy of a century-old tradition.

Transcripts

for more than a hundred years these

images have haunted the imagination of

rugby players throughout the world these

warriors dressed in black to mourn the

death of their opponents dominate the

world of rugby but what is the secret to

the old black myth to unravel it we must

go beyond these images venturing into a

different world a world resonant with

echoes of national identity sacred

symbols sacrifice and even of religion

your black saga is the story of a whole

nation gripped by a passion the

adventurer the people charged with a

mission in which the players are the

heroes of almost mystical proportions

the Alexa's was always a dream of mine

and when that dream finally came true

and got given the jersey to put it on

that's been you really first weekend

felt like you and all but every time I

put on the jersey always look at the

silver fear and because the number on

the back and think how lucky I am to get

chaste we're pretty special I went from

a boy from South Auckland who took a

walk down the street and not be

recognized to abort on South Auckland

everybody wanted to know what he did and

you know that was a big change

oh my god Mel I've no doubt about it

he's such an exciting runner when he

gets going

of this world

our voyage of discovery in New Zealand

starts with the players of today's all

back team those who are living the dream

to hold the key to its secrets

they spoke to us in the intimacy of

their training camp offering a glimpse

of what it means to be an all-black in a

country where rugby is far more than

just a sport

twenty years have passed since the All

Blacks won the first women is Cup for

them the coming World Cup in France is a

rendezvous with history

every player carries on his shoulders

the burden of the expectations of an

entire nation but even more the immense

duty of maintaining the myth at its peak

and of confirming New Zealand's place as

the greatest rugby nation in the world

you know people expect us to sort of

continue continue that and you know even

going to places like France we have you

know they love the All Blacks and and

you know it's means a lot to us you know

that we can go out there and represent

our country and you know we know we've

got the following overseas and also the

following back home so it's a great

feeling we want to add to the legacy of

the All Blacks so we we have the goal

each time we come together as an

all-black team to believe that the jewsí

in a better place and it was when we

arrived and that's if we keep hitting

that goal always going to do it justice

but we're only caretakers of the duesey

someone when we're finished we'll come

and come and carry on the same thing

it's only ours to look after and and

keep keeping the right traditions and do

right by it and that's the way we look

at it so we've it appreciate goes with

that because it's a hundred years of

history that's been a lot of blood and

sweat and pain that has gone into

building the old bat legacy and we just

don't even let that down and I guess you

can see that as a burden but but I think

the best way to see it is a huge

challenge and an honor to get that

chance

we are very connected to our past and

history it sort of shape shape us and

define us really as a history it's given

us a strong foundation to understand

where we're going to and this new

contemporary society where we were more

multicultural and all the rest of it but

there are certain things about the All

Blacks that haven't changed overall

time and we must always go back to the

past to give us that strength and give

us the I guess the vision to know where

to go to forward because you have to

know where you've come from New Zealand

has produced many of rugby's greatest

players but the value of an all-black is

not determined simply by his qualities

as a player being an all-black means

above all being part of a legend which

has grown over more than a century and

which is tightly interwoven with the

history of New Zealand as a country our

quest takes us to an official reception

at Wellington's Parliament Buildings

welcoming back to the country a jersey

won by one of the legendary 1905

originals past and present All Blacks

are there as our family members

political figures and New Zealand's

Prime Minister all united in a kind of

communion around this sacred relic

New Zealand takes tremendous pride in

the All Blacks because this little

country of 4 million people has produced

the greatest rugby team in the world the

most recognizable name of rugby in the

world All Blacks so the record of

achievement over more than the century

playing internationally has been simply

free I can't imagine New Zealand without

the All Blacks I was born in 1950 we all

grew up knowing about the All Blacks

knowing who the All Blacks were

following the games it's been an

enormous part of New Zealand culture and

history to have a very very famous rugby

football sports team

the history of the black jersey is

important to thievery New Zealand er and

to see something like that in person you

know it just makes it more real and you

know to think what they did 100 years

ago travel on a boat all the way over

the UK and play 36 games as trying to

them the Monday and it just couldn't

even happen like that you know and these

guys were tough and they did it the hard

way and really sit see the benchmarking

and I suppose you know New Zealand

doesn't it look back and see what what

they did then and it spies us and when

we think we're in a tough now you look

and see how hard they did it it makes it

pretty proud of what they achieved

image of the team something has

something that's that's grown over a

hundred years and and you know there's

not much we can do to to if you like

manipulate that you know it's it's

something that we've been we're lucky

enough to enjoy that this fantastic

brand that's grown up because of players

that played a hundred years ago and 75

years ago and fifty years ago who are

built you know the all-black story and

the all-black legend into what it is

it's it's not something that we really

can radically change by what we're doing

today but we can try and add to it but

that's that's the role of you know it's

what each all-black team tries to do

our voyage leads us inevitably to the

great players of the past between the

guardians of the old black history and

the players of today there is more than

just a common thread they are linked by

a strong communal bond which transcends

the generations they are all brothers of

the same family which today represents

the true aristocracy and then using a

nation

we represented our country and once

you've worn that Jersey and played for

the All Blacks you're always an

all-black in and we have reunions now

and we talked about tours of what we had

and what we didn't do and all tell lies

about how good we will how bad we were

or all those sort of things or why we

lost this game or one that came and yeah

it's a it is a tradition and it is

something we're very proud of and the

modern player is no different to what we

were for Graham Henry the current

all-black coach the strength of this

tradition does never wane in his eyes

this is what drives the passion of the

young players of today oh there's a lot

of tradition and history and all black

rugby and the players respect that and

value that they're trying to create it a

legacy of their own a special part of

history in the game right now but they

also respect what has happened in

all-black rugby over the last hundred

years

Brian Mahal for example is an EXOR black

captain one of the great All Blacks X or

black coach and an X or black manager so

he relates this team to the past he can

pass that experience on to the current

coaches the current players which is

very important

meeting this living legend of New

Zealand rugby is one of the highlights

of our visit Bryan Nahor the charismatic

mermaid and capped him from the 1960s

here in his natural element surrounded

by sheep on his waiver upper farm north

of Wellington

I like the people who play it I think

it's a special game you have to be a

special person you have to be you know

quite strong mentally and physically to

play the game I like I like watching the

game I think it is enjoyable to watch

and yeah I've always been involved and I

guess a lot of my friends in that I have

are involved in rugby so consequently I

I enjoy their their company as well 35

years have passed since he last played

for the All Blacks

but for him nothing has changed the old

black passion is still there I would be

happy to play now and you know everyone

says well as the game better now the

players better than they were I think if

you're a great player whenever you know

30 40 50 years ago if you're a very good

player then you'd be a very good player

now given the circumstances of that they

play under today

the voices from the passive condition of

the game is actually recognized and that

they are kept up to date with what is

going on so you did some very much and

effort to try and bridge in to make sure

that people you know are able to sit

back in to enjoy what they've achieved

later on in life we see when you become

an all black you've joined the most

exclusive club dealers in the world and

we like to put it up being a high

pedestal and you need to live to those

values and morals if you like and yes we

have a very much a very close

affiliation with the players of today in

yesterday all international teams had

their Pantheon some great players but

with the All Blacks of the myth renders

them immortal each player has a

sequential number linking him to the

gallery of greats today there are more

than a thousand 1000 All Blacks who form

the celestial chain of 1000 heroes who

live forever in the nation's memory

there is a bond that all of us have all

thousand of us that we have we may not

admit our predecessors like Dave Geller

who was the very first all-black captain

but we have a strong bond and we know

what he stood for for our country and as

our leader and we hold it and as part of

us we still remember our heritage but we

want to add to that heritage

all young boys born in New Zealand are

potential All Blacks so there is a vital

necessity to transmit the passion in its

purest form this idea of transmission is

expressed in the image of the pass a

rugby pass is perhaps the finest

sporting movement ever invented by man

and surely the most loaded with meaning

passing the ball to your mate so that

the collective movement can continue and

the grace of a moment can last to the

dream never stops

I started playing rugby on us 5 because

the All Blacks visited my hometown and

trade on this ground I went down to

watch them and I was fascinated about

all the people standing around and

watching them and admiring them and I

remember when no black came up to me one

day and when I was giving an autograph

from him and I was Michael Jones and he

just see it all you know and it was

awesome to be in the All Blacks and

their from their own eyes just like wow

I want to be an all-black I was watching

the 87 to look up and seeing us from

that for the first time probably a great

moment and when I was watching a little

but I think that's pretty much every um

it was every guy that grows up in New

Zealand it's like a dream to play for

the All Blacks and probably one of the

lucky ones to play with him yeah I was

funny the first time I would be an

all-black was was about team watching

the All Blacks gone in Deer tour and

getting up in the middle of the night

and watching them play

I was pretty excited in there and what

she can do the hacker really was there

was sort of the first thing I seen and

you know I learnt it that started doing

it at the MER it's probably within the

nail too too much but there's the

obviously my my first my recollection of

wanting to be know

so something exciting like this every

little boy's dream and userland to

become an all black and I was no

different I was fortunate enough to have

an uncle we played for the All Blacks at

the time when I got to about seven my

uncle grandma she made the All Blacks

and as always something for me to aspire

to growing up so I had the belief that

maybe Oh give me one day as well

no matter how far back you go it always

comes down to the same thing the power

of emotion produced by the all-black

tree I wake up today and I still can't

believe that I've ever been at all black

you know I still feel very humble about

being a little black belt when I wake up

in the morning I can't believe it back

1971 there were three million other

people in New Zealand couldn't believe

it even though I certainly didn't expect

to get as far as I did I dreamt about

wanting to be an all-black but I didn't

ever think I would be all-black captain

or anything like that that that sort of

just came that happened well the best

moment you ever have is playing your

first game you know you to say you you

you can't be called an all-black until

you've played and you know the best

moment is first of all being selected

you know you don't know what to do where

to go I was only very young and you know

everyone thinks you go and drink too

much but you don't you too nervous or

too shy and but the you know playing for

the All Blacks is the greatest thing and

then once you've played for them you

want to be a good all-black I played my

first game against the Lions that I

really felt that the I suppose the

pressure of being a tall black and

remember sitting down in the changing

room in Dunedin before we'd out against

the Lions and looking around the room

and you know the guy in Kirkpatrick who

I'd sort of watched when I was at school

he was a an all-black and he's suddenly

sitting in the changing room alongside

someone that you've actually watched for

a long long time and you know sort of it

hard to to believe you're actually there

and just fantastic to be there but also

just a huge feeling that you just want

to get out there and be the best you can

be and make sure that you do do the job

for the for the team in for the Jersey

rugby is New Zealand's national sport it

dominates the whole of the country but

it's far more than that rugby is present

in all the schools at all levels and it

still plays a significant role in the

country's education system it generates

his state of mind which is present

throughout the land an overall system of

values which permanently surrounds the

youth of the country

for someone real wax that's New

Zealand's just natural national pride

yeah sort of Elite elite rugby players I

suppose and Brit everyone aims at work

with Dan Carter and Erin mojo we visit

Christchurch boys high school their old

school and one of the great nurseries of

all black talent throughout the years a

lot of history with all the xx' All

Blacks caps voice I kept here dating

back to 1928 a flashback to their

childhood when they were beginning to

make their mark in rugby when they

started to dream the all-black dream um

we're not six years old that's when I

started playing rugby I'm out in the

country got three minutes south

Christchurch

my dad was a pretty staunch our every

fan and and he was sort of pushing me

along trying to get me into and playing

rugby as early as I can and I think it's

about the time that mum sort of let me

get in there and play as well so he was

producer of my Billy's memory I started

playing us there's about four or five

when I started playing I had a couple of

older brothers and just just go and

watch them and decided to get into it

and tag along and play off the big boys

and got knocked around the first couple

of years but it's probably there where I

am sort of learnt to play with a bit of

under stink than there

you know I think you know my childhood

days playing rugby with my my friends

just passing the ball around having fun

kicking the ball around no I think

that's where I built most of my skill

base that I used today if you want to

become the best then you really have to

put putting a lot of work you know

outside the training pitch now those

extra sessions by yourself just just

keep working at your game and just so

you can perfect you know every skill and

even when you do that you just keep

working at and working at it so you can

take it to the next level and become the

best I knew it was always going to be

hard but was always a goal of mine see

so to make it one day but I knew the

reality that not even buddy could make

it and I was fortunate after to give an

opportunity to play for Kennedy when I

left school and and from there things

just progressed in heaven pretty quicker

than the All Blacks about three years

after I left school sir

for me it hitting pretty fast one day I

will be an all-black it is the Credo of

each one of these children of New

Zealand and all their hopes which

culminates in the unique moment when

they finally become an all black and

when for the first time they experience

the harsh realities of international

rugby for players there are memories

which never fade it was a game and I was

in 1996 and it was a game against

Eastern Province in South Africa and in

quite by chance it was almost to the day

20 years before that my father played

his first game for the All Blacks

against the same team on the same ground

I think the main thing is you know when

you first put on that jersey and you

stand in that room before the first test

with five minutes to go and all the

reserves are garnon's 15 and I looked

across the room and I sort of Colin

Leeds and in Kilpatrick and Fergie

McCormick and CID going and I wondered I

wonder why I was in the room I couldn't

believe it

I remember just running around like a

madman like Oh rabies or something it

was frothing at the mouth trying to head

every rack and running to everything

that clearly you don't have to run to

but you were kind of fueled by this

supernatural energy that I haven't

experienced as I was that good I was 20

years old and um I think I lasted 29

minutes I fell on a felon that could

pitch against Argentina and broke my

shoulder in the first half that was on

my first game which was a bit unlucky

I meant to stay on the field for another

15 minutes but I suppose it's probably

not the way you want to be ruined by

your first game but that's um there was

my fish game for the All Blacks

the first games are always the moment of

truth

they often a harsh and cruel discovery

in which the dream is submitted to the

primary virtue of the All Blacks

humility one of the toughest games I've

played it was for the All Blacks was

Feliz about my fifth Test and we plating

at South Africa here in New Zealand and

the gaya mark was contact Riga whose it

was the captain of the Springboks at the

time but he was incredibly tough

character and he never ever gave you an

itch he it was physical we even really

made sure you there and I can't awful

feel when why felt during the game

wondering what I was doing at the IDIS

couldn't get into my game I couldn't

play very well and I was getting bashed

as well at the same time you know in a

legal way but I was just getting

physically dominated and eyes it was one

of the it was the first time I realized

what it was all about playing

international rugby I guess

many possible paths lead to the

fulfillment of the old black dream with

you come from a small village in the

cold of South Island or the mean streets

of South Auckland whether you were born

into the game or you started late making

it into the All Blacks is always an

encounter with destiny

I grew up in a small small rural New

Zealand it's not not big cities I grew

up in a small place so rugby still very

much a way of life and small communities

on Saturday mornings the parents go and

watch their children play then the

afternoon they play and there's a big

social gathering and the evening it's

very much intertwined around community

life and that's what that was my

introduction to rugby as a young young

boy it's quite different I think in

cities I am I was sent to boarding

school

and that's where I was introduced to

rugby very late I was 14 yes a starter

Rugby League and it was more to keep me

out of trouble

I lost a lot of cousins and relatives

that I had close to me there through

gang fights where I grew up when you

have your loved ones who and you lose

them and they died quite young yeah one

of them was mother met the time was only

12 yeah and I also had a relative who

had his head cut off so that gives you

an idea of what sort of trouble

all black jersey stands for a lot more

than just New Zealand it actually stands

for that there is a multicultural group

that lies under the stews E and it

doesn't matter where you come from if

you brings loyalty and brings bond

professionalism honesty and honor

amongst the players and and as what

makes them makes them or bless

direction Rotorua the home of Maori

culture there are many painful memories

in the history of the Maori in New

Zealand not only through the difficult

relationship with the Packer house the

white people but also through their own

into tribal wars today the Maori

represent only 14 percent of the

population but Maori culture constitutes

the true reference in terms of national

traditions but above all the nations

multiracial multicultural profile has

become one of the great foundation

stones of the all-black ethos

first team to go overseas from New

Zealand in 1888 was emeriti they toured

Europe they toured England Scotland and

in 1895 the first all-black team went

overseas

so the first team to go away was was the

New Zealand native tank and then the

Packer has the white settlers regained

control of the game and it would be many

years before the arrival on mass of

Maori and Polynesian talent in the

all-black team I think a lot of it also

the big biggest change has started to

occur post Second World War because

during the wars the the Maori showed

himself to be quite an effective fighter

our quest now takes us to the Maori

Rugby Academy in Rotorua the only school

of its type in the world here young

Maori players often from lower

socioeconomic groups are recruited with

the aim of turning them into great

players of the future here in a school

such as this it is easy to see how rugby

corresponds to the culture and the

innate qualities of Maori men what I can

remember um god I love grass all I clap

you started playing might be when I was

probably three four five they just took

a liking to the game for the early

especially when years the team worked

all blacks coming from New Zealand you

know I think it's heavy every little

boy's dream and I'm here just I'm on it

I'm trying to follow their dream and

it's wrong

I think we we tend to have a natural

sort of understanding of the game and we

do a lot of things on the field by

instinct things that that come naturally

to us we others may have to work it at

honing those skills so we're lucky in

that regard that a lot of it comes

natural to a lot of modern players but

it's how they use it after that it's you

know it's important so it's really about

doing things yet outside of the norm so

they're pretty unorthodox top of top of

things but it's a style that we try and

we try and encourage because it's a it's

fantastic to watch and it's a very good

entertainment value but I think it just

brings a different dimension to the game

that is how but I think if you are put

the work in yourself um it'll make

things a lot easier for you it's it's

like I mean to seeing us as here so now

and compared to the first two weeks of

the Academy you could say it's part of a

miracle we're still here but I think

just from those first two weeks a good

year they've matured us how God still

fair are they to be be Modi and to be um

so representing all my friends leading

my friends and I'm on either got my back

when um when I leave it because they all

support me so I enjoy it and the key

thing that had fought a long time ago

was the Maori culture is very clicked

them very tribal it's not individual

very few marry long time ago played golf

very individual always they always loved

the team sport they're very much a team

player as opposed to an individual

player so they can give away the

individual thing for the benefit of the

collective and that's how it is in a

marrow tribe and the tribal it's the

collective is the most important the

unity of the tribe is the most important

so when you go into the rugby

environment into the team environment

we're already used to them the Maori

culture in New Zealand I suppose

percentage of people more marries play

rugby than any you know they all play it

because it's a suits their temperament

suits their lifestyle and shoots the

upbringing and all that sort of thing so

marry rugby has a big part of New

Zealand I think it's probably the

strength of our team just because we

have so many different town ethnics plan

for our team it's a problem makes us

less strong because all the different

cultures bring different strengths to

our to our game especially the

Polynesian boys bring a lot of flair to

our team and another boys Bornean is

young as well just very hard workers so

I think it makes a good combination for

a team the greatest strength of this

team is that diversity but it also is

their greatest weakness if we don't work

on strengthening the interconnections of

our different races on their different

cultures if we don't work on rejoicing

and enhancing those differences in

saying that it's okay to be different

effective we want you to be different

bring all that to the pot and let's make

all it really strong meantime in this

melting pot or what Anton Oliver calls

this multicultural society has produced

an incredible model of social

integration and the perfect image of

this is the hacker performed in unison

with the same part the same devotion the

same fervor by all the players whether

they are pakka ha Maori or Pacific

Islanders United as one

ready to move the challenge together

but yeah in it's an internal

thing it's your whole body giving a

message a very clear message it's the

passion coming through but you've also

got to be grounded in other words your

feet must be on the ground you mustn't

lose and lose control of yourself

Parker's a way of expressing themselves

and expressing themselves as a group of

people and that's also important to them

it's um it's showing some respect for

the country they come from and that

brings the team together as well yeah I

lived in England brought up in England

where's my life so suppose I must up on

this side of things so coming back here

when I was 13 I was sort of sad to pick

it all up again and learn learn about it

all and really love doing like a learnt

the history about the hacker and then

what it actually means and why we're

actually doing it that we're not

actually on our data to intimidate but

was she doing it for ourselves we're not

doing it to make make the opposition

angry or better hair's done obviously

but is she doing it for ourselves and

just another history of New Zealand and

that you know haka is part of of New

Zealand the hacker

as more of something that unites us as a

team and brings us together like other

teams singing the national anthem

together we we do the hacker and that's

what's special for us it brings us

together and I think it brings New

Zealand together and it's something that

we can hopefully carry on doing properly

and with good faith for the culture that

is pretty motivating you know I said

doing it at a high school I'm officer

thing and from there you know it's Arisa

make me feel all up a lot more energized

and I want to get out there and run

around and

Oh

as soon as the huff has finished you're

ready to play rugby soon as the hack has

finished the Warriors ready to go to war

because if you're not grounded you're

going to get taken out so you must be

clear in your mind about what you're

doing one moment you're doing the haka

but next moment you're very clear

thinking for all the players who take

the field the match has the same meaning

defending the black jersey and the

Silver Fern embroidered on their hearts

the symbols of a nation almost objects

of worship a jersey without color as

black as the night but it is only at

night that the stars come out for every

all-black past or present there is one

moment when their life Stood Still the

moment when they pull on the mythical

tunic for the first time the first

jersey is like a freeze-frame and the

rest of his life is an unending return

to the source

just over a thousand players and 100 odd

years and that is part of it you ask any

player most of the majority or all the

players will have kept their very first

jersey and if they get to the milestones

or 50 or 400 or so forth they keep those

and that's the one thing as you hand up

when I got my first test Jersey that

that's gonna start on as a real special

feeling for me you know I held on to

that and and something that little

sticker you know you know the back of my

mind for the rest of my life it's a it's

a very important part of my life it was

it was a big day

I am I remember getting the jersey

handed to me he had to go to the

managers room to get your duty your team

jersey and it was the happiest day of my

life

every time I put it on I'm pretty proud

to in patriotic New Zealand and

passionate towards the course of

representing the country and putting on

the black jersey in the silver fan it

really means a lot to run to uh sir well

you know especially with that the sort

of feel of an honor to sir that's a

pretty big thing for us and I took it

away to my room and I put it on and head

look into her it's kind of a bizarre

feeling we're looking at yourself for

first time with your back Jersey on

that's special when you feel like you

grow again another couple of inches and

we go out there and it never changes

never changes the feeling I I think it's

very similar to the to everybody even

today you know when the player gets as

the all black jersey and he puts it on

it's a it's a special feeling I think

and one that you you know it's very easy

to remember

the essential power of the jersey is its

ability to transcend whoever is wearing

it propelling them to the heights of the

all-black idea

when an all-black puts on the jersey he

drapes himself for all time in the

values of his nation your duties as an

all-black do not finish just by playing

your duty finishes on the field it

carries on off the field by the way you

represent yourself and the way you you

treat others and also you the way you

respect your elders and the people have

gone before you people look up to you

all the children and New Zealand idolize

you and you've got a responsibility as

an all-black to be a decent citizen I

think it's a way of life you know you

can take what you learn from being an

all-black into the rest of your life

because you have a lot of rugby a lot of

life to live after playing rugby yeah

and you could be a better person

hopefully I'm like there I guess rugby

has helped to shape the character of the

people the fact that you know New

Zealand's Aurore was a Royal New Zealand

country and that people took to the game

of rugby and Vince you were able to go

back and to beat people that had

basically been in responsible New

Zealand being formed went back and beat

the English and beat the Scots and the

RS which was easy for bearers came from

think it gave them a lot of a lot of a

lot of challenge a lot of pride and

being able to do that the All Blacks do

express a lot of qualities about New

Zealand particularly their unassuming

character is you understand to be quite

modest they're not braggers they're

humble in victory the gracious and

defeat and the All Blacks some up those

characteristics values for the All

Blacks and not just words and there is

no better proof of this than the story

of Keith Murdoch involved in a fight in

the hotel where the team was staying

during a tour in Wales in 1972 Keith

Murdoch was sent home to New Zealand

Peter bush who photographed the All

Blacks for over half a century remembers

the incident with the same emotion as

the day it happened really he was

expelled from Britain there which has

been like deported you could say like a

refugee status

anyhow he went from Birmingham down to

Houston Station where I took I was in

London and I took this photograph of

Murdock walking along the station being

escorted to a taxi and later that night

he went out on a Qantas plane bound for

for Australia and and then he was going

to fly from Australia to New Zealand

well when the plane got to Darwin in

northern Australia he got off the plane

and he disappeared I hope before I

finished my rugby career I want to go

and sit with him an interview myself but

I could I

and in 45 years Murdoch has never

returned home convinced that he betrayed

the All Blacks idea

as players we all know that no one is

bigger than the game the game has been

here longer than us and all be there

longer be beyond when we die so yeah we

are only part of it all we can do is do

justice to the game the true secret of

the All Blacks is perhaps that there is

no secret here more than anywhere else

the game belongs to the players the All

Blacks are descended from two major

lineages the men of the land the farmers

and those from the islands men ever see

who conquered the wide-open spaces of

the Pacific every all-black combines the

strength and the simplicity of the pack

aha farmer with the speed the agility

and the instinct of the freerunning

Polynesians the country boys probably

had an advantage because they were

physical workers and we were probably a

little bit stronger than the boys who

were brought up in town so yes being on

a farm

I'm sure did help me quite a lot half

the forward pack in the All Blacks and

nowadays were farmers because they were

you know hard work in doing all the hard

work and that sort of thing not any

farmers in the All Blacks now they just

rugby players but in our days big

percentage of the forwards were farmers

and so it was an occupation that went

well with rugby you know I guess

spelling out on the farm when I was

young you know I was a probably certain

you know got to throw the ball around

kick the ball around whenever I wanted

which is uh I guess an advantage

the French used to love to run the ball

the Argentinians loved to run the ball

the Mary always ran the ball they throw

the ball around so now you look at the

super 12 the super 14 and you see a lot

of running with the ball that's what

they bring to the game they love the

Flair they love the passion they love to

run with the ball the New Zealanders

have an innate passion for attacking

rugby both a natural inclination and a

state of mind in this passion for

attacking rugby is the spark which

drives the team to produce a game of

perpetual movement which has been the

old black trademark for over a hundred

years we're trying to take in whether we

hit the ball or not we're always trying

to attack and put pressure on our

position clearly there are risks but

it's about getting over that level of

anxiety and that's where that's where

you either go out and win the World Cup

or you don't we like to play an open

style of footy we were throwing the ball

around and having a good time and

scoring tries attack for us has been

really mentally ruthless and trying to

be accurate and control the game the

tech doesn't mean helter skelter it's

being calculating and not giving up we

want to use the whole width the field

and to do that you have to have players

that can pass both all 15 have to be

able to do it so it's just a way that we

enjoy the game as I said earlier every

young player in New Zealand wants to be

a Dan Carter or a would Joe Rock Ithaca

they don't want to be a Christian core

or a Tony Woodcock so there's just how

we are and I mean it I don't think that

we've a change the intoxication thrill

of running rugby is shared by the whole

country the all-black game when it

reaches as it does today its finest

expression inflames the nation of

supporters and rugby becomes a reason to

exist giving New Zealand a place of

honour on the world stage I think New

Zealand right up at the very top in

terms of their passion for the game and

you know it we're not a very big country

but we are passionate and I think over

the years we have punched above our

weight the whole country really get

symbol

especially overseas yeah for me I hold

that responsibility very high and trying

to do my best every time I pull a black

jersey but at the same time this popular

enthusiasm brings with it the crushing

weight of expectations when things go

wrong the All Blacks are never forgiven

in other countries when the national

team wins it makes the front page news

but here it is more often when the All

Blacks lose that's a huge expectation by

the country that the All Blacks win the

rugby play exceptionally well and I

think that you just get used to their

expectation it becomes a way of life you

expect it you live by it and you don't

expect anything else it's easy to get to

the top but it's hard to stay there and

we want to keep being the team to beat

and you know had yeah gonna win every

one but we've got to keep wanting to

improve and that's it go on it's it's a

huge exciting challenges it's impossible

to imagine a world cup without the All

Blacks winning shouldn't the best team

in the world always be world champion

the shock wave of a defeat would have a

shattering effect on the nation but it

will not weaken the all-black myth

the national spirits would go through

the roof

where New Zealand to when the Rugby

World Cup again if we play to our best I

think we we're the best team in the

world if we had our head our straps and

play to our potential at the right time

I suppose the thing that was most

difficult is that we team that we've

tended in the last 20 odd years to

actually played some of our best rugby

prior to or between World Cups and just

getting it right on the day has been

something which we haven't achieved

often enough let's hope that we that we

do get it together next year otherwise

we might say to the All Blacks you'll

have to go and live in terrell del Fuego

or bullet Sarris or Mexico City you

can't come back to New Zealand your

blacks are very privileged to have that

that high regard by the rest of the

world the brand is highly respected but

that has been hurt by a hundred years of

history a hundred years of success and

and it can being lost as well so it's

important to maintain that respect

continue to earn that respect from the

rest of the world and that's obviously

one of the goals if you're light of the

all-black team

as we reach the end of our voyage we

also reach the heart of the myth and the

reason why we'll continue here in the

obscurity of a changing room young

players who are not well known yet but

already have their heart set on the

black jersey a dream projected into the

future of one day becoming an all black

Oh

here we can get a lip down there started

from a dream and upload that dream and

no one else can take that away and it's

a you know most probably in the near

future you'll see someone go start a

dream and you start a different chapter

and a different legacy for the whole

eggs

you