It’s absurd the way a conspiracy theory, claiming the esteemed national rugby team of New Zealand – the formidable black-garbed warriors who have instilled fear in their adversaries for more than a hundred years, are past their prime. Finished. Over.
Certain factions of rugby journalists, who believe in the existence of a rugby Illuminati, swear that four back-to-back losses to the Springboks affirm the idea that the Kiwis’ plight is as dire as someone might suggest a lost puppy’s fate to be in Springfield, Ohio.
Kiwi rugby journalism tends to exist in a world of extremes: either their team reigns supreme worldwide, or they’re an utter mess.
What we can infer from this unfounded presumption that New Zealand is no longer significant in global rugby is that opinions are as common as human posteriors – everyone has one.
The reality, however, is that New Zealand’s rugby condition is far from disastrous. It’s simply that the Springboks have ascended to be the world’s ruling team, and New Zealand has been relegated to the second spot.
On the eve of Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup test under the sunlit arena of Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, this conjecture about New Zealand being hurt, frail and inordinately vulnerable couldn’t have surfaced at a more inopportune time for Joe Schmidt and his Wallabies.
The last thing the Australians require is the Kiwis being roused into demonstrating that they are far from obsolete.
In an ironic twist of events at the Wallabies pre-match press briefing, following their most humiliating defeat to the Pumas, the puzzled Australians were bombarded with inquiries about the supposed frailties of this Kiwi team.
Tom Wright, the Australian fullback, unluckily ended up the player representing the Wallabies at this press meet.
When a reporter questioned Wright about Australia’s awareness of the visible vulnerabilities in the Kiwis, Wright’s facial expression was akin to that of Kamala Harris listening to “The Donald” elucidating his relationship with the Taliban’s chief.
Just as the perplexed expression of the US deputy leader, Tom mirrored the unasked query, “Which universe do you inhabit?”
Wright fumbled, “They’re globally ranked as number two.” Tom was, unquestionably, on the mark. The true gauge of international rugby’s prowess lies solely with the World Cup. Comparisons drawn from other facets are futile.
The Springboks attained their consecutive world titles on the back of an assembly of elite athletes, virtually devoid of vulnerability, under the leadership of a mastermind of a coach who had instilled a culture that optimally utilised the consolidated skills of the team.
However, it must be remembered that their World Cup final win was by a slim lead of a solitary point, against the 14-player New Zealand side. Scarcely an outright conquest. Following in Johannesburg’s initial test, the deciding factor was a deeply disputed Springbok try. The Boks slightly surpass New Zealand.
The gloom-ridden Kiwi observers fail to disclose that all four matches were indeed magnificent games. Tantalisingly close, brimming with technique, fervour and entertainment.
One might use the line of thought of the New Zealand rugby press in reverse. Keeping in mind that Ireland has triumphed over South Africa in four out of their last five games, it would be unwise to insinuate that the Springboks find themselves in dire straits.
Here’s the reality. The gap separating the world’s top five rugby teams is vanishingly slight – a fantastic prospect for the sport.
Another widespread misunderstanding is that New Zealand’s performance in Super Rugby stagnates due to substandard competition from Australian rugby. A supposedly detrimental scenario, while the South Africans draw benefit from the United Rugby Championship (URC) extravaganza.
The reality is that a significant proportion of the Springboks squad are engaged in playing leagues in Japan, England, France and hence steer clear of URC.
In contrast to the Kiwis and the Australians, team selection in South Africa encompasses all competitive platforms. Australia and New Zealand limit their selections to players from their Super Rugby franchises.
Each of Australian Super Rugby squads triumphed over a New Zealand team in this season’s Super competition. Implying that the Kiwis don’t face strong rivals in the Australian teams would be inaccurate.
Those emphasising South African provincial teams’ supremacy need to know that both Munster and Glasgow have bested South African teams on their home turf, securing consecutive URC titles.
It is oversimplified to say New Zealand’s rugby fortunes are dwindling, without recognising the tight bond that has developed over nine seasons between the Springboks and their mentor. The legendary World Cup victorious teams from New Zealand of yore have a similar solid rapport with their enduring managers, namely Graham Henry and Steve Hansen. This mirrors the Springboks’ faith in the direction of Rassie Erasmus, who has been leading them since February 2018, bagging two World Cups and a Lions series under his guidance.
Scot Robinson of New Zealand, Australia’s Schmidt, and Felipe Contepomi of the Pumas have only steered their country’s squad as the head coach for a mere six games each.
At the Sydney Olympic Stadium this Saturday, the black and gold will collide yet again, continuing a tradition dating back to 1903. The gold-clad men will struggle and brawl to keep pace with their more formidable adversaries. Emerging from the customary haka, the black team will be filled with belligerence and assurance, holding on to their perpetual belief in New Zealand’s superiority.
Throughout this protracted and occasionally fiercely acrimonious rivalry, Australians have never bowed down to the supremacy of the black jersey. However, they comprehend better than any other squad worldwide that undermining the New Zealanders can result in severe consequences.
As the underperforming Wallabies team recognises the Springboks as the deserving world champions, they are also aware that New Zealand narrowly missed out on the William Webb Ellis trophy by just one point. This is a fact that the Wallabies, and indeed the international rugby community at large, should duly respect.