THE TENSION was palpable. As the clock wound down on the 2011 World Cup final at Eden Park, many watched on stressed, nervy, anxious, silent. And that was just in the press box.
The All Blacks finally shrugged off the chokers tag that had bedevilled them since 1987 to “thrash France 8-7”, as Graham Henry would later say. It would be a stretch to say that victorious skipper Richie McCaw enjoyed the World Cup.
“The buzz around the country was amazing. Having the team win topped it off. I’m not sure if the memory would have been quite the same if we hadn’t got the job done. It was sheer relief when we got across the line,” he says.
The All Blacks’ best rugby came in the 37-17 pool defeat of France (above), which marked McCaw’s 100th Test.
“We played superbly in that game. But that’s when my foot started to play up a bit. It was like ‘Jeepers, how’s this going to go for the rest of the tournament?”
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin September 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin September 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY