The Tri Nations trophy, Bledisloe Cup and other remarkable successes supported All Blacks favoritism to end its 16-year run of the World title underachievement, but once again the world’s most complete side crashed out of the world spectacle loosing 20-18 to France. The defeat also meant that for the first time, a rugby obsessed country will not feature in a World Cup semi-final.
The team along with the coaching staff undergoes vicious condemnation by fans and media with axe falling on Coach Graham Henry who was under contract until March 2008, as the New Zealand Rugby Union are adamant of replacing him by the end of the year and an independent inquiry would also be formulated to assess the downfall.
Endowed with depth, leadership, strong set-players, adequate replacements everywhere and Coach Graham Henry, who got the New Zealand coaching job one month after the team was eliminated from the 2003 World Cup, trained his players to the extremes. Though All Blacks are a great team and have really set the standard in terms of skill levels and squad depth but having been built up so much it was almost inevitable they would falter. Moreover, the coach should solely be not held liable for the debacle.
Well, now two of the tri-nation teams Australia and New Zealand are back home for another four year search for the World Title, after under estimating the European sides that produced a stunning performance in the vital stages of the tournament.
Image Courtesy
Via: BBC
