The year of the McAwsomes

So much for the idea that NZ has no genuine competition. SA wanted this tour to be preparation for the RWC. They simplified their game plan and finished the year much stronger or looked far more convincing than NZ. They showed though in the RC they have added variety to their game and look to be building a formidable squad and they are already a huge threat. The worrying thing is that they will only get better.

The NH teams that faced NZ have to be commended. They played with an evident belief they could win and their performance reflected that. Incredibly the intensity went up with every match. It was great to see and NZ couldn't have hoped for better games. That belief that NZ really are beatable will only make it more difficult for NZ in future games and that's to be welcomed as it keeps the players' heads down and focused.

The NZ pack were seen as a point of attack and NZ struggled at scrum time and at the breakdown as the year wore on. NZ will lose the likes of Woodcock, Hore and Mealamu so they will be the key replacements. McCaw will have to be managed well and Carter will want to rest up and get over his injuries but crucially there are players behind them that are coming through. Less clear are the centre replacements for Smith and Nonu but when you look at the players introduced under Hansen, it's encouraging that many holes have already been plugged.

What has pleased me most about this year has been the consistency but also the team environment that Hansen has created. Other than the core experience sprinkled throughout the team, there is still very much a green tinge about the players. That's what's so satisfying that this team has a strong work ethic and a collective spirit that is able to overcome challenges. SA were seen as the form team and those games saw the best brought out in NZ. The NH teams didn't bring out the best in NZ in terms of performance because they were able to put NZ to the sword for large parts of the games but it did bring out the best of their mental resolve.

That mental fortitude is the big reason for their consistency. This is a different vibe to John Hart's 97 team or Henry's teams of 2005 - 2007. They don't have the players at their disposal so to some extent I agree with Woodward's summation of this current team. But experience has shown that when the chips are down, having a team of stars is not a guarantee of success. The NH media are right that there are chinks in the AB armour. I think that's a fair assessment. Neutrals are saying SA look the better side and I welcome that. Too often NZ go in with media statements like the RWC trophy is theirs to lose. SA seem odds on to win next year's RC. Great! England will justifiably go down to NZ thinking they can win. Great! Australia have steadied the ship and will fancy pulling off a win. Great! Wales will feel they missed out this year and will go into their next game thinking they can win. They should and I welcome that. Because one thing I see in this team is that they relish challenges and thrive on them.

This side is beatable and many teams have put in performances that deserved victories. The year only seemed to get tougher and that just makes me prouder of these players and coaching staff. There is the perception that NZ are coming to the end of a cycle helped by the fact that veterans are on the point of hanging up their boots. But I see a lot of potential and room for growth. It's no longer a team. It's a squad of players. 40 players contributed to this year's results. Injuries and form problems were overcome. They got these results as a tight knit team. Some magnificent rugby occasions and the playing field seemed to even up all of a sudden. Great. Take a well earned break The McAwsomes and then regroup for what will be a very challenging year next year. I wouldn't have it any other way. Kia kaha

Kia kaha,

You may not be aware but Gilbert Enoka has been getting a lot of recognition for the ABs performance this year , purely for mental conditioning.

Didn't know that Laurie but he deserves a Christmas bonus. Where's he from?

For me this years side was about the ability to dig deep, both in selection and when the chips are down. The ability to adapt to the various challenges thrown at them was tested time and time again. South Africa definitely brought the best rugby out of this side and the NH brought out the best resolve culminating in the most unbelievable and unexpected comeback I've seen from this side for a long time.

I'm not yet in the camp that believes they're more beatable this year or that any gap is closing. For one the stats say otherwise. 100% is 100%... a first in the pro era. Only when they lose will any gap start closing...will any side be beatable.

This side has shown it can win even when it shouldn't and that is another very important weapon added to the armoury. Of course they'll lose eventually and yes other sides are getting stronger and smarter in their own ways but for now the gauntlets down for another year.

South Africa will lead the charge and between Wales, England, Ireland and France I've no idea who will take the 6N, the AIs never seemingly a very good guide. NZ will likely lose next year but not in our wildest dreams did we expect to be sitting on one loss since the world cup at this point in time given the calibre and number of matches played since Hansen took over.

Hats off to Hansen and his team for putting the ABs in this position and a truly remarkable feat. The end of the Ireland match perfectly illustrated the core values of this side where they all worked together as one as though it was some unwritten destiny to get over the line. A little over dramatic but that's certainly how it felt at the time.

The SH season is closing down for a while and we look forward to the England tour next year and another tilt at the rugby championship. For now this side needs and deserves a well earned rest.

A last word on Australia where the ABs were in similar positions two years out from both the 91 and 99 world cups which oz won both so although they've been down this year, a lot can happen in very short time. The boks also have time to further expand their game and also threaten to return to former glory days.

Fascinating end to a fascinating year and only signs of good things to come in this wonderful game.

Hes big on motivational triggers, the ability to convert fear of failure/the opposition and any other fear you may experience into fire and success.

Hers a stuff column about him.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9253970/Gilbert-Enoka-the-mind-behind-the-All-Blacks

Cheers Laurie. Hope he continues to stay anonymous!

Kia kaha
Mate I tell you this is  patented, copywritten rugby intelligence.

 He was responsible or Ali Williams tapping his head when he did something wrong? guys that have been party to his programmes are blown away by him. also a lot of old AB coaches besides Hansen but also Henry, Kirwan but definitely Hart. have nothing but admiration and praise for him.

Glad we learnt from the kiwi fruit debacle!  

Seriously Kia it works.

Don't let Lancaster talk to him!

Laurie you're preaching to the already converted.  

Kia kaha Kia

I reckon the ABs have a bloody good shot at the Laureus Team Of The Year now. Can't go past perfection can you? Thoughts? Any rivals? Maybe red Bull but they haven't been perfect have they?

Yes the one award that keeps evading them, has that Spanish soccer team done anything this year?

Ask mystir, he's in love with the Spanish football team. Mystir, are you there? Give us the run down mate.

Spain lost to South Africa in a friendly recently. Although they have already qualified for the World Cup, they lost the Confederations Cup to Brazil this year so if we don't get it this year it won't be because of Spain's faultless record in competitive matches.

thanks Kia, the Wellington lads might have to do extensions to the trophy cabinet.

It's looking like a good bet. Very difficult to look past a perfect season. Unprecedented in the professional era.

I'd not heard of that Laureus award before.

I see England and SA have won it so it certainly doesn't ignore rugby.

As posted above, Red Bull will probably be the main rivals.