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It is understood that the All Blacks are the world’s most famous rugby union team, and probably the most loved too. But why are they so popular?
Is it New Zealand’s under-dog status? Is it the haka? The style of rugby they play? The black jersey? Or all of these things combined?
It couldn’t be because of New Zealand’s population. At just over four million, it’s tiny compared to rivals Australia, South Africa, England and France.
The essence of the black jersey is also “borrowed” by other countries, England, being the latest copy-cats. Argentina wore a very dark navy-blue this past weekend.
Scotland have done similar in the past times, while Wales and Ireland have black training kit.
But none of these teams are even close to New Zealand, in terms of playing great rugby and dominating.
Maybe it’s the style of rugby they play. In South Africa we play a very static and somewhat structured style of rugby. Top levels, clubs and schools. But there are those few that play the more carefree Kiwi style, especially at coloured clubs/schools.
In the racial and cultural mix of post-apartheid South Africa, I have still never met a white South African who supports either New Zealand or Australia. But of the 4.5 million coloured South Africans, about 70 percent support The All Blacks, five percent the Wallabies, and only 25 percent stay loyal to The Boks.
It is understandable with half a million Kiwis living in Australia, support is good there, as well as in England (or more accurately, London).
About 58,000 Kiwis roam the London streets, and stadiums are always full of All Black support when New Zealand comes to town.
There are plenty of cultures in the world that enjoy their own war-dance and war-cries. But none are more influential then the Maori Haka. And no-one has taken it more to heart than The United States.
Several college and high school football teams perform the ‘kamate- kamate’, including Brigham Young University, University of Arizona, University of Hawaii, Kahuku High School, Trinity High Dallas, Jefferson High Portland, St. Edward High Lakewood, and Seaside High, to name a few.
One would not be surprised with all the Tongans, Samoans and other Polynesians in America if the U.S. national team might someday perform their own war-dance.
Perhaps there is not just one single reason why the All Blacks are so good. It might be down to all the reasons mention.
New Zealand will carrying on needing the support of the rest of the world in future, with superpowers such as Russia and USA on the rise in rugby. In time, they might be ready to devour tiny New Zealand.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.