And the All Blacks ARE excited. They have to be, because they know, just as most Kiwis know – our time has come! But they are experienced enough to know that nothing good comes easy – and they are, and have been, prepared to work for it.
To heck with the negative naysayers! All too often leading up to RWC I heard negative, stupid comments about the boys in black reaching the finals and then getting beaten ‘just like they always do’. What a load of hogwash! It’s high time these foolish people learn what the AB’s have learned, that our future is not judged by our past, unless we let this be the case!
We have the team, and the boys are ready. They are ready physically and just as important, they are ready mentally. When there isn’t an option, it’s a done deal. And there is no option in this World Cup. There is no such thing as ‘try’ and the All Blacks are not going onto Eden park on Sunday to try. They are going on the field to WIN! It’s already a done deal in their minds and there is no room for anything but the WIN, and they will do whatever it takes to make it happen.
After the last World Cup there were cries to ditch Graham Henry as coach. What a grave mistake that would have been, and lucky for all of us they kept him on and he agreed to stay. Whilst some don’t like him, I (among many others) think he’s a smart man and a great coach. Not only has he been building depth in the players but he has been working hard to mentally prepare the boys as well. And they ARE mentally prepared and the time has finally come for the pay off.
It doesn’t matter what gets in the way. We lost Dan (the MAN) Carter to injury. Such a shame, but more so for Dan than the AB’s squad. Sure, we’d all rather see Dan playing as he’s such a great player and a huge asset; but the fact that he isn’t doesn’t change anything as far as the result is concerned, as the boys in black aren’t trying to win this, remember? They are going out TO WIN it.
Sunday, black vs blue.. and the French will be black and blue by the end of it! The All Blacks will be playing the hardest they have in this tournament, as the other games were just in preparation for this one, the biggie. It will be tough, but when the going gets tough the tough get excited.
So come on New Zealand! No negative stuff about the past, speak nothing but positive comments about this match. Put your balls on the line while the mighty All Blacks put the ball over the line! After all, they are about to bring home the Cup!
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.
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