2002, a long time between drinks. The Bledisloe Cup is a massive priority to the All Blacks and the country.
I remember a few years back someone did a survey asking what was more important, the Bledisloe or the Tri-Nations.
The response was overwhelming, with the Bledisloe Cup going at around 87 percent.
Some of my first memories of the All Blacks were in the Bledisloe Cup Tests. Shops closed early, streets were deserted.
The whole country seemed to shut down if the All Blacks were playing, especially if it was against the Wallabies.
With long shadows of the afternoon sun crossing the field, the Tests in the late 80s and early 90s seemed very intense.
With fists flying, the mauls were exactly that – a true mauling of men getting stuck into each other with fists, rucking and whatever else they could come up with to disrupt the opposition.
John Kirwan, Grant Fox, Michael Jones, Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford and Sean Fitzpatrick were the heroes in those days.
But the Wallabies were a true threat to the reputation and prestige of our national team.
A loss to them seemed to drive deeper pain than any other rival. Possibly the ‘little brother’ syndrome or whatever the reason, it just didn’t seem bearable even then to a small child.
The main thing that sticks out in my early memory of the All Blacks was the rivalry between the two nations. Especially in 1992.
The Wallaby forwards smashed their way up the field, throwing themselves into the rucks to keep themselves going forward at any cost.
With fast ball-handling skills from all players the All Blacks were stretched and the Wallabies opened them up. It was a great Wallaby victory.
David Campese was there that day. Now his voice echoes frustration and the damning of contemporary Wallabies. Watching the footage of 1992 you can see why.
The Wallabies team then was a completely different animal.
The modern All Blacks going up against the Wallabies love to deny even the slightest hint of success.
One of the key elements in any of their tactics or rehearsals was to not give them the slightest advantage.
Maybe it’s a concern for rankings, but I doubt it – points and retaining cups aside, it’s more a fear of letting their guard down.
That, with even the smallest amount of success, they could be unleashing a monster.
Like in the 90s, a monster with no respect and blind ambition to succeed. At any cost.
The question is – can the modern Wallabies gain back that aggression and determination of yesteryear?
Or will the All Blacks close out any doubt of why they are number one? It all comes down to the men on the field.
In my opinion the Wallabies need to go back to their past and look at the players and successful teams to create the attitude that the men of the 90s displayed.
The very foundation of the All Blacks is built on their history and culture to inspire and reinforce a winning attitude.
It all comes down to Saturday. Is this the beginning of a new era?
Will the Wallabies light the fires? Or will the All Blacks keep compounding the winning rate?
As it stands its 40 wins to the All Blacks and 12 to the Wallabies.
Lets cock the hammer, its time for action!
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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