Many an All Black fan – and non-fans or neutrals – would have been excused for thinking Ma’a Nonu’s post-match comment on Saturday that “life goes on” was a rather nonchalant or dull response in light of his team’s achievement.
Of course we the fans are all glowing and basking in the victory of our favourite rugby team and a job well done indeed to have won the Webb Ellis trophy a record third time.
Supporters of the Silver Ferns are in their element. We could have asked for no better from the All Blacks, who are always under the pump from die-hard fans to come out on top every time they don the jersey.
The All Blacks did in fact respond to the call from fans in the most emphatic way by achieving their crowning glory at Twickenham – especially now that some of the old guard of arguably the greatest All Black team yet are retiring from international rugby.
Nonu’s comment can be seen as one of being humble in victory, or reference to the fact that there are in fact, more important things in life than a game of rugby. But definitely, his was not a too-hasty response not given much thought, in the wake of victory.
I can understand what Nonu meant.
Despite having earned the ultimate prize in his chosen sport, there are new rugby horizons to conquer. A new team to embrace and what looks like a new culture in Europe, with Toulon.
New beginnings are beckoning in the cauldron of his chosen career. Job done with the All Blacks – it is time to move on! Indeed, you are so right Mr Nonu. In no shape or form were you dumbing down your team’s historic moment, but just making a point that, in the bigger scheme of things, life does go on.
World Cup 2015 is firmly etched in the memory.
The tournament was one for the ages. The tournament swansong between the Trans-Tasman foes was befitting of a final, that promised and delivered in terms of entertainment. The All Blacks’ victory and record are there etched in the history books.
So too is Japan’s shock opening victory against the Springboks that set the tournament into a frenzy. So too Adam Ashley Cooper’s outstanding performance against Argentina in the semifinal and Bernard Foley’s penalty in the dying minutes in driving rain to sneak the quarter-final against Scotland.
So too Georgia overcoming Tonga in Gloucester in their opening match.
Many moments to savour. But yes ‘life goes on’.
The life of the core All Black group will go on. The winning culture, despite looming retirements will continue.
Kiwi fans will have it no other way, they would want the success to assume an upward trend.
So, life will go on. There will be another Everest to climb for the All Blacks. Some have already asked on this forum if the All Blacks can win Japan 2019. There will be a new group of players to welcome into the fold.
The succession plan will be an interesting facet to observe. Whether Sam Cane will fit comfortably into the role Richie McCaw made his own is a big question, but we don’t yet know if Richie will retire.
Will Dan Carter’s replacement even come close to replacing him? Who will be filling Nonu’s sizeable boots? And who will replace Mr dependable, Keven Mealamu – even though he has come off the bench of late? Yes, life will go on indeed in another shape or form for the All Blacks.
We often say that ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’. I hope this will be the case for the All Blacks, in terms of the winning culture and keeping the legacy going in the light of pending retirements.
Here’s wishing Ma’a Nonu the best in his new endeavours.
Another All Black that will go down, in my book anyway, as one of the best ever to don the jersey!
Rah
Guest
I like that midfield pairing. I'd prefer Crafty Crotty on the inside though.
frisky
Guest
You have no right to expect RM to walk away from a $2m /year contract. It has DC’s bank balance no harm. Besides living in France for a few years has non-monetary attractions.
stainlesssteve
Guest
totally with you, T-man Carter, that's different. Good on him, if he wants to battle on. Hopefully he'll turn down the proffered knighthood (i would!!! i'd turn down thousands of 'em)
taylorman
Roar Guru
Tried following NZers in NH but just doesn't do it for me seeing once greats relegated to playing in funny coloured jerseys in the back blocks of France somewhere. Just glad we won't see McCaw in anything but the Red and black of Canterbury and the AB jersey. Reading about some hit on him in a Toulon match at the age of 34 after what his career had been just doesn't seem right.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Hope so NB. He does seem to change with the wind. He'll either go back to league or wil find the Lions appealing. Ego or not, he appears to be chasing whatever had the biggest stage these days, the WCup, sevens, probably the Lions tour seen as the biggest catch in 2017 but in all honesty, judging by this years NH sides and the history of the Lions in NZ I don't see them with much of a chance. One win in ten or so tours pretty lame.
Not Bothered
Guest
You think SBW wont be back in 2017? I think SBW will target 2019 as his goal.
Not Bothered
Guest
Did you think I was referring to individual games? Its pretty obvious I wasnt tbh.
chucked
Guest
IIT won't be quite the same watching the AB'S play without the departing heroes,I think I will start to watch European Rugby, Nonu is a absolute JOY to watch and I think he's only just hit his straps now. Pity NZ don't allow Overseas players into the Squad - then again with the ITM cup who needs to. A pretty sad time for True All Black Fans
cuw
Guest
they can achieve this easily . i think now they have won 14 matches in a row. (at RWC) next time around surely they will will all pool matches - then they will have 18 match streak. after that it will be like new territory for any team.
Playmaker
Guest
A chapter has closed , 3 RWC , back to back, amazing run of wins, record winning streak, unbeaten in a calender year. This team has done it all, every challenge met....the core remains, all the best for 2016...it will be interesting.
Gazzatron
Guest
I'm not sure McCaw will be missed as much as people think. His workrate is outstanding and his tactical nous is a level above but I'm not sure it's his rugby playing ability that's going to missed. I'd say it will be his leadership and pride he brings to the black jersey. He might even do a Mealamu and ride the pine next year to help the team better transition. Cane is a great replacement to have and he is still so young so will only get better and better. I'm with you on the midfield. Geez the Crotty/Fekitoa combo hardly fills me with confidence haha
shrink
Roar Rookie
There's not much else left to achieve other than the triple crown, perhaps longest winning sequence - that would be nice
Gazzatron
Guest
I get what you mean Markus. Nonu is a double threat with running or passing so he sucked in defenders. Kuridrani coming infield is simply to get over the gain line and get a quick recycle. I wouldn't have expected a long cut out pass from him. Crotty is more in the Conrad mould for me. Sure he can run but he isn't Nonu or Moala who will attract the defenders attention and more often than not take 2 or 3 to bring them down. You're probably right about Crotty being 12 in the short term. But like Taylorman above, Crotty and Fekitoa just don't do it for me either.
Markus
Guest
Realistically Nonu was/is still a playmaking 12, just one that is also a strong line breaking runner and hitter. There was nothing stopping Kuridrani being utilised as a hard runner in closer channels, and I think he was used more regularly in that manner while McKenzie was coaching. Crotty I think will cover 12 in the short term until another player comes through the ranks.
MrT
Guest
Gotta win the RC back first... Next challenge for the ABs - win the Tri-Nations / Rugby Championship AND the World Cup in the same year... ;-) (yes, I'm just having a little chuckle!)
Overthehill
Roar Rookie
Yes indeed....life does go on, with retirements and the inevitable changes this brings,not just All Blacks but many teams across the board, enjoy the moment but look forward to; Exciting times ahead for teams to seize the opportunity.Here's a benchmark, plan accordingly, put systems in place four years to build and construct a team plus culture plus all that goes with it. Set realistic goals and strive to achieve same. Finances.........sad but true,fact of life, some teams/countries will just not have the financial capabilities of some of the 'top tier' nations.............so it's barbecues and sausage sizzles............hmmmm,nah.I don't know what the solution here is//??Perhaps home nation administrators taking a pay cut etc.What do you think? Some players (as in All Blacks) who are retiring appear irreplaceable, but it's a fact of life, get over it,life goes on...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Same here and it also depends on what sort of back row make-up we have to support the mid-field at the breakdown and in the tackle. We'll miss the workrate of McCaw there so that area's really a challenge for Hansen. We don't lose anything on the back 3 or tight 5 (besides Mealamu) so how they work in a new backrow/ midfield is the guts of the changes. ...albeit very exciting ones. A Crotty/ Fekitoa midfield just doesnt do it for me...
Machooka
Roar Guru
Interesting read mactheblack. And yes, good luck to Ma'a as he thoroughly deserves it. In a team that has been so dominant for the past decade, or so, it's been fabulous to watch so many great players play. And Ma'a has definitely been one of them. I don't think there has been a better centre pairing than him and Conrad in recent times. Maybe never! Both seem to compliment each other, and therefore are a terrific mid-field combination. Whether it's attack, or defense, they have the right weapons. Ma'a even developed a reasonable kicking game of late. As a Wallaby supporter we've also had some great combos in the past... Horan and Little jump to mind. But as good as they were I'm thinking that Ma'a and Conrad are deserved of being in the conversation as to the very best of all time. And, as life goes on, this claim might become further cemented in the minds of most fair dinkum supporters of our game.
stainlesssteve
Guest
Nonu's remark probably accords with the opinion held by many intelligent commentators: The RWC is a bunch of commercial hoopla, with rugby coming third and daylight in second place We live with bad reffing decisions as part of our game, but world cup ref controversies always seem to have o longer lingering bad taste The SANZAAAARGH community rocks Four more years, thank God
stainlesssteve
Guest
a few countries have come close in the last four years. A huge percentage of those 50-odd games were nail-biters