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How the All Blacks deal with selection disappointment
There was once a time when a back seat of the bus culture prevailed within the All Blacks. Senior statesmen called the shots. Individuals largely looked out for themselves. Few helped others competing in their same position. Not so, anymore.
This culture has, in fact, flipped on its head so much that it’s now common for All Blacks to be closer to those in their respective roles.
The best example at present is the tightly-contested midfield quartet comprising Sonny Bill Williams, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown. Those members also regularly mention Ngani Laumape who missed squad selection.
As Williams and Goodhue gently ribbed each other at a media conference as the All Blacks prepare for their second World Cup match against Canada in Oita on Wednesday, their genuine affection was clear.
Similar friendships within positional groups extend to the All Blacks’ halfbacks, locks, props, hookers and outside backs.
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In many ways it makes sense. Throughout a test week the All Blacks hold mini group team meetings where they discuss tactics, with these gatherings often extending to dinners or coffees out.
Naturally shared understanding exists with those performing similar roles but the counter is these are all highly competitive driven athletes who desperately want to start every test.
With the All Blacks midfield, four doesn’t go into three. Each week one player misses out and another must sit and wait for the chance via the bench.
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Rather than drop their lip, the All Blacks expect everyone to quickly accept selection decisions, to set aside individual feelings and do everything they can for the collective.
It’s a far cry from the amateur era when starting All Blacks did not give a second thought to helping someone in their position improve for fear of losing their jersey.
“That’s just part of growing up,” Williams, who started at second-five against Canada eight years ago in Hamilton and is expected do so again at his third World Cup, said.
“We’re all at different stages of our lives but I find the more open and honest we are with those feelings the easier it is.
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“We all want to start, we all want to play, but if you’re privileged and blessed to get that opportunity the other guys deserve to be given the best shot possible to perform.
“As you can tell everyone that has put on those midfield numbers over the last couple of years has performed pretty well.
“We have some pretty good convos when we all get together once a week. We talk about things that are happening outside footy rather than what’s happening on the field then we’re all honest about saying we want to start but whoever starts they deserve the rest pushing them and preparing them like they’d want.
“Those kinds of conversations have helped all the midfielders that have played, including Ngani, to be world class when they get on the field.”
Everyone pulling in the same direction, regardless of personal interests, helps makes the All Blacks what they are today.
This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Rodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to comments