'People walking down the street bring it up': The All Blacks can't escape the 2019 semi-final
Acting All Blacks captain, Sam Whitelock has admitted the external talk around his side’s 2019 semi-final rematch with England has been impossible to avoid but remains resolute the internal noise has been minimal but productive.
The 142-cap-All Black is lining up for his sixth Twickenham test in his 12-year tenure with the All Blacks and expressed nothing but excitement to be returning to “the home of rugby”, summarising his anticipation with a typically understated remark: “24 hours out, can’t wait”.
The top-trending narrative around the match is undeniably how the two sides have not met since the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final, in which England eliminated the All Blacks’ title hopes in a powerful display of intent and physicality.
“Yeah, it’s there, it’s in history,” Whitelock said of the match. “We’ve had a few people walking down the street bring it up as well.
“We’re aware of it but at the same time, this group’s changed a lot since then, a lot of people and personnel have changed, a lot of structures and that’s just us and then you also look at them.
“We’re looking forward to getting out there, we haven’t played them since ’19 so I can’t wait to get out there.”
The Covid-19 pandemic deprived the rugby community of an earlier rematch and Whitelock noted the match now only served as motivation for the players who didn’t suffer the defeat in Japan.
“For a lot of the guys that were there, they know what it’s like playing against England in a big game and this is one of those big games so I wouldn’t say it’s the front of my mind personally, but definitely aware of what it’s like playing England here at the home of rugby at Twickenham.”
The 2019 match denied the All Blacks a shot at a World Cup three-peat and would eventually lead to South Africa lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.
While that tournament was three years ago now and much has changed, Whitelock acknowledged there were learnings to take out of the match.
“There’s always things you look at, England started really well and they just squeezed us out of the game and they did that really well, so that’s something that we’re aware of this week.
England started the 2019 showdown by forming a V formation in response to the haka and Eddie Jones’ recent remarks imply the English may have another plan for accepting the All Blacks’ iconic challenge.
“If they do that it’s obviously up to them,” Whitelock said of the rumours.
“It just shows that they’re accepting the challenge and you know, they can do what they want.
“For us, we’ve always done the Haka for ourselves, reconnecting with the people that have gone before us and also the people standing beside, in front of us. So that’s why we do it.
“If they feel like that’s going to help them, well good on them.
“I can’t say I’ve thought about it too much so we’ll just wait and see if it happens.
Comments on RugbyPass
$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
2 Go to commentsFour Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
2 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to comments