All Blacks
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| New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Union | New Zealand Rugby Football Union | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | All Blacks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coach | Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg Graham Henry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Captain | Richie McCaw | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Most caps | Sean Fitzpatrick (92) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top scorer | Andrew Mehrtens (967) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| First international | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Australia 3 - 22 New Zealand (15 August, 1903) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Largest win | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Zealand 145 - 17 Japan (4 June, 1995) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Worst defeat | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Australia 28 - 7 New Zealand (28 August, 1999) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 5 (First in 1987) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Champions, 1987 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All Blacks is the name of New Zealand's international rugby union team. The name dates from the first tour of the United Kingdom by a New Zealand national rugby team, the Originals, in 1905–1906. According to Billy Wallace, one of the members of the Originals, a London newspaper said the New Zealanders played as if they were "all backs". <ref name=ABname>ALL BLACKS - The Name?. rugbymuseum.co.nz. Retrieved on 8 September, 2006.</ref> Wallace claimed that due to a typographical error, subsequent references were to "All Blacks". This is likely myth however, as the name also describes their playing uniform of black shirts, shorts and socks.<ref name="ABname"/>
Rugby union is New Zealand's national sport and hence All Blacks selection is considered a high honour. The All Blacks are a formidable power in international rugby union, possessing a winning record against all rugby nations. As well as winning the Rugby World Cup in 1987 they have been Tri Nations champions seven times (in the 11 year history of the tournament) and have twice (in 1978 and in 2005) completed a Grand Slam (wins over England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland) tour of the Home nations. They are also current holders of the Bledisloe Cup, contested annually against Australia. They are currently the number-one ranked team in the world.<ref name=WorldRank>IRB World Rankings. irb.com. Retrieved on 8 September, 2006.</ref>
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Introduction of rugby to New Zealand
Rugby was introduced to New Zealand by Charles Monro in the late 1860s, Monro having discovered the game while completing his studies at Christ's College Finchley, England.<ref name="Monro">Davies, Sean (27 September 2006). All Black magic: New Zealand rugby. bbc.co.uk. Retrieved on 12 November, 2006.</ref> The first game took place in May 1870 and the first union, Canterbury, was formed in 1879.<ref name="CRFUFormed">Gifford (2004), pg 27.</ref> In 1882 New Zealand's first international games were played when the Southern Rugby Union (later the New South Wales Rugby Union) toured the country. The tourists played Auckland provincial clubs twice, Wellington twice and had one game against Canterbury, Otago and West Coast, North Island. The visitors won four games and lost three. Two years later the first New Zealand team to go overseas toured New South Wales, played eight games and won them all.<ref "NSWTour">Gifford (2004), pg 29.</ref>
The first tour by a British team took place in 1888 when a British Isles team toured the Australian colonies and New Zealand—although no test matches were played. The players were drawn mainly from England and the Scottish borders, though there were representatives from all four home unions. This tour was not sanctioned by the Rugby Football Union as it was organised by entrepreneurs and thus contravened the strict regulations the union had pertaining to professionalism.[citation needed]
[edit] International competition begins
The NZRFU was formed in 1892. Seven unions were represented, with the significant absence of Canterbury, Otago and Southland.<ref name="NZRUNoCanty">Gifford (2004), pg 32.</ref><ref>Canterbury, Otago and Southland objected to the fact that to be on the NZRU executive committee one needed to live in Wellington. They eventually all joined the NZRFU, however the residency rule didn't change until 1986.</ref> The first sanctioned New Zealand side went to New South Wales in 1893. New Zealand played its first home "international" game in 1894, losing 8-6 to New South Wales.<ref name="firsthome">New South Wales in New Zealand. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 30 October, 2006.</ref> Its first true international match was against Australia on 15 August, 1903 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, resulting in a 22-3 win.<ref name="firsttest">1st All Black Test : 45th All Black Game. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 30 October, 2006.</ref>
A representative New Zealand team first toured Britain in 1905 (since referred to as the Originals). For the first time, the term All Blacks was used.<ref name="ABname"/> The tour was a success for the Originals, their only loss was 3-0 to Wales at Cardiff.<ref name="OriginalsTourStats">In the British Isles, France and North America. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 30 October, 2006.</ref> The match has become folklore in both countries due to debate whether All Black Bob Deans scored a try which would have earned the All Blacks a 3-3 draw. Although the British Isles first visited New Zealand in 1888, they didn't play a test until their return in 1908. The 1908 British Isles team were known as the Anglo-Welsh as they consisted only of English and Welsh players; the All Blacks won the test series 2-0.
[edit] Development of a legacy
New Zealand's rivalry with South Africa began in 1921 when the Springboks toured New Zealand for a tense and competitive test series finishing all square.<ref name="1921Springboks">South Africa and New South Wales in New Zealand. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 30 October, 2006.</ref> The 1924 All Black tourists to the UK were dubbed the Invincibles due to the fact that they won every game. The opportunity to attempt a grand slam was prevented when Scotland refused to play them in an argument over expenses.<ref>Palenski (2003), pg 74.</ref> The All Blacks toured South Africa for the first time in 1928, the series also a draw.
The first truly representative British Lions side toured New Zealand in 1930, the Lions won the first test after some tough provincial games in New Zealand, but the home side regrouped and won the series 3-1. New Zealand toured the UK again in 1935-36, losing only four games (however two of these were tests). One loss was their game against England when Prince Obolensky scored two tries to help England to a 13-0 win, their first over the All Blacks.<ref name="Obolenskymatch">Gallagher, Brendan (2 November 2006). The day a Russian prince in an England shirt beat the All Blacks. telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved on 2 November, 2006.</ref>
In 1937, South Africa won a series against the All Blacks when they toured New Zealand. The 1937 South African team has been described as the best team to ever leave New Zealand.<ref>Palenski (2003), pg 192.</ref><ref name="56Springboks">THE 1956 SPRINGBOK TOUR. rugbymuseum.co.nz. Retrieved on 3 November, 2006.</ref> The All Blacks next played the Springboks when they visited South Africa in 1949. The tour witnessed an unusual All Blacks' record, the loss of two test matches on the same day. The All Blacks captained by Fred Allen were touring South Africa at the same time as Australia were touring New Zealand. On the afternoon of September 3 (New Zealand time), the All Black team captained by J. B. (Johnny) Smith was beaten 11-6 by the Wallabies at Wellington.<ref name=AustLoss>67th All Black Test : 362nd All Black Game. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 8 September, 2006.</ref> That same afternoon in South Africa (South Africa time), the All Blacks captained by Ron Elvidge (Allen was injured) lost 9-3 to the Springboks at Durban.<ref name=SALoss>68th All Black Test : 363rd All Black Game. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 8 September, 2006.</ref> Those All Blacks in NZ also lost their second test, 16-9, which gave the Wallabies the Bledisloe Cup for the first time. The All Blacks were also beaten 4-0 in their series against South Africa.
The two series losses to South Africa made their 1956 tour of New Zealand highly anticipated. The All Blacks were captained by Bob Duff and coached by Bob Stuart. The All Blacks won the series 3-1, their first series win over the Springboks and the Springboks first ever series loss.<ref name="1956stats">South Africa in New Zealand. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 3 November, 2006.</ref><ref name="1956Springboks"/> The All Blacks had introduced Don Clarke and Kevin Skinner in the last two tests to help secure the series win.<ref name="1956Springboks"/> Don Clark became known as "The Boot" for his goal kicking, whilst Skinner was introduced to "sort out" the South African props.<ref name="SkinnerProfile">Kevin Skinner. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 3 November, 2006.</ref><ref name="TheBoot">Don Clarke(1933 - ). nzhalloffame.co.nz. Retrieved on 3 November, 2006.</ref>
The All Blacks 1959 3-1 series win over the Lions saw the start of a dominant period in All Blacks rugby. New Zealand touring sides to the UK from the 1960s on were powerful forces, dominated by the legendary names of Meads, Clarke and Whineray. The 1963-64 team, led by Wilson Whineray, failed to achieve a Grand Slam only because of a scoreless draw with Scotland.<ref name="GrandSlamAttempts">Beach beckons as All Blacks celebrate history. nzherald.co.nz (27 November 2005). Retrieved on 12 November, 2006.</ref> The 1967 side won three tests, but was unable to play Ireland because of a foot-and-mouth scare.<ref name="GrandSlamAttempts"/> Although the 1966 Lions were defeated 0-4 in their New Zealand tour, there was a reversal of fortune in 1971. Under the captaincy of Welshman John Dawes, the 1971 Lions beat the All Blacks in a test series. That remains the Lions' only series victory in New Zealand.
The 1972-3 tourists again narrowly missed a Grand Slam with a draw against Ireland.<ref name="GrandSlamAttempts"/> The tour was notable for the sending home of prop Keith Murdoch <ref name="MurdochHome">Lowe, Robert (7 October 2005). Disgraced All Black 'heroic' in dignified silence. nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved on 12 November, 2006.</ref> who was alleged to have been involved in a brawl in a Cardiff hotel while celebrating the defeat of the Welsh.<ref name="MurdochHome"/> Graham Mourie's 1978 All Blacks became the first to achieve a Grand Slam. That game generated controversy after the All Blacks won due to a late penalty after lock Haden dived out of a line-out. However, the penalty awarded by referee Roger Quittenton was against Welsh lock Geoff Wheel for jumping off the shoulder of Frank Oliver.<ref name="HaddenDive">Mehaffey, John (24 November 2005). Mourie has mixed emotions over Haden dive. tiscali.co.uk. Retrieved on 12 November, 2006.</ref> The All Blacks' only loss on the tour was the famous 12-0 defeat by Irish province Munster at Thomond Park.<ref name="MunsterLoss">Irish, Oliver (7 April 2002). The 10 greatest shocks in sport's history. guardian.co.uk. Retrieved on 12 November, 2006.</ref> The match has been made famous by the John Breen play Alone it Stands.<ref name="AsitStands">Smythe, John (01 April 2005). Alone It Stands - at Court Theatre. http://nbr.co.nz/smythe/.+Retrieved on 12 November, 2006.</ref>
The 1981 South African tour to New Zealand is now regarded in New Zealand as "The Tour".<ref name="1981wairarapa">Sharpe, Marty (25 August 2001). Dark days of thunder - when a free nation confronted apartheid in sport. wairarapa.co.nz. Retrieved on 13 November, 2006.</ref> The tour sparked protests against South Africa's apartheid policy.<ref name="1981wairarapa"/> The tour caused protests and demonstrations not seen in New Zealand in 30 years.<ref name="CountryDivided">Watters, Steve. A country divided. nzhistory.net.nz. Retrieved on 13 November, 2006.</ref> The NZRU had invited the Springboks to tour as the Muldoon government refused to involve politics in sport.<ref name="Gleneagles">Watters, Steve. From Montreal to Gleneagles. nzhistory.net.nz. Retrieved on 13 November, 2006.</ref> Although the All Blacks won the test series, two of the tour's provincial games were cancelled and the whole tour was marred by violence and protest.<ref name="Tour Diary">Watters, Steve. 'A war played out twice a week' publisher=nzhistory.net.nz. Retrieved on 13 November, 2006.</ref> During the tour the country descended into near civil war, and the tour had a significant impact on New Zealand society.<ref name="Tour Diary"/><ref name="1981wairarapa"/><ref name="TurningPoint">Hill, Ruth (2006-07-08). Protests a turning point in the history of New Zealand. nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref>
The 1985 All Blacks tour to South Africa was cancelled after legal action successfully argued it would breach the union's own constitution.<ref name="TurningPoint"/> In 1986 a tour to South Africa occurred. This tour was not authorised by the NZRFU and the team, named the Cavaliers, featured many All Blacks of the time.<ref name="CavaliersABs">Luxford, Bob. Bernie Fraser. rugbymuseum.co.nz. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref><ref name="CABlazey">Millen, Julia (2006-04-07). Blazey, Cecil Albert 1909 - 1998. Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref> Those that participated in the tour received a ban from the NZRFU when they returned to New Zealand.<ref name="RugbyTime">Rugby Chronology. rfu.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref>
[edit] Early World Cups
The inaugural World Cup in 1987 was co-hosted and won by New Zealand, beating France 29-9 in the final at Eden Park, Auckland. New Zealand conceded only 52 points and scored 43 tries in six games en route to the title, having swept aside the challenges of Italy, Fiji, Argentina, Scotland, Wales and France.<ref name="1987RWC">World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. rugbymuseum.co.nz. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref>
By the 1991 World Cup the All Blacks were an ageing side,<ref>Palenski (2003), pg 227.</ref> co-coached by Alex Wyllie and John Hart. They struggled during pool matches against the United States and Italy.<ref>Palenski (2003), pg 228.</ref> The All Blacks won their quarter-final against Canada but were then knocked out by eventual winners Australia 16-6 in the semi-final at Lansdowne Road. In the wake of the tournament there were many retirements including coach Wyllie, who had enjoyed an 86% win rate during 29 tests in charge.<ref>Palenski (2003), pg 290.</ref>
Laurie Mains was given the job for preparing the side for the 1995 event in South Africa. The All Blacks were again favourites to take the championship.<ref name="1995Favourites">All set for World Cup semis. worldcupweb.com (2003-11-14). Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref> A young Jonah Lomu made a huge impact upon the World Cup, especially in the 45-29 win over England where he scored four tries.<ref name="Jonah">Knight, Lindsay. Jonah Tali Lomu. rugbymuseum.co.nz. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref> The New Zealand team suffered an outbreak of food poisoning before the final but took hosts South Africa to extra time before losing to Joel Stransky's drop goal.<ref name="FoodPoisoning">Springboks poisoned at 1995 Cup: Luyt. NZPA (2003-10-30). Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref><ref name="StranskyBoot">1995: Party time for SA. bbc.co.uk (2003-09-23). Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref>
[edit] Professional era
In 1995 the professional era in rugby union began. South Africa, New Zealand and Australia combined to form the SANZAR group.<ref name="SANZARBorn">Howitt (2005), pg 7.</ref> SANZAR formed to the sell TV rights for two new competitions, the domestic Super 12 competition and the Tri-nations.<ref name="SANZARBorn"/> The first Tri-nations was contested in 1996 , the All Blacks winning all four of their tests to take the trophy.<ref>Howitt (2005), pg 170.</ref>
The 1996 Tri-nations match in South Africa between the All Blacks and Springboks was also the first in a historic series. Under new coach John Hart, and under the captaincy of Sean Fitzpatrick, the All Blacks won a test series in South Africa for the first time.<ref name="PalenskiSA1996">Palenski (2003), pg 206.</ref> Fitzpatrick even rated the series win higher then the 1987 World Cup victory he was involved in.<ref name="PalenskiSA1996"/>
The next two seasons saw mixed results for the All Blacks, winning the 1997 Tri-nations then losing it for the first time in 1998. The All Blacks won all their Tri-nations tests in 1997.<ref>Howitt (2005), pg 185.</ref> However in 1998 the All Blacks lost all four of their tests, the first time they'd lost four in succession since 1949.<ref>Howitt (2005), pg 199.</ref> As well, they suffered their worst ever test loss in 1998, a 28-7 loss to Australia in Sydney.<ref name="1999loss">Palenski (2003), pg 233.</ref>
At the 1999 World Cup the All Blacks again dominated their pool, including a 30-16 defeat of England at Twickenham, they next got past Scotland 30-18 in the quarter-finals. The All Blacks faced France in the semi-finals at Twickenham. The All Blacks finished the first half ahead 17-10.<ref name="1999loss"/> France then produced a famous half of rugby to which the All Blacks had no answer, eventually winning 43-31.<ref name="1999loss"/> Hart subsequently resigned as coach and was replaced by co-coaches Wayne Smith and Tony Gilbert.
Under Smith and Gilbert the All Blacks came second in the 2000 and 2001 Tri-nations, both coaches were replaced by John Mitchell in 2002. Mitchell coached the All Blacks to victory in both the 2002 and 2003 Tri-nations, as well as regaining the Bledisloe Cup in 2003, held by Australia since 1998. Due to their Tri-nations dominance the All Blacks entered the 2003 World Cup as favourites. As expected they dominated their pool, running up big wins against Italy, Canada and Tonga before winning one of the games of the tournament against Wales. They then beat South Africa, a team they had never beaten at the World Cup, 29-9. They lost out again to Australia 22-10 in the semi final in Sydney. Mitchell was then fired by the NZRU and replaced by Graham Henry.
Henry's tenure started with a double victory over reigning World Champions England in 2004. The two games had an aggregate score of 72-15, with the All Blacks keeping England try-less.<ref name="ABGame1102">382nd All Black Test : 1102nd All Black Game. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-16.</ref><ref name="ABGame1103">383nd All Black Test : 1103rd All Black Game. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-16.</ref> Despite the winning start to Henry's tenure, the Tri-nations was a mixed success with two wins and two losses. The competition was the closest ever, bonus points decided the outcome and the All Blacks finished last.<ref>Howitt (2005), pg 289.</ref> The 2004 season finished on a high however, with the All Blacks winning in Europe, including a record 45-6 victory over France.<ref name="ABGame1112">392nd All Black Test : 1112th All Black Game. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-16.</ref>
In 2005 the All Blacks whitewashed the touring British and Irish Lions 3-0 in the test series, won the Tri-Nations and won the Grand Slam over the Home Nations. They went on to sweep the major International Rugby Board year-end awards.<ref name="IRBawards">IRB Awards past winners. irb.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref> The All Blacks were named Team of the Year, Henry was named Coach of the Year, and fly-half (first five) Daniel Carter was Player of the Year.
In 2006, they again took the Tri Nations Series by winning their first five matches, (three against Australia and two against South Africa) however they lost their final match of the series, against South Africa. They completed their end of year tour unbeaten, with record away wins over France and England.<ref name=2006EFrecord>Phillips, Mitch (2006-11-26). Awesome All Blacks widen the gulf. guardian.co.uk. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.</ref> The All Blacks were named 2006 IRB Team of the Year.<ref name="2006IRBaward">McCaw is the world's best. planetrugby.com (2006-11-27). Retrieved on 2006-11-28.</ref>
[edit] Jersey
The current All Black jersey is entirely black, with the Adidas logo and the NZRU silver fern on the front. The 1884 New Zealand tour to Australia was the first overseas New Zealand rugby tour, and the team donned a dark blue jersey, which had a gold fern on the left of the jumper - far different from today's jersey.<ref "BlueJGoldF">Gifford (2004), pg 28.</ref> In 1893 the NZRU stipulated at its annual general meeting that the uniform would be black jersey with a silver fern and white knickerbockers.<ref name="Jersey1893">Palenski (2003), pg 17.</ref> However historic photographs suggest white shorts may have been used instead during these early years. Sometime between 1897 and 1901 there was a change, by 1901 the team met NSW in a black jersey, a canvas top with no collar, and a silver fern.<ref name=jerseychange>The “All Black” Uniform. Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved on 31 October, 2006.</ref>
The All Blacks jersey is today considered the most well recognized rugby jersey in the world.<ref name=ABJersey>All Blacks Rugby Jersey. champions.co.nz. Retrieved on 8 September, 2006.</ref> Recently it has become traditional for the All Blacks to wear an embroidered poppy on their jersey sleeve when playing France during the end of year tours.<ref name=francejersey>All Blacks jerseys to have Poppies embroidered on them for French tests. Radio New Zealand. Retrieved on 26 October, 2006.</ref> The poppy honours the soldiers who died in the battlefields of Europe. Captain Richie McCaw said "We want to honour the overseas service of New Zealanders. It is an important part of our history as a country and a team.".<ref name=richiecomment>All Blacks to honour fallen soldiers. IOL. Retrieved on 26 October, 2006.</ref> There have been claims recently the jersey has been "cheapened" due to the large number of debut All Blacks selected.<ref name="KirwanComment">Kirwan, John (2006-11-05). All Blacks right on target but England look wide of the mark. guardian.co.uk. Retrieved on 2006-11-16.</ref> However selector Brian Lochore was adamant that this was not the case, saying "The All Blacks jersey is something you have to earn. You don't give it away and I'm comfortable we have not given it away.".<ref name=notcheapened>Black jersey not cheapened: Lochore. Rugby Heaven. Retrieved on 26 October, 2006.</ref>
[edit] The haka
Image:ABHakaWales.jpg The All Blacks perform a haka (Māori dance) before each international match. The haka has been closely associated with New Zealand ever since the New Zealand Natives tour of 1888. Until 2005, the haka performed by the All Blacks had usually been "Ka Matè". Before the August 2005 Tri Nations test match between New Zealand and South Africa at Carisbrook stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, the All Blacks, first performed the haka "Kapa o Pango".<ref name="KapaoPango">Stokes, Jon (29 August 2005). New haka the cutting edge of sport. nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved on 30 October, 2006.</ref> The new haka was designed to reflect the multi-cultural make-up of contemporary New Zealand, in particular the influence of Polynesian cultures. This is to be performed on "special occasions" and is not intended to replace "Ka Matè".<ref name="NotReplaceHaka">Hinton, Marc (2005-08-27). ABs Reveal New Haka. xtramsn.co.nz. Retrieved on 2006-11-16.</ref>
"Kapa o Pango" has been a source of controversy, specifically the "throat slitting" action which concludes the haka.<ref "HakaControvery">Cleary, Mick (6 September 2005). Cut-throat haka does All Blacks no favours. telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved on 31 October, 2006.</ref> According to Kapo o Pango composer Derek Lardelli the gesture represents "drawing vital energy into the heart and lungs."<ref name="GestureMeaning">Kapa O Pango gets green light. planet-rugby.com (08 July 2006). Retrieved on 30 October, 2006.</ref>
On November 25 2006 in the Wales v New Zealand rugby match at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, the All Blacks caused controversy by not traditionally performing their "Haka" on the field prior to kick off. The reason being that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) wanted Wales to sing their National Anthem after the All Blacks had performed their "Haka", so as Wales would be able to respond to the "Haka" challenge before kickoff. New Zealand disagreed with this request and ended up performing their "Haka" in their dressing room before entering the field. The story featured heavily in the British media and the WRU came under a lot of criticism for the part they played in the saga.
[edit] Record
[edit] Tri Nations
The All Blacks' main annual competition is the Tri Nations Series played against Australia and South Africa where their record of seven series wins (the most recent in 2006) and 30 match wins is well ahead of the other two teams. The Bledisloe Cup is also contested between New Zealand and Australia as part of the Tri-Nations.
| Nation | Games | Points | Bonus points | Table points | Championships | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| played | won | drawn | lost | for | against | difference | ||||
| Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand | 46 | 32 | 0 | 14 | 1264 | 924 | +340 | 22 | 150 | 7 |
| Image:Flag of Australia.svg Australia | 46 | 18 | 1 | 27 | 979 | 1060 | -91 | 24 | 98 | 2 |
| Image:Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa | 46 | 18 | 1 | 27 | 940 | 1189 | -249 | 16 | 90 | 2 |
Updated 11 September 2006
[edit] World Cup
Although entering the World Cup as favourites on most occasions, the All Blacks have won it only once — the inaugural competition held in New Zealand and Australia in 1987. Nevertheless, they are the only team to have reached the semifinals in every World Cup tournament.<ref name=RWCFavourites>Gilhooly, Daniel (2006-11-17). Zinzan Brooke defends All Blacks - 'we can win the Cup'. NZPA. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.</ref> Full results:
[edit] Overall
The All Blacks have a positive win record against every nation they have played. They have won 308 of the 417 matches played, a win percentage of 73.86% (see table). By this measure the All Blacks are the most successful international rugby union team in history.
Their Test match record against all nations (listed in order of total matches), updated to 26 November 2006, is as follows:<ref name="ABrecord">All Blacks Test Match Record since first test match.. allblacks.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.</ref>
| Against</td> <th width="70">Played | <th width="70">Won</th> <th width="70">Lost</th> <th width="70">Drawn</th> <th width="70">% Won</th>||
|---|---|---|
| ‡ Inductees to the International Rugby Hall of Fame | ||
[edit] See also
- The Original All Blacks (1905)
- The Invincibles (rugby union)
- 1981 Springbok Tour
- Bledisloe Cup
- Tri Nations Series
- Rugby World Cup
- All Blacks vs Springboks
- 2006 Kapa O Pango controversy
[edit] Notes and References
[edit] Bibliography
- Gifford, Phil (2004). The Passion - The Stories Behind 125 years of Canterbury Rugby. Wilson Scott Publishing. ISBN 0-9582535-1-X.
- Howitt, Bob (2005). SANZAR Saga - Ten Years of Super 12 and Tri-Nations Rugby. Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 1-86950-566-2.
- Palenski, Ron (2003). Century in Black - 100 Years of All Black Test Rugby. Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers Limited. ISBN 1-86958-937-8.
[edit] External links
- All Blacks official website
- All Blacks official match and player statistics
- unofficial NZ All Blacks
- Official IRB World Rankings
- Haka at Google Video
| Federation: | New Zealand Rugby Football Union |
| National teams: | All Blacks • Junior All Blacks • New Zealand sevens team • New Zealand Māori • Black Ferns |
| International Competitions: | Rugby World Cup • Tri Nations • Super 14 • Pacific Nations Cup • Bledisloe Cup • Churchill Cup • Rugby World Cup Sevens |
| Super 14 teams: | Blues • Chiefs • Crusaders • Highlanders • Hurricanes |
| Domestic Competitions: | Air New Zealand Cup • Heartland Championship • Ranfurly Shield • Hanan Shield |
| Air New Zealand Cup teams: | Auckland • Bay of Plenty • Canterbury • Counties Manukau • Hawke's Bay • Manawatu • North Harbour • Northland • Otago • Southland • Taranaki • Tasman • Waikato • Wellington |
| Heartland Championship teams: | Buller • East Coast • Horowhenua-Kapiti • King Country • Mid Canterbury • North Otago • Poverty Bay • South Canterbury • Thames Valley • Wairarapa Bush • Wanganui • West Coast |
| Rugby Union in: | Australia • New Zealand • South Africa |
| Federations: | Australian Rugby Union • New Zealand Rugby Football Union • South African Rugby Union • SANZAR |
| Tri Nations teams: | Australia • New Zealand • South Africa |
| Super 14 teams | Blues • Brumbies • Bulls • Cheetahs • Chiefs • Crusaders • Force • Highlanders • Hurricanes • Lions • Reds • Sharks • Stormers • Waratahs |
| Champions: | Super 12 • Super 14 • Tri Nations |
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