Former coach and outspoken pundit Matt Williams believes that the Springboks and Ireland have contributed significantly in making the All Blacks mere mortals.
In 2015, New Zealand were very much the dominant force in the game having won back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles.
They then continued to be the sport’s best side leading into the 2019 World Cup before they were eliminated by England at the semi-final stage.
That tournament was won by South Africa, who then followed up by retaining the Webb Ellis Cup four years later after overcoming the All Blacks 12-11 in the final.
In between, Ireland were arguably the top nation after taking the number one spot in the World Rugby rankings after an historic series victory on New Zealand soil in 2022.
‘Crushing blow’
“Despite reaching the World Cup final, in recent years the New Zealanders have suffered defeats to Ireland, France, Argentina and four in a row against Springboks that has ended their decades-long world dominance,” Williams wrote in his Irish Times column.
“The dawning of the reality that the Springboks are better than anything in a black jersey has led to an existential crisis of identity within the Shaky Isles.
“The Kiwis have become so accustomed to, as they see it, being superior to all other rugby species on the planet, that the realisation that this image of themselves no longer holds true has come as a crushing blow to their self image.
“Until a few years ago, the Kiwis considered their national team similar to the way the Romans thought of the Legions of their ancient Empire. The Romans and the New Zealanders believed their warriors’ global dominance was good for everyone, which of course was true if you were a Roman or a Kiwi. For the rest of humanity, it sucked.
“Like the Visigoth hordes sacking the ancient Roman capital, the Irish arrived in New Zealand in 2022 and they did not bother knocking on the front door. Instead, they kicked it off its hinges and the New Zealand mindset has never recovered.”
Despite Ireland’s good recent record against the All Blacks, it was New Zealand who delivered when it mattered most in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.
Scott Robertson has since taken charge of the side but they have endured a mixed year so far after losing three of their six matches in the Rugby Championship.
Andy Farrell’s men will therefore be favourites for Friday’s clash but Williams has warned that they will be a huge threat.
Still a ‘world powerhouse’
“The reality is the national rugby team of New Zealand remains a world powerhouse. While close defeats are never acceptable, New Zealand were only millimetres behind the Springboks in both the World Cup final and their first Test at Ellis Park, both of which should have been won by New Zealand,” he wrote.
“Do not be fooled into a false sense of security by the irrational and emotional panic frothing up from the New Zealand rugby media. The New Zealand team that walks on to the turf of the Aviva next Friday will pose the greatest challenge to Ireland since the Eddie Jones-coached England team wiped the floor with green jerseys in the opening match of the 2019 Six Nations.
“For this match, New Zealand have several considerable advantages over Ireland. First, since Ireland last played in Durban in July, New Zealand have played six Rugby Championship matches plus last week’s match against the Cherry Blossoms, who were not so brave, and then Saturday’s match against England at Twickenham.
“Time spent together at training and in matches is an essential ingredient in a team’s growth. Something that this developing New Zealand team desperately requires, and will benefit from.”
