All Blacks Reflect on the Highs and Lows of 2023: A Candid Look at Their Rugby World Cup Journey…
The second series of “All Blacks In Their Own Words” on NZR+ recounts pivotal moments from last year’s Rugby World Cup campaign, focusing on the final. Key incidents include captain Sam Cane’s red card, the disallowed try by Aaron Smith, and critical missed goal-kicks.
Sam Cane shared his mixed emotions of leading the team while his family watched, only to be taken aback by a yellow card following Jesse Kriel’s sudden counterattack from an errant lineout throw. Cane recalled the moment vividly, especially the shock of the yellow card being upgraded to red.
Reflecting on that time, Cane felt the weight of letting his team down as he saw his and his teammates’ parents in the stands.
Assistant manager Gilbert Enoka described the journey to the final as “dancing on the precipice of greatness.” He emphasized that the 2023 World Cup was a defining moment, a unique event where previous performances held no bearing, and every match was a do-or-die situation. Enoka highlighted the chance for historical greatness, especially with the team reduced to 14 players.
During halftime in Paris, Enoka decided to speak out, stressing that overcoming the loss of their captain and playing with 14 men would make an incredible story. His words energized the team, with Jordie Barrett feeling an immediate urge to return to the field, and Richie Mo’unga embracing the challenge.
Aaron Smith shared a poignant memory of his late father, who encouraged him to go to France and make him proud. Smith aimed to honor his father’s wish and believed he achieved that.
Smith also recalled a moment in the second half when he thought he had scored a try after a break by Mo’unga, only for it to be overturned by the TMO. Another key moment came when Beauden Barrett scored following a break by Mark Tele’a, but Mo’unga missed the conversion. Despite the pressure, Mo’unga saw it as an honor to be in that position, though the miss still haunts him as it could have changed the game’s outcome.
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