The Halftime Speech that Inspired the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup Final
A new series has uncovered the halftime speech that reignited New Zealand’s spirit before they faced South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final.
At halftime, the All Blacks trailed by six points and had lost their captain, an unprecedented challenge in the sport’s most significant event. Captain Sam Cane’s red card and Handre Pollard’s precise kicking had put New Zealand’s championship hopes in jeopardy.
The coaching staff recognized the challenge they faced.
“We had to stay focused and avoid getting too emotional or angry. Understanding the impact of losing a forward was crucial, but the mental aspect was the real challenge,” head coach Ian Foster reflected in NZR+’s latest season of *In Their Own Words*.
Foster’s sentiments were echoed by Gilbert Enoka, the longest-serving member of the All Blacks staff and their mental skills coach. Enoka, who had played a vital role in the All Blacks’ World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, was prepared for moments like these.
“My role at halftime is typically observational,” Enoka explained in the series. “What catches my attention is the silence and the overall atmosphere. Sometimes I have thoughts I don’t voice, but in that moment, I didn’t want to look back and regret not speaking up.
“Sometimes, one person saying the right thing can empower everyone.”
Enoka’s message was simple but powerful, invoking pride in the All Blacks jersey and a sense of hope.
“Boys, no one expects us to win here, but imagine the story if we did. You’d become part of All Black folklore. Go write the story.”
The speech resonated with the players, igniting an inspired second half where they held the Springboks scoreless and nearly took the lead.
Jordie Barrett recalled the impact of Enoka’s words: “When Gilbert said ‘what a story this would be,’ it made you want to run out of that tunnel.”
Richie Mo’unga reflected: “We’ve been through so much together. Why can’t we be the team that overcomes this?”
Dalton Papali’i added: “We’re the All Blacks. We’re not giving up. We’ll fight until the end.”
Though the All Blacks fought valiantly, they ultimately fell short by one point, and the Springboks secured their fourth Webb Ellis Cup in Paris.
Enoka, now retired from the All Blacks, leaves with the knowledge that his words inspired a performance that brought the biggest game in rugby history down to the wire.
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