We preview the teams, players, coaches and more...
With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, we’ve decided to launch our own mini blog series on Belushis.com. We’re going to be previewing the teams, coaches and players who’ll be competing to win the William Webb Ellis Cup. We’ll also be bringing up much much more than that, to keep you up to date with everything about this year’s RWC.
And what better place to start than the number 1 ranked test side and current holders, The All Blacks.
ALL BLACKS: Team Preview
Recent History
After winning the RWC in 2011 and again in 2015, Steve Hanson’s team has been successful in transforming the heart of its team, replacing former superstars such as Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, with a new generation and rightfully sit as favourites to lift the trophy!
However, the All Blacks have shown some weaknesses in recent seasons after drawing the series with the Lions and suffering losses in the Rugby Championship. They’ll be keen to show they’re still the World’s best in Japan!
Last World Cup
New Zealand smashed every opponent they faced in 2015 including a 62-13 thrashing of France in the quarter finals. Hansen led the team to beat Australia 34-17 in the 2015 final. His coaching style? Winning is never enough.
The Coach
It doesn’t take an idiot to know that Steve Hansen has the best CV in world rugby. The two time World Cup winning coach simply doesn’t accept less than perfection and since taking over from Graham Henry in 2012, the All Blacks have been immense! With his impending retirement as he steps down after the world cup, Hansen will want to secure his legacy as the best coach ever.
The Captain: Kieran Read
Kieran Read is the most capped member of the All Blacks squad with 118 caps. Becoming captain after the last world cup, he has big shoes to fill following on from Richie McCall who led New Zealand to consecutive World Cup victories. The All Blacks couldn’t wish for a better leader as the Crusaders back rower will put his body on the line but also lead with his passion and great rugby brain.
The Key Player: Beauden Barrett
Whether playing at fly half or full back, the two time world player of the year will be one of the stars of the tournament. Likely to be playing alongside two of his brother’s, the hurricanes first five-eighth possesses one of the best skill sets in world rugby and will be key to the success of the All Blacks as long as he stays fit.
Our Prediction
Kieran Read and Steve Hansen to retire as world champions!
Did you know?
Did you know that Hakas are not all war dances. There are different varieties of the Haka that you might witness the All Blacks perform before each game.
Wanna watch the All Blacks in action? Belushi’s Bars across Europe will be showing all of the key fixtures from the Rugby World Cup live on HD screens. Book your table on Belushis.com.
Their Fixtures
As the current Rugby World Cup champions, we’re expecting big things from the team.
| 21/09 10.45am |
New Zealand vs South Africa | Yokohama |
| 02/10 11:15am |
New Zealand vs Canada | Oita |
| 06/10 5:45am |
New Zealand vs Namibia | Tokyo |
| 12/10 5:45am |
New Zealand vs Italy | Toyota |
Written by Ben Kelly and Shereen Sagoo
