One of the reasons for New Zealand's great success at rugby is because of the effective set up in club rugby. New Zealand has 14 professional provincial clubs and 12 amateur provincial clubs, among each province there are multiple amateur clubs. Each province combines to make 5 regions for the southern hemisphere's premier rugby club competition in Super Rugby. This effective system gives the All Blacks good depth in their squad, in many positions there are up to 5 players that would be satisfactory for test level. Furthermore thanks to an effective coaching set up New Zealand tracks talent efficiently, meaning by the world cup the All Blacks will have a starting squad with well-recognised chemistry, and have youth to continue forward in the future. Players such as Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, and a wealth of other players have already experienced 2 world cups, and understand the expectations better than anyone. On the other hand new talent such as Julian Savea, Beuden Barret, and Aaron Smith will be itching to have a shot at the trophy for the first time. Finally the code hopper Sonny Bill Williams will be back in 2015, which will give Hansen a selection headache for sure.
Despite their consistent success between world cups New Zealand has only won as many cups as rivals Australia, and South Africa, the number being 2. This is a result of the pressure that comes from being such a big part to a country's outlook. The All Blacks have never won a cup outside New Zealand, but are tracking well for their first. A tremendous effort in 2012 saw the All Blacks win 12 tests only losing when tripped up by England. In 2013 they did one better and won all 14 tests without a loss. Despite this New Zealand is yet to break the previous consecutive win record of 17 due to a draw against Australia in 2014. It is never a good time in New Zealand after the All Blacks lose, often the nation can get close-minded and forget all the wins. Because of this the All Blacks go into every match with only one option to win.
Star Players
How They've Fared
20/09 Vs. Argentina
Wembley Stadium
24/09 Vs. Namibia
Olympic Stadium
02/10 Vs. Georgia
Millenium Stadium
10/10 Vs. Tonga
St. James Park
Alessio Bragadini