Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, Internationals, New Zealand Rugby
Observers of English football may well suggest that the country whips itself into a ridiculous frenzy when the national side looks like having half a chance of progressing at a major tournament.Work is skipped, alcohol is bought by the crate, hopes are raised through the roof and then, predictably, it all comes crashing down and the country enters a state of mourning.
Well, if you think England takes its' sport too seriously, take a look at New Zealand.
The All Blacks are the great chokers of international sport.
Although they won the first World Cup in 1987, they have never added to that tally despite being a country that is obsessed with the 15-man code.
Losses in every World Cup since then have been blamed on food poisoning to refereeing conspiracies and everything in between and when they do tumble out of the competition, the national mood turns as black as the jerseys they wear.
In fact, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) is so wary of the impact the team's success has on national morale that it has tried to get its retaliation in first, telling the New Zealand public to relax and enjoy the World Cup rather than get too emotionally involved.
This is in an attempt to soothe the public's fury should New Zealand again come up short.
The 'It's Only a Game' campaign is an amazing move by a governing body but research suggests it also has valid reasoning.
Cases of alcohol abuse and physical abuse and battery sky-rocket in New Zealand during the tournament as disgruntled fans take their frustrations out on each other so the NZRU's attempts to remind everyone to relax is in fact an honourable move.
Head coach Graham Henry said: "[Winning the World Cup] would be very nice but of little overall importance in the grand scheme of life.
"With what's happening around the world at present, can we really justify getting so worked up about a bit of footy? Sure, it would great fun to have a bit of silverware other than the Tri-Nations and the Bledisloe Cup in the cabinet, but if we fail to win anything is it really such an issue?
"What's important is we have our health and happiness. Nothing in rugby can buy that peace of mind. Besides, think of the extra security needed to ensure the cup was safe and sound. Do we really need that extra worry at present?
"We'll give it our best shot.
"We'll really play our socks off and all, but the main thing is to have fun. We have our rugby friends from all over the world in our back yard and it would be a shame to focus so much energy and fuss on winning when what we should all be doing is making sure we have fun together off the paddock. Rugby can make you friends for life!"
Henry's words are commendable yet deep down he knows those words will fall on the deafest of ears if New Zealand do not win the World Cup.
If that happens, the All Blacks will not have any friends left.
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