Remember that iconic All Black Drop Goal in the Rugby World Cup 1995 well it was Legend Zinzan Brooke and he played the game with his brother Robin… it was sensational! We just interviewed Zinzan pre this weeks Autumn international the famous ties between England & New Zealand and yep that Semi-Final in 1995 was England v New Zealand!
It was really special to meet Zinzan and get the chance to see that famous focus in action and there was a couple of interviewers so it was quick fire and completely unscripted! We really got the first hand views of a man who is right up close to the current state of play so to speak in New Zealand rugby. Zinzan recently was present for the captions run for the current tour and he scored that drop goal in ’95 so its totally incredible to hear his views.
Its controversial he supports the All Blacks but with the Rugby World Cup next year 2023 in France there is no way that he is saying this side is the settled side… this is the side thats going to win … this is the best possible All Blacks team frankly with one year to go a lot can happen and even more frankly when asked … he said this current team in his view would not make the final!
Shocking yes but think about the psychology this is someone who has done it all and maybe knows that there is an importance in not being over confident going into the games…
Its massive this weekend a rivalry that goes back to the very beginning of rugby with everything to play for for both teams. Zinzan is not sure if the All Blacks will make the final and playing the likes of England, South Africa, France, Ireland, Australia, Argentina, Wales, Scotland your playing teams that will be at the finals the pools and then that progression to the quarters and semis and final! Who are you playing against how strong are they what is the impact on the team…
This is why these pre world cup games are so important because everyone gets the chance to guage where are we… what can we work on.. we will be playing one of these teams atleast in the rugby world cup finals what is our best game against them…?
Zinzan was not toatlly going to be drawn on who are best ever players right now on the All Blacks team but that accolade for whats it worth is on the table next year at the rugby world cup finals …. just like 1995 legends will be made…
As Zinzan said with next years Six Nations coming that will be the finals for the Six Teams in the North as it where and with South Africa and Argentina all here at the same time this month and then
Feb is showing us all up close the physicality as Zinzan says of the South africans the sheer class France are showing, England, New zealand and who know with Australia ….
Thank you so much Zinzan we very very much appreciate your time! Thanks everyone for stopping by!
Have a great day!
Rugby Rep Editor-At-Large!
