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Home / Sport / Rugby / All Blacks

Buck Shelford: The message that inspired the All Blacks to win the 1987 Rugby World Cup

NZ Herald
20 Sep, 2019 08:00 AM2 mins to read

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Buck Shelford during the 1987 World Cup final. Photo / Photosport

Buck Shelford during the 1987 World Cup final. Photo / Photosport

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It was just before the start of the 1987 Rugby World Cup that All Blacks assistant coach John Hart called us to one side.

New Zealand was still deeply divided by the Cavaliers' trip to South Africa the previous
year, following so soon after the highly controversial Springboks tour to the
country in 1981.

On top of that, we had been well beaten in our last outing - the ill-tempered "battle of Nantes" against the French late in 1986. So when the World Cup finally came around, we were desperate for redemption, a chance to show our people – and the world – that we were better than that.

Grant Fox during the 1987 Rugby World Cup final. Photo / Photosport
Grant Fox during the 1987 Rugby World Cup final. Photo / Photosport

Expecting a big team talk, John had a surprisingly simple message: "New Zealand is split. We've got to win back the people."

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That was all the motivation we needed and, I believe, a key moment on our path to winning the Webb Ellis trophy that year.

With the start of the 2019 World Cup tournament only hours away, the rugby landscape looks a lot different but the level of emotion the game evokes from Kiwis from all walks of life remains as relevant as ever.

As fans we can be unforgiving, even cruel – we expect the All Blacks to win, to always go forward. Rugby is in our fabric, it's who we are and we don't take kindly to failure. Nor should we.

The World Cup is the pinnacle of a player's career - the Olympic Games of rugby. This year, the All Blacks have a chance at history – claiming an unprecedented three-peat.

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Much like 32 years ago, the team have their doubters. We've heard how they're not the team they once were, how they're a spent force, how injuries to key players will stop this campaign in their tracks, that there are just too many unknowns before the first match against the Springboks.

David Kirk with captain Andy Dalton and the Webb Ellis Cup at the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Photo / Photosport
David Kirk with captain Andy Dalton and the Webb Ellis Cup at the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Photo / Photosport

What we do know, is that come tomorrow, Kieran Read and his men will each grow an extra foot taller when they pull on that black jersey.

Discover more

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'Not stupid': Hansen hits back at Springboks coach

19 Sep 04:40 AM
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Richie Mo'unga's revelation: My big World Cup fear

19 Sep 05:45 AM
All Blacks

Gregor Paul: Why this All Blacks lineup is a massive risk

19 Sep 07:00 AM
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Late Cup change: Why Barrett has tweaked his technique

19 Sep 08:00 AM

Let's bring it back.

Love your rugby? Click here to subscribe to our new Premium newsletter for extensive Rugby World Cup coverage.

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