Sir Brian Lochore, Jonah Lomu, Sir Graham Henry and Stephen Donald were guests at the event. Photo / Nick Reed
Sir Brian Lochore, Jonah Lomu, Sir Graham Henry and Stephen Donald were guests at the event. Photo / Nick Reed
Between them, they played major roles in delivering some of the most special moments in All Blacks history and all four are hopeful the class of 2015 will create more history.
Jonah Lomu, Sir Brian Lochore, Sir Graham Henry and Stephen Donald gathered at Eden Park last night, less than60 days out from this year's World Cup in Britain.
Sir Brian Lochore, Jonah Lomu, Sir Graham Henry and Stephen Donald joke around while having their photograph taken. Photo / Nick Reed
The Legends in Black dinner drew about 250 rugby fans - including Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman - and the four greats gave their thoughts on earlier campaigns and what we can expect as the All Blacks try to become not only the first team to win consecutive World Cups but also the first All Blacks side to win the Cup outside of New Zealand.
Lomu was confident New Zealand had the strength and depth to bring home the trophy. "I don't want to jinx it but we have the team to do it. It's just making sure everything falls into place at the right time.
"We have great players across the board. I would hate to be the coaching staff [and have to pick the squad]."
Sir Brian was more cautious. "I don't think it's going to be an easy campaign. It's got harder over the years. The teams in the Six Nations are a lot fitter and will be well prepared for this tournament. It's not a matter of us just turning up. We have to turn up with some really good performances from the quarter-finals.
"I think we can win it if we play to our potential but if we are a little bit under, it will be damn tough."
Sir Graham, when asked what was his favourite memory from the 2011 World Cup victory, amused the audience with his reply: "My wife's face" and "knowing we can live in this country forever".
For Donald, last night's dinner was a return to the scene of his most significant contribution, when he kicked the winning penalty in the 8-7 victory over France in the 2011 final.
Jonah Lomu, Sir Graham Henry and Stephen Donald exchange handshakes. Photo / Nick Reed
Asked if the All Blacks would win this year's tournament, he said: "I think so. Too much depth. Just a great squad. Once they get over there, on the day, referees and putting up box kicks."
Donald's role in the last World Cup has entered folklore and a movie has been made about his exploits. He hadn't expected to play any part in the World Cup after his disappointing display against Australia in Hong Kong and had been told by coach Henry that it was unlikely he would be involved.
But he was called into the squad late, after injuries to first five-eighths Dan Carter and Colin Slade, and then replaced Aaron Cruden late in the first half of the epic final against France.
"[That kick] has been pumped up a little bit," he said in his normal understated way. "But it's a moment in my life I'm pretty proud of."
The 2015 World Cup kicks off on September 19, when England play Fiji at Twickenham. The All Blacks start their campaign against Argentina two days later at Wembley.
