Eddie Jones has been planning for this moment for two and a half years. Photo / Getty Images
Eddie Jones has been planning for this moment for two and a half years. Photo / Getty Images
COMMENT:
My knowledge about the All Black coaching situation is limited, so I won't comment directly on who might replace Steve Hansen after the World Cup.
But I was very impressed with what Sonny Bill Williams had to say about promoting Māori/Pacific Island coaches and hoping they put their handsup for All Black roles.
I wasn't' surprised to hear SBW speak so well – I'm in the sevens team with his sister Niall and she is exactly the same. They both just know what to say at the right time.
As a Pakeha, I believe bringing more Polynesian culture in will be potentially beneficial when you consider the diversity of the team.
It would be incredible for the game to have more Māori and Pacific Island coaches, and it would be massive for the All Blacks if a Māori was selected for the top job. That would put a lot of smiles on a lot of people's faces.
We are strong about things like the haka and you would expect more Maori coaches in rugby, and hopefully, that can be pushed a bit for next season.
Sonny Bill Williams has called for a Māori or Pacific Islander to coach the All Blacks. Photo / Photosport
Who knows how the result against England in the World Cup semifinal will influence the future?
I know what it is like to lose in the black jersey, and it can feel embarrassing because of the pressure you are under. The legacy of rugby in New Zealand means that every fan expects you to win.
But the All Blacks tried their very best and were beaten by a better team on the day.
England were so clinical. They were incredible. Eddie Jones has been planning world domination for two and a half years and it looks as though he is pulling it off.
England were constantly on the go, and the All Blacks literally couldn't get through or stop them.
They had two tries disallowed for extremely minimal mistakes. The All Blacks were really lucky not to be beaten by 20-odd points.
In contrast, the semifinal between Wales and South Africa was boring. There was no spark whatsoever until Handre Pollard decided to carry hard, and Damian de Allende scored. It was a struggle to stay awake in the first half.
For that reason, I think England could have a bit of a field day in the final. South Africa will have to step up, and speed their game up.
The All Blacks will want to empty the tank against Wales, with the game marking the final All Black match for Kieran Read, Ben Smith, Ryan Crotty and SBW.
England are one victory away from claiming a second World Cup trophy. Photo / Getty Images
Those players will have to show leadership and boost the morale. They are still playing for the black jersey, and will want to show the world what they can do and end on a high note.
I think it is important to remember that the majority of the starting backline in the recent games is under the age of 25.
They are still babies, young World Cup campaigners. Hopefully, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Sevu Reece and Rieko Ioane will hang around for another four years.
I hate to talk about that in a way – it is four years away and we are still disappointed by the England result.
But those players should be at a peak for the next tournament.
