Just as New Zealand had bounced back to be considered Rugby World Cup pretenders, the flaws and angst have returned
From the brink of collapse to the precipice of redemption. Defeated and denounced to a Hollywood-worthy resurrection – only to crumble to their worst defeat in the final dress rehearsal at Twickenham. The All Blacks have fashioned an art form of traversing such extremes as they stumble toward the World Cup. Whether the canvas concludes in France in triumph or despair is brushed with uncertainty.
For a team that has crafted its legacy on consistent excellence, the All Blacks have never experienced a four-year cycle comparable with this one. Wild and unpredictable only begins to scratch the surface.
Written by Liam Napier
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/02/after-bashing-by-springboks-will-real-all-blacks-turn-up-in-france-rugby-union-world-cup under the title “After bashing by the Springboks, will the real All Blacks turn up in France? | Liam Napier”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
