When I say the All Blacks’ aura is gone, I don’t say it to upset the team’s fans.
Trust me, I’m not that narrow-minded – I say it because I mean it.
I’ve been saying for a while now that the All Blacks are losing their status as the most feared team in the world. Some of you didn’t take kindly to it and had some nice “compliments” for me when I warned about this last year already. Nou ja, I think I can safely say did koel is deur die kerk after last weekend’s defeat to Argentina.
I wasn’t as surprised as most with the Argies claiming their first-ever win over the once-feared All Blacks.
It’s how they beat them that made me realise that the All Blacks have finally lost their fear factor. And maybe it’s because as South Africans we always like to be innie stuk, but I believe the recent Catching the Sun Springbok World Cup documentary paved the way for a number of upsets to come in this sport internationally.
The secret is out – Rassie Erasmus’s encouraging words and how they used emotion to fuel the team has been picked up by a number of other teams and they will use it to fuel their fire.
Hoe het Argentina captain Pablo Matera hoeka vir die ref gese? “They must show some respect, I am playing for my country.”
The search for world rugby’s warriors is on and I can guarantee you that a Haka won't be enough to drive fear into rivals anymore.
I also doubt whether Ian Foster has the tools to tactically outsmart his counterparts. Maybe it’s time for a change at the helm, what about Scott Robertson?
Let me know what you think Kiwi fans. Is die aura weg? Do you need a new coach? Wat gaan aan?