■The World’s No.1 Rugby Brand

  In the more than 100 years of history of international rugby test matches, the New Zealand National Rugby Union Team is the only team that can boast having a winning record against every other team. It is the national team of a country where one out of every ten men is said to be a rugby player, and, needless to say, their every move is of great national interest. The “All Blacks” are now rugby’s most powerful brand, and they are a major crowd puller wherever they play in the world.
   As synonymous as their expansive style of play is the All Blacks performance of the “haka” prior to every match. The Maori dance adds a unique component, derived from the indigenous Maori of New Zealand, and which aligns with the wider Polynesian cultures of the Pacific. The All Blacks perform the haka with the precision and intensity which underpins the All Black’s approach.

■The Undefeatable Rugby DNA

  The popularity of the All Blacks is largely due to their combination of superb individual skills and fast style of play. In recent years, players with Pacific Island heritage have contributed greatly to producing a broader range of playing styles. Generally speaking, South Africa, Australia, and England have greater players to select from given their larger populations, but the All Blacks players have grown up with high quality games from a young age, and this has enabled them to develop an unrivalled feel for the game. Coupled with the determination of previous generations of players that “New Zealand must never lose”, not a single player ever gives less than his best on the field.
   In the first ever Rugby World Cup, held in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, the All Blacks showed overwhelming strength to defeat their rivals. The uninterrupted 90-metre run and try in the match against Italy by John Kirwan, the current Japan All Stars coach, caused a frenzy among fans at the time and has now taken on legendary status.

■Super Rugby Stars Led by Intellectual Leader Graham Henry

  The All Blacks have not won the Rugby World Cup crown since 1987, but the team continues to be ranked at No.1 in the IRB world ranking. The current head coach, Graham Henry, boasts an astonishing 90% success rate in winning matches at all levels, making him one of the most successful head coaches in world sport. In 2007, the All Blacks lost to France at the World Cup, but respect for Henry remains high within the rugby world, and he was reappointed to continue coaching the All Blacks. As one would expect of a man with a background as a teacher of science and biology, Henry’s game plans are based on scientific data and he also manages his players accordingly.
   Many legendary players have worn the All Black jersey, but two current stars are Captain Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter. McCaw is touted to be “the world’s No.1 open side flanker” and it is said that wherever the ball is, you will be sure to find him as well. Carter is a superb all-round player, solid as a rock in both defence and offense, and it is often his precision-perfect kicks that lead his side to victory. Other popular players worldwide include Rodney So’oialo (Number 8) from Wellington and experienced full back Mils Muliaina.

■Leading Players

Richie McCAW
	Position:	Flanker
	Date of Birth:	December 31, 1980 (Oamaru, New Zealand)
	Height/Weight:	187cm / 106kg
	Team:	Crusaders
	Test Caps:	70
	Wherever the ball is, you’ll be sure to find Richie. In addition to his powerful defence, he can run unbelievably fast for a man of his bulk and he has the stamina to keep it up. In 2006, he was voted IRB Player of the Year and was a finalist for the International Rugby Players Association, making him the world’s best open side flanker in both name and achievements. He was captained the All Blacks for the first time in 2004 at the age of 23 and has continued to lead the team with exceptional skill. With 70 game caps by the end of the 2008 season, he is fast becoming a living legend.

Dan CARTER
	Position:	First five-eighth (fly half), center
	Date of Birth:	March 5, 1982 (Leeston, New Zealand)
	Height/Weight:	179cm / 91kg
	Team:	Canterbury
	Test Caps:	58
	In 2003, Dan made his debut in the Super Rugby team, the Crusaders and the All Blacks. Since then, as a talented all-round player with skilled kicks, passes, running, and superb decision-making, he has won the hearts of New Zealand rugby fans as a first five-eighths and back line leader.. He is mentally tough and plays well under pressure in international games, being named IRB Player of the Year in 2005. Currently he is considered the world’s finest first five-eighth. In December 2008, Carter signed with the French club side Perpignan for a six month contract, but he injured his Achilles tendon in the fifth game and was off the field for six months. His international return is much anticipated and expected to be in the Tokyo Bledisloe Cup match.

Mils MULIAINA
	Position:	Fullback
	Date of Birth:	July 31, 1980 (Samoa)
	Height/Weight:	184cm / 92kg
	Team:	Chiefs
	Test Caps:	70
	Mils is the most reliable back in New Zealand today, with his fast response in defense, minimal mistakes, and great ability to create opportunities and take full advantage of them. After playing as a member of the New Zealand Schoolboys in 1998, he was selected for the U19, U21, Sevens, and the A Team. Mils continues to be an indispensible player for the team, demonstrating superb performance not only as fullback but also as a centre and wing. Up to 2008, he had played in a total of 70 test matches, scoring 120 points and captained the All Blacks for the first time in this year’s Iveco Series. In the 2009 Super 14, he led the Chiefs to its first ever Final as captain.

Rodney SO’OIALO
	Position:	Number 8
	Date of Birth:	October 3, 1979 (Samoa)
	Height/Weight:	190cm / 107kg
	Team:	Hurricanes
	Test Caps:	54
	A talented Number 8, with speed as well as skill, Rodney is one of the world’s finest back row forwards. Hailing from Samoa, but schooled in the New Zealand system, he played fullback at secondary school in Wellington. In 2000, he contributed to New Zealand’s victory in the U21 Junior World Championship. Rodney also played Sevens for New Zealand and was in the 2002 Commonwealth Games Gold Medal winning team. Remarkably consistent, he continues to be a key player for the Hurricanes in the Super 14. In recent years, his skills have improved in the less flashy contests for the ball and he has been leading the Hurricanes as captain. His older brother is the former Manu Samoa half back Steven So’oialo.