All Blacks earn nation's respect
Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:09
New Zealand Rugby Union chairman, Jock Hobbs says the All Blacks have managed to win back the respect of the fans and the public with their performances in 2008.
Hobbs believes Richie McCaw and Graham Henry's reputations have been enhanced by the All Blacks winning 13 of their 15 Tests this season, success represented by the Bledisloe Cup, Tri Nations trophy, a Grand Slam and the new Hillary Shield.
"We said at the very start we knew we'd have to work hard to win back the support and respect of New Zealanders and hopefully we've done that," Hobbs told the NZPA.
"We're in a far better place than where we were in January and February and through that work we've been able to earn back the respect and support of our rugby public."
Hobbs is also satisfied with the board's decision to retain Henry and his coaching assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen.
"The board felt they reached the right decision, now the record sits there this year. They [Henry, Smith and Hansen] have done a magnificent job under enormous pressure.
"They deserve a great deal of credit for their courage and their skill and commitment."
The All Blacks' defence of the Tri-Nations this season took a nasty turn after South Africa won in Dunedin for the first time in history and then Robbie Deans,Hobbs' brother in law, orchestrated a 34-19 win for the Wallabies in Sydney.
Now, four months later the All Blacks appear to back on top of the world and the board chairman was a picture of contentment.
"It's been a pretty tough year," Hobbs admitted.
"If you look back to February and where things were at [with the coaching controversy] and obviously we didn't get off to a great start with the loss to Australia in Sydney.
"But the coaches have done an outstanding job as we always thought they would do and Richie has captained the team magnificently.
"A new squad has stood up and grown. They're a close, talented group that still has potential to do better."
