James William de Mortimer on LinkedIn: I've often spoken about the national identity and unity of the Springboks… (2024)

In 2005 two All Blacks greats, Fa'alogo Tana Umaga and Sir Graham Henry, had a cup of coffee that would put into motion events that would lead to an unprecedented era for New Zealand Rugby.Between 2004 and 2019, where Henry and his assistant, Steve Hansen, oversaw the All Blacks, the team won 183 matches from 212 Tests.The legacy, and how the team was controlled, changed significantly when Umaga approached Henry.“Coffee, Ted?” Umaga said. “Alright, T,” Henry replied.It was about how the coaching team prepped the side."Ted, what do you give those team talks for?” Umaga asked.“Well, T, I thought they might provide the team with a bit of motivation, a bit of direction, before the match.”“Ah, but are they for you, Ted, or are they for us?”Henry, and later Hansen, never gave such talks again.The players were empowered to be their own masters as the coaches practiced the elements of leadership redundancy.Later that year the identity of the team continued to evolve with the introduction of the 'Kapa O Pango' Haka (which translates to 'Team in Black').Composed by Derek Lardelli, it was performed for the first time against the Springboks in 2005.Is it time for such evolution again?Despite winning the opening Tests against England, current All Blacks coach Scott Robertson insinuated that what was being practiced during the week was not being translated onto the pitch.This disconnect, and perhaps player disempowerment, was spoken about again after the All Blacks conceded more points on New Zealand soil (38) when losing to Argentina for the third time since 2020 last weekend.From how the team is coached, through to the culture (Henry changed the All Blacks approach to discipline and alcohol in 2004), it is safe to say the team is at a turning point.From a culture perspective, they could do worse then look to the mana laden Black Ferns or their great rivals wearing the Springbok.- Meanwhile the Boks looked every inch the No.1 ranked team in the sport with their 33-7 win against the Wallabies.Astonishingly, they look to be a superior side to the one that lifted the World Cup for the fourth time.To see Siya Kolisi singing before leading his team out.Witness some audacious flexing including throwing to another line out pod (after winning the lineout) and having outside back Cheslin Kolbe playing scrumhalf and hooker in the same game.They will be hard to beat in this championship.There is however a feeling of positivity around Rugby Australia despite the loss, with 52,019 fans filling Suncorp Stadium.They now know the benchmark of the international game.A year out from hosting the Lions.The All Blacks, looking for revenge, will defend the most impressive home stadium record of any sport, looking to remain unbeaten at Eden Park for the 50th straight match.David Algie W C 👽 Leanne Bats ᵍᵐ Craig Fenton Denis Venter Simon McMaster David Robertson Timothy Whiley Phil Camm James Liley Bob Skinstad

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Pretty excited to see my partner and our horse win the Standardbred class at the #Ekka yesterday.The Ekka is Queensland's largest event and the annual agricultural show of the state. This comes a week after we made a decision to start planning for Verona to potentially complete at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics in the dressage.So very proud.Mango, our horse, nearly died a few year's ago after being bitten by a red belly black snake.His survival, which was given a less than 5% chance at the time, has led to us taking every opportunity to excel and grow And his championship win yesterday was another massive step in the journey.Thank you to the , Racing Queensland, Sirromet Wines and all other sponsors for the fantastic prizes and awards.And thank you to my many connections for helping me become the sort of man that can encourage his partner to become the best version of herself.

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If Paris 2024 - Comité d'organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de 2024 end with Tom Cruise prepping us for ......how are the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad going to prepare us for Brisbane in four years time?My hometown?The bar has been set VERY HIGH.

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