All Blacks In Their Own Words, Episode 2

October 28, 2023, Paris. The Rugby World Cup final brought together the most successful teams in history, South Africa and New Zealand. The All Blacks had defied the odds to make it, but no one could predict what was to come.

The season started under a cloud of coaching uncertainty. A visit to storm-ravaged Hawke's Bay was powerful motivation ahead of departure for the World Cup, but a shock awaited them in their final warm-up match.

The All Blacks' defeat on opening night against hosts France sent them into the World Cup wilderness. But the loss also made their goals very clear; only an unbeaten run through the pools could ensure qualification.

Ireland was on a 17-game unbeaten run and firm favourites when they lined up against New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-final. This match would define this All Blacks team and their World Cup campaign of 2023.