Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui once had a dream to represent the All Blacks, and they soon learned of the legacy that was left for them.
New Zealand's Rugby World Cup success in 2011 came 24 years after they won the first staging of the tournament
They are outstanding. But when you first join that hallowed club, the last thing you want to do is stand out. "I was in a flat by myself and wasn't even planning on listening to the announcement, but I realised the time and switched on the radio, with a sandwich in my hand," says Smith, who had only played one season of professional rugby at that point.
"When you are brought into the group there is a process and the haka is a big part of that, especially on a tour when there is a group of new players," says Smith "You can sit at the same table as someone like Richie McCaw. You feel like you have every right to do things everyone else does. As a new player, as intimidating as it was on the first day, by the end of it, it felt like one of those special days you have in your life."Leaving your legacy and marking your time in the famous black jersey is the fundamental message for all newcomers. It goes beyond a metaphor. All Blacks literally write their own story.
"They say this is your book so cherish it and when you play your first game you give it back and they put a photo in of you playing and you have it for the rest of your life." "I started writing notes from each game. I think you appreciate that playing one Test is special, so you want to make sure you want to play 10 or 20.
"That left an impression on me, so I knew when I was in that position, I was going to do that. It was the same for me with Richard, a guy I really respect and rate."Smith and Kahui both joined an All Black set-up under a shadow. Four years after their shock defeat by the French in the last eight, they faced the same opposition again, in the final, on home turf. Victory would end a 24-year wait for the game's biggest prize.
The next two weeks will show whether the pages of their own black books include a record-breaking fourth World Cup, and another glorious chapter in All Black history.Like England in 2003 the teams that progress build a team ethos France, NZ, SA and Ireland have that, Wales also have an"us against the world mentality".
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