Thank You, All Blacks – THANK. YOU.

Well, mostly, and finally. Although, one must admit the last 20 mins against the French was tough toward torment. While we were not holding hands in the Stands, there was plenty of entreating in an upward flow. The minutes surrounding the final whistle had their own little shot of inter-personal NOS, as the euphoria, pandemonium and relief, all mauled lovingly into one - personal space, anyone?!

I have spent the days after this epic piece of now our storied history contemplating words that speak succinctly about this journey that felt locked away as a myth in our minds.

Would the fabled ever return to reality?

This brand of All Black-shirted brethren understood this perspective more than most. Many had felt the swing on the door when exiting early. The absolute prerequisite is to keep on winning until the purveyor of guilt can blow no more - and they did.

8-7.

A respectful shout-out to the side from 1987 - One is Enough - World Champions!

1st November, 1991, may not live long in memory, but this "was" the last day the All Blacks would carry this World Title. We have watched the painful demise each time, consoling with reasons why. However, one week short of 20 years, we have found rest, as we have returned home.

They came, we saw, all conquered.

Clearly, we are talking sport, but these men of renown take on a cultural witness in our Land that raises the stakes and significance. It is as if we impute our cultural identity on the backs of the blackness; believing this to be our best corporate witness of some 4 million collective souls. Vicariously, when they fail; there is a corporate guilt. This may also explain why it is the Bastion Point for those who have long gone; as, when all else has been given to a new culture and a new clime, one sign stands the test; just ask Russell Crowe.

Context is King, and it is the All Blacks wearing the crown.

The road to this rugby redemption has been far from straightforward, with many exclaiming the All Blacks could not win without Carter. Who would have considered the names to crash at 10. Once the capital, DC, had departed; we kept calm with Colin, until his claim was forced from the field. Double A-ron Cruden would get us nearly home. But, our corporate rugby redemption would also get very personal as the Donald, would let out a hearty, You're Hired, with his performance in the final 40; the stuff of a future legend or two.

Thankfully he was primed for action; white baiting will do that for you. Dressed for success; with the easy-fit waders out of the way, the wardrobe issues now fleshed - very much out, the Donald was on - not like a Donkey and very different from the Kong. He has been called out for many things. However, lack of character has never been his calling card. He proved that when the pressure was on, stepping up to the precipice that separates those who would like to do it and those who just get it on.

Superlatives for our Captain can be thrown out with impunity, but the mental strength and will to compete defies any doubters The chasm that resides in every man, he is able to find and fill, leading this team in theory and even more so, in practice. When we grow grey with years, younger ears will ask us of his greatness.

A leader can be more than most in his team, but without a band to sing his song, he is silenced. This group of All Blacks men came together, harmonised, and were able to hold their tune, until it was apparent no others could quite hit that top note. We started with 30, but finished with 33; each name vital to the cause.

In the year of 2007, it was assumed we had lost our King; that even he would abdicate. However, wisdom is skilful living, with those making this decision proven correct. Graham Henry, Wayne Smith, and Steve Hansen; the internal shalom is on!

Mission complete!

BackingBlack started so many moons back with the hope that we would see this day. We've only been able to provide this inside perspective and vibe to the greatest sporting team on the planet because of the consistent and generous support of Telecom and their commitment to this bigger picture. Shout out warranted.

Finally, to the Stadium of Four Million plus, including those from around this world; it was promised and you delivered. Every other team that was talking up the pressure and raising the choke valve also understood that the All Blacks had an extra man.

The fans proved to be that 23rd man.

The cheer for McCawesome when he rose from the ground near the end of the 80 is just one example where the support proved Red Bull-like.

They did it. We did it. Walk on.

Our sporting Everest has been conquered.

Thank you All Blacks. THANK. YOU. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

And... that is Final.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking