Long Live the King!

There have been temptations to marinate 2011 in the memories inscribed by the previous post, and while the good times will continue to flow freely from that sporting-source, we blog on.

Talk of moving on has even reached the top, as King Henry has now taken a very long leave from the throne that he has kindly warmed for eight years. Peace has revisited his inner sporting kingdom, with the man free to tackle another opponent, fishing; until heart’s content.

One may not sense the need to quibble over 87 or 88 out of 103, and while one Test may not drastically change the numbers - a percentage point past the decimal point here or there – this Final Test and victory for Henry has allowed him to perpetually leave the lights on as he wistfully wanders atop Everest in the past time of our sporting primetime, even as the lights go out on this Head coach’s reign.

To be sure, in the cut and thrust at the top, this is a reign that had everything hanging on being one point in front after 80. We can now have a group high five, patting the NZRU on the back for the four more years, as their foresight makes our hindsight worth the war of those final 20 minutes against the French.

As Henry recently discussed his decision to call, time, he would reference a couple of contexts that deserve comment.

Family

It doesn't take a relations expert to invite you to take a couch to grasp the impact that Henry’s role would have on those nearest & dearest. He affirmed that this cost on those he loved most was not the reason for now moving on, but his time at the top was a gift that kept on giving, and it was time for a new season.

Hansen & Smith

New Zealand head coaches are quickly becoming the accessory of the moment. We have been fortunate to have three of the best who have exemplified the team approach that breeds success. While the coaching "crew" extends, it has been the combined efforts and expertise with Smith & Hansen that have provided a greater impetus toward success.

The touchy-feely type, Smith, will in the future bring his empathetic approach to the Chiefs, giving still, to New Zealand rugby. The hard-nosed of the three, Hansen, has his heart set on the top job, which after the Final success would seem all but signed & sealed.

Finally, we return to a man who has morphed toward the affections in a nickname - Ted. While others will want the man's wisdom for their own, it is good to read that the cloud of this Land may continue to dominate his horizon.

We very often fail to realise what we could have lost until we, in reality, understand it is now gone.

Yes, for many, this thought will be front and centred on another bill nearly killed on that October 23rd, making the journey even more surreal. As I have heard the title, World Champions, uttered over the airwaves, such has been made even sweeter.

However, remember Ted!

Although, it harkens back to a dark period, the impact of the players was what compelled Henry to seek another term after Cardiff, underscoring the impact of the man on the playing group, and so our rugby. Now that we can rest in this peace, we should take time to consider the work of Hansen & Smith; particularly our fallen, King - Henry.

While, Sir, may be more future-fitting, on behalf of the All Blacks nation, may you find nearly as many fish as the content of that peace treaty that you helped sign on the Garden of Eden on a Sunday night we shall never forget.

Long Live the King - Rest in Peace.

Words on the man & his team must now come from you, BackingBlackness; please share!

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking