All Blacks Legacy: 2011. Jock Hobbs. 2012.

If such reads like a poignant beginning to a very special end, it reflects recent events that should have reminded us all about the impact of one individual on the rugby dreams of the All Blacks nation that found its Everest in 2011.

The worth of the living is reaffirmed in the impact that continues, even beyond the passing of days, as those honour the deeds, motivated on to grander heights by the summit of another’s existence. Therefore, the days of Jock Hobbs’ life are both a mirror & a model in the service of others. Yes, he would be Cavalier on occasion, but he would give so much more to our nation that it is no surprise the recent response has been emphatic.

2011 can be described as the capstone year in his living, which would also be a crowning achievement for the cultural edifice that adorns our nation - our All Blacks.

Such a juxtaposition of perspectives in a post.

Again, what is a legacy worth?

I think it is reasonable to state that McCaw and his merry men gave all they had because they believed there was true worth in the prize, even as Jock would motivate them in the months of September and October by his very presence, on a couple of occasions.

Both would see the day and the dais, which will forever frame the fight for life.

The life of Jock Hobbs has been recently remembered and honoured by those near and very dear. Even as we mourn their loss, we who stand from afar raise our hearts in hands to a man whose selfless service on behalf of others touched a stadium of 4.5 million, and those taking in the moving pictures beamed out of Aotearoa.

There is a lesson to be learned.

I know our All Blacks will have further motivation to play with their courage quotient full in 2012. They will give their all because it is worth the price, his life, and the enduring All Blacks legacy.

We too, at BackingBlack will do our best to play a significant part in continuing the story into 2012. Thanks to Telecom, who definitely believe the All Blacks legacy is worth any and all sacrifice, we will continue to build the intimate connection between fans and their heroes.

The Stadium is still full.

Let's continue the legacy started in 1905, which Hobbs & his All Blacks fanned into flame in 2011, as the undisputed champions of the world of Union. Read that again! If you haven’t reflected on these realities for some time, it is likely the moment to make an occasion of it, and play it again, Richie.

2012.

A year that promises another world of sporting emotion as the All Blackness set their sights on the challenges ahead. The Emerald Isle – Ireland – will be the first port of call, followed by an expanded southern hemisphere extravaganza, involving the Argentinean, Vamos; not forgetting the ending of the year, strong.

The Future is not Bright, it is All Black

We still have many weeks to wait to enjoy the entree, so we will start things with a slow-jam, reflecting on some names that have given much in Black, but have moved on post-2011 – the Fallen.

Finally, what is a legacy worth?

You are part of building the name and fame, so as we start 2012, we do so, striking the pose – United. Let’s play our part in building on the shoulders of those gone before, which reminds us again of where we began.

Just as Jock Hobbs will be sorely missed, we will watch his son, Michael Hobbs, and be reminded of the next generation speaking out of the past, as the building continues.

The All Blacks legacy - Onward and Upward.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking