Fascinating this week to speak to 58 cap All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke ahead of this weekends Autumn International game between England and New Zealand All Blacks . Zinzan who joined the captain’s run during the current tour has been voted as one of the greatest players of all time and the intensity, communication and ability to think on the feet was there this week massively. He is looking great and clearly keeping those fitness levels up. A fantastic insight into the game and able to handle all the most important questions very succinctly he was willing to name names in terms of the players who could play on either team with a special mention for the Barrets, Itoje and obviously everything is now gearing up to next year with the World Cup.
He talked about innovation and creative play back in the day and expects players to adapt to what is happening on the pitch and of course sticking rigidly to the game plan.
For this weekend he would not be drawn fully on who would win though he definitely played down New Zealands chances at the rugby world cup next year. When asked was this the team for next year he was clear that he does not feel this current team will win the rugby world cup. Which is a massive statement and clearly everything is to play for for any player in New Zealand who wants to break through.
That competitive environment is so important and he discussed what happens in the coaching decision after the rugby world cup with regards to England and the idea of a coaching team of Gatland + Edwards gained a resounding thumbs from everyone! No one could call it really with New Zealand coaches making big names for themselves right now with the Womens world cup just over which of course was a New Zealand v England Red Roses final the prospect of the males game taking place this weekend has now become the focus…
Finally and in closing we asked … what teams will be in the quater-final of the mens rugby world cup 2023… at the minute he is saying it can’t be fully nailed down… so its New Zealand, Ireland or Argentina, South African physicality and possibly France / Australia….
Interesting to say the least! Thank you so much Zinzan !
Very very best wishes … The InTouch Rugby editor-on-assignment !