EDITOR’S LETTER

WATCHING THE ALL BLACKS trudge slowly round the field in Yokohama last year after they had been knocked out of the World Cup by England, there was a definite sense that it was time for a new beginning.

The national team had been creaking for the last 12 months or so. That was apparent not just in the results, but in the performances, too and the slightly uncertain vibe that emanated from the coaching team.

The confidence of the team dipped