Sports

All Blacks lost the World Cup and disappointed a nation
by Corina Ciubotaru

As shocking as it might sound, the All Blacks, New Zealand's rugby team, lost to France in the World Cup quarter final in Cardiff. This time, the Haka wasn't enough to scare the opponents and the game ended 20-18, sending the Kiwis home in disgrace. The battle still continues for France who is now set to play against arch enemies England who beat Australia 12-10. Rugby is New Zealand's national sport and the only international sport where they really shine. Between their black equipment and fearsome pre-game ritual, the players are some of the best-trained in the world and are expected to win every game, including the all-important ones in the World Cup. They make great money out of this too, but still seem unable to fulfill their countrymen's hopes. $50 million have been invested in the campaign for this year's Cup, including $7500 per player for every week they are assembled as a team, and eventually, winning the event turned into a national obsession. The pressure on both players and coach was enormous but the disappointment means Coach Graham Henry has got to go. He and his helpers Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith are said to leave the All Blacks after having trained them since 2004, most likely in favor of Robbie Deans, who currently coaches the Crusaders. The new coach's name will most likely be known by Christmas; his mission will not be an easy one, as he will be in charge of both rehabilitating New Zealand in the world of rugby and winning the World Cup after more than 20 years.

related story: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20071006/tts-rugbyu-wc2007-nzl-fra-c1b2fc3_3.html

by Corina Ciubotaru for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

PocketNews is a new real-time news broadcaster delivering the latest and hottest news right to your pocket ! With global clients who want to be kept up to date, PocketNews is everyone's way of keeping in touch with the World.

posted by Blog TechSource @ 4:50 PM