MAILBOX: Let the mind games begin!

There has been a lot of reaction to New Zealand coach Graham Henry's excitement at the early results that has been brought about by the three-month conditioning window afforded to 22 hand-picked Test stars. It is said that when his side assembles in early June to play France, he will have charge of what will unquestionably be the biggest, fastest, fittest All Black team ever assembled. This is what you had to say about that...

Let The Mind Games Begin!

I have no doubt that the AB's will be super fit when it comes to RWC 2007 but no end of conditioning will improve the blocking and cheating that is already at world class levels.

An extremely strong arm hanging onto a ball a fraction too long and preventing quick release will still be a penalty !

A Godzilla sized centre on a "dummy run" will still be causing Obstruction.

Referees, as at all World Cups previously, will be briefed to do what they don't normally do and be far more fussy with strict Law interpretation.

If they don't, they won't Ref the later stages of the competition - politics, no matter how much denied, will take control.

I think it's far too much Over The Top and as I said to a good Kiwi friend of mine recently, "You've been red hot favourites for the past 3 World Cups and not won it. What excuse is there left if you don't win it this time ?"

- Roger Naish

I am bored with this - hell the AB's can do what they like - could you image the day when the clubs allow the English players 12 weeks off just for conditioning training, no club games before tournaments etc.

It would be interest if Planet-Rugby could show some stats like how many times Josh Lewsey plays (Premiership, Cup, Heineken, Lions, Summer, Autumn internationals, Six Nations, Barbarians) in 2005 - compared to Daniel Carter. Also the time the England/New Zealand coach get with their players

I think the point I am making is: too much rugby - less coaching isn't good.

- Jonathan

Ask any rugby fan who has followed the World Cup since it's inception in 1987, and they'll tell you this article has a ring of Deja Vu. In every tournament, with the exception of 1995, the AB's have arrived as the bookmakers favourites. And in every tournament, including 1995, they have come up short.

I am a dyed in the wool All Black fan. And whilst I am excited about the prospect of a bigger, faster, stronger team, it's just a bit of media titilIlation. Worthless until we can look back on the World Cup and judge the results that were achieved. Between now and then there will be Super 14's rugby, Tri Nations and a French series to compete in. Plenty of opportunities for injuries, suspensions or dips in form.

The real acid test will come in the Quarter Final of the World Cup at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff. The All Blacks will face off against either Ireland or France. Both have had excellent results in the six nations to date and could rightly argue that either would not be out of place in a World Cup final. That test match will be the first opportunity to judge the merits of the re-conditioning programme as a means of preparing for this World Cup.

Until then we will just have to wait!

- Grant Crawford

Graham Henry is an amazing coach, very tactical and open minded when it comes to innovative methods to produce world beaters.

You only have to look at the All Blacks over the last few years to see how far ahead of the pack they really are.

The obvious goal for the All Blacks is to win the world cup and they look very likely to do so.

Obviously as a South African, I'm hoping they stumble and drop out along the way but smart money tells me they will win it.

I'm not going to write France off at home (very good side who can beat anyone), Ireland are playing some really good rugby at the moment,

the Boks who still manage to beat the All Blacks annually, the Aussies are always dangerous and maybe by some miracle, England may defend it.

Either way, I think the rest of the world can look forward to some creative and exciting rugby from Graham Henrys All Blacks, something other sides will have to try and

learn from if they are to challenge the kiwis.

- Nick (Cape Town)

The All Blacks shouldn't be feared. Remember the team of 1995? That was the best All Black side ever and they got beaten. The All Blacks will buckle!

- Unknown

The All Blacks have been described as superhuman before. Those were the words of Fabien Pelous, the French captain, after the annihilation of 2004 in Paris. It is scary to say the least that through the mastermind of Henry they are finding another level. Henry the 'Great Redeemer', as heralded by the Welsh is set to restore New Zealand world cup pride in dramatic fashion if this all plays out the way most people are thinking. Only South Africa and Ireland will be able to give the AB's a run for their money, but only a silly bugger would write off the French at home. One thing most people forget though is that New Zealand's greatest asset is not their size nor their speed, it is their will. They want the World Cup more than anyone else - they believe it is their destiny.

- Jeremy McIntosh

To be brutally honest, didn't New Zealand unleash the hardest, fastest, fittest team in the world 3 years ago. Frankly what's the rugby world worried about, they surely can't improve on their recent feats, nah, not a chance, reeeeeally. Anyway wouldn't they have to be robots to better themselves, imagine, Robo Richie, Robo Dan, Robo Jerry, now I'm getting scared and I'm a Kiwi. I just think we all have to wait for them to put the barbells down before we judge this programme.

- All Blacks Fan (Sydney)

Sure they are the best that perhaps there has ever been in the game of rugby when you consider all elements and individual skills performing in those roles. But I just think the rest of the world has to up-grade their abilities.

It wasn't so long ago that Australia held a somewhat invincible reign. South Africa, as well, in the past, have been superior with unforgettable names. Perhaps soon, they will come back along with some consistent European big-guns and Argentina.

Speaking almost regrettably, rugby will also have to continue to 'learn' from our American Football counterparts. They seem to know how to condition big athletes to be very competent and effective in their roles. It must also be said that their governors understand the physical strain by limiting most to a five-month season......

- The Balls (Ottawa)

As a sports scientist I think this is a stroke of genius only made possible by the central contracts that the NZRU hold with its players. It should see the players peaking at the right time, increasing their strength and more importantly power, and giving them less chance of injury (through less playing time, and more strength). Critics argue that what players who play rugby need is rugby rugby rugby. That may well have been the case when the season was 11 games long, with 4 test matches. Now its something like 40 games long with 12-14 tests a year, and with much more high collision, and energy expended. Of course the knockers will say that it was arrogance and folly if they lose, but without this reconditioning their chances of success would be reduced. I'm not saying the All Blacks only have to show up to win by any means, but they will be in a much better space to win the RWC as a consequence of what's they've done.

- Jerry (New Zealand)

As a Kiwi I can't figure why the All Blacks need to 'beef up' as required by Ted (Graham Henry). Ockers and Yarpies - especially 'FOX News Ltd. say, "Super 14 ain't gonna work if you guys withhold your 'frontline players'. We (Ockers or Yarpies ) could easily commandeer the competition." The great Ocker rugby Guru, Yuen Mackenzie, along with News Ltd also mention - "We're gonna monitor Kiwi franchises and if they don't measure up - the New Zealand Rugby Football Union must repay agreements because in withholding 22 All Blacks from the Super 14, that would destabilise the competition."

However, aside from 'The Chiefs' - who at the moment sit 12th - but ready now to move up in the Comp after a return from Yarpie biased Ocker refs in Yarpie-land - the kiwi franchises consequently sit very much at the top of the tier. Meanwhile, Ocker Guru Yeun Mackenzie, and 'The Tahs' sit uncomfortably 11th out of 14 franchises..

Another couple of weeks and the 22 ABs will return to join the S14 Comp. While 'The Blues' and 'The Hurricanes' are at the moment No 1 and 2 & "The Crusaders and "Highlanders' at 5 & 6. 'News Ltd' might need to change their tune, because it is more apparent now (after the 4th round ) Kiwi franchises are virtually guaranteed to win 'top dog' and wind up - with most sitting at the end of the competition in the top tier of the S14.

I guess what I'm really saying, is that Graham Henry doesn't need to 'beef the guys Up' the caliber of players who have come into the S14 comps to replace the 22, are IMHO more than adequate to better the Ockers & Yarpies in the S14 comp - and Graham Henry should hasten to bring the 22 ABs back, otherwise a completely brand new crop of ABs could as easily bring the 'Webb Ellis' trophy back, so that beefing up the 22 ABs is merely academic - indubitably a sheer waste of God given time.

- TWR Smith (Waikato)

I think they "the 22 re-conditioned players" will definitely be a deciding factor in the rugby world cup this year. They will be fitter, stronger, more focused and hungrier than the other Super 14 players. I cannot comment on the Northern teams.

And lets face it, if the All Blacks don't win it this time around then they probably will never win again because they have pretty much tried everything possible to win the World Cup haven't they?

- S.Tapiki (New Zealand)

They may be doing all the right things with their conditioning, but I think the All Blacks better be careful and not begin to think, that they have the Rugby World Cup 2007, already in the bag.

They are playing the game too much in their heads, they are creating great expectations within themselves and eventually, along with the media hype, will put themselves under all kinds of pressure.

If they appear to be arrogant, about how they are going to wipe the floor and the other teams should be afraid of them, their arrogance will be their downfall.

They will have both the crowds and the other teams, motivated to bring them down to size.

They only have to look back on their last three World Cup records.

It's better, to walk quietly and carry a big stick!

- Bryan Corlett (Malta)

Graham Henry is on the money. The timing is bang on, with the protected 22 players coming into the latter stages of the Super 14. By the time the World Cup comes around, they will also be match fit, and the rest of the Kiwi players in the 14 franchise teams will be up there too.

The psychology is brilliant at every level. I bet Graham Henry plays a mean game of chess.

As a proud but not one-eyed Kiwi living in Ireland, who also supports Munster and the Auckland Blues.

Times are exciting.

- Kiwi Mike

Lets be frank. The All Blacks are on a hiding to nothing. If they win the world cup then everyone will say that it was expected so big deal.

If they lose then they will be labeled as just another bunch of chokers. The fact that they are the most continuous year in year out example of excellence in rugby seems to be ignored by the majority of punters and hacks alike.

If NZ seem obsessed by winning the world cup, then it's the rest of the world who've driven them to it by relegating their efforts in everything but world cups years to irrelevance.

When is the rugby community going to grow up and acknowledge that the world champions are not the winners of a four yearly event, but the team that sits at the top of the world rankings annually.

- Adrian Keane

Tell the All Blacks to watch out for the French and Irish!!!

- Frazer McDonogh

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the All Blacks since I'm an New Zealander myself; I would love to see Ritchie hold the William Webb Ellis trophy aloft this year. But physical size and speed is not what will win the world cup for New Zealand. What the All Blacks need will be mental strength and the belief that they can win the crucial knock-out games. Come semi-final time, if the ABs reach that stage, that will be their biggest test. Win the semi-final, and I think you'll see the All Blacks go on to win the final.

- Lance Young

And Jason Eaton's 'mullet hairdo' is bigger, the All Blacks are 50 per cent taller and their 'handbags' are much snazzier!

- Kevin

The All Blacks may be the best from the neck down, but how about from the neck up. I pick Ireland or France to out-think and outplay them. Especially in a tight game when the worm of doubt gets into their Kiwi heads.

- Hamish Small

Work a machine hard enough and long enough and eventually it will break down.....the more the human body is tweaked the more likely something can go wrong. I hope this works....it will either produce one of the greatest teams ever to step out onto a rugby pitch or another effort to bring NZ to a fever pitch of anticipation only to fall at the last hurdle.

- Gary (Edinburgh)

So what.......? Winning the World Cup is as much about talent as it is about mental fortitude. Historically NZ are mentally frail when it comes to the crunch, why should RWC 2007 be any different? As usual the Kiwi's will have to watch the Aussies, as mentally they are everything there not!

- Mike Huber

However, aside from 'The Chiefs' - who at the moment sit 12th - but ready now to move up in the Comp after a return from Yarpie biased Ocker refs in Yarpie-land - the kiwi franchises consequently sit very much at the top of the tier. Meanwhile, Ocker Guru Yeun Mackenzie, and 'The Tahs' sit uncomfortably 11th out of 14 franchises..

Another couple of weeks and the 22 ABs will return to join the S14 Comp. While 'The Blues' and 'The Hurricanes' are at the moment No 1 and 2 & "The Crusaders and "Highlanders' at 5 & 6. 'News Ltd' might need to change their tune, because it is more apparent now (after the 4th round ) Kiwi franchises are virtually guaranteed to win 'top dog' and wind up - with most sitting at the end of the competition in the top tier of the S14.

I guess what I'm really saying, is that GH doesn't need to 'beef the guys Up' the caliber of players who have come into the S14 comps to replace the 22, are IMHO more than adequate to better the Ockers & Yarpies in the S14 comp - and GH should hasten to bring the 22 ABs back, otherwise a completely brand new crop of ABs could as easily bring the 'Webb Ellis' trophy back, so that beefing up the 22 ABs is merely academic - indubitably a sheer waste of God given time.

- TWR Smith (Waikato)

I think they "the 22 re-conditioned players" will definitely be a deciding factor in the rugby world cup this year. They will be fitter, stronger, more focused and hungrier than the other Super 14 players. I cannot comment on the Northern teams.

And lets face it, if the All Blacks don't win it this time around then they probably will never win again because they have pretty much tried everything possible to win the World Cup haven't they?

- S.Tapiki (New Zealand)

They may be doing all the right things with their conditioning, but I think the All Blacks better be careful and not begin to think, that they have the Rugby World Cup 2007, already in the bag.

They are playing the game too much in their heads, they are creating great expectations within themselves and eventually, along with the media hype, will put themselves under all kinds of pressure.

If they appear to be arrogant, about how they are going to wipe the floor and the other teams should be afraid of them, their arrogance will be their downfall.

They will have both the crowds and the other teams, motivated to bring them down to size.

They only have to look back on their last three World Cup records.

It's better, to walk quietly and carry a big stick!

- Bryan Corlett (Malta)

Graham Henry is on the money. The timing is bang on, with the protected 22 players coming into the latter stages of the Super 14. By the time the World Cup comes around, they will also be match fit, and the rest of the Kiwi players in the 14 franchise teams will be up there too.

The psychology is brilliant at every level. I bet Graham Henry plays a mean game of chess.

As a proud but not one-eyed Kiwi living in Ireland, who also supports Munster and the Auckland Blues.

Times are exciting.

- Kiwi Mike

Lets be frank. The All Blacks are on a hiding to nothing. If they win the world cup then everyone will say that it was expected so big deal.

If they lose then they will be labeled as just another bunch of chokers. The fact that they are the most continuous year in year out example of excellence in rugby seems to be ignored by the majority of punters and hacks alike.

If NZ seem obsessed by winning the world cup, then it's the rest of the world who've driven them to it by relegating their efforts in everything but world cups years to irrelevance.

When is the rugby community going to grow up and acknowledge that the world champions are not the winners of a four yearly event, but the team that sits at the top of the world rankings annually.

- Adrian Keane

Tell the All Blacks to watch out for the French and Irish!!!

- Frazer McDonogh

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the All Blacks since I'm an New Zealander myself; I would love to see Ritchie hold the William Webb Ellis trophy aloft this year. But physical size and speed is not what will win the world cup for New Zealand. What the All Blacks need will be mental strength and the belief that they can win the crucial knock-out games. Come semi-final time, if the ABs reach that stage, that will be their biggest test. Win the semi-final, and I think you'll see the All Blacks go on to win the final.

- Lance Young

And Jason Eaton's 'mullet hairdo' is bigger, the All Blacks are 50 per cent taller and their 'handbags' are much snazzier!

- Kevin

The All Blacks may be the best from the neck down, but how about from the neck up. I pick Ireland or France to out-think and outplay them. Especially in a tight game when the worm of doubt gets into their Kiwi heads.

- Hamish Small

Work a machine hard enough and long enough and eventually it will break down.....the more the human body is tweaked the more likely something can go wrong. I hope this works....it will either produce one of the greatest teams ever to step out onto a rugby pitch or another effort to bring NZ to a fever pitch of anticipation only to fall at the last hurdle.

- Gary (Edinburgh)

So what.......? Winning the World Cup is as much about talent as it is about mental fortitude. Historically NZ are mentally frail when it comes to the crunch, why should RWC 2007 be any different? As usual the Kiwi's will have to watch the Aussies, as mentally they are everything there not!

- Mike Huber