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Teams Encyclopedia Entry 1781284473

** The New Zealand national rugby union team, also known as the All Blacks, is a renowned team that has been a symbol of excellence in the sport for over a century. **CONTENT:** ## Overview The New Zealand national rugby union team, affectionately known as the All Blacks, is the country's most iconic and successful sporting team. With a rich history dating back to 1884, the team has been a benchmark of excellence in the sport, known for their exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and unrelenting passion. The All Blacks have been a source of national pride, inspiring generations of Kiwis and fans around the world with their remarkable achievements on the field. The team's name, the All Blacks, was coined in 1905 by a British journalist, who referred to the team as "all backs" due to their predominantly backline composition. However, the name stuck, and over time, it became synonymous with the team's identity. The All Blacks' iconic black jersey, adorned with the silver fern emblem, is one of the most recognizable uniforms in sports. The team's success can be attributed to their commitment to the values of **Rugby World Cup** winning coach, Sir Brian Lochore, who emphasized the importance of discipline, teamwork, and respect. These values have been passed down through generations of players, coaches, and administrators, shaping the team's culture and identity. ## History/Background The All Blacks' history began in 1884, when a team of 20 players from the Otago Rugby Football Union traveled to Australia to compete against the New South Wales rugby team. This inaugural tour marked the beginning of a long and storied history, with the team going on to compete in numerous international matches and tournaments. The All Blacks' first major success came in 1905, when they embarked on a tour of the British Isles, defeating the British Lions and other top teams. This tour cemented the team's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. Over the years, the team has continued to evolve, with notable achievements including their first **Rugby World Cup** win in 1987 and their second in 2015. ## Key Information * **Rugby World Cup** wins: 2 (1987, 2015) * **Tri Nations/Bledisloe Cup** wins: 16 (1996-2017) * **The Rugby Championship** wins: 4 (2012-2016) * **Test match record:** 77.5% win rate (772 wins, 223 losses, 122 draws) * **Most capped player:** Richie McCaw (148 tests) * **Top try scorer:** Daryl Gibson (38 tries) The All Blacks have a long history of producing talented players, with many going on to become international stars. Some notable players include: * **Dan Carter:** Regarded by many as the greatest fly-half in rugby history, Carter won the **Rugby World Cup** with the All Blacks in 2015 and was named the tournament's top player. * **Richie McCaw:** A two-time **Rugby World Cup** winner, McCaw is the All Blacks' most capped player and one of the greatest flankers in the team's history. * **Jonah Lomu:** A legendary winger, Lomu was a key player in the All Blacks' 1995 **Rugby World Cup** campaign and is remembered for his incredible speed and power. ## Significance The All Blacks' significance extends far beyond their on-field achievements. They have become a symbol of New Zealand's national identity, representing the country's values of hard work, dedication, and respect. The team's success has inspired generations of Kiwis, promoting a sense of pride and unity among the nation. The All Blacks' impact on the sport of rugby is also significant. They have helped to popularize the game globally, attracting new fans and inspiring young players to take up the sport. Their commitment to excellence has raised the bar for teams around the world, driving innovation and improvement in the sport. INFOBOX: - **Name:** New Zealand national rugby union team - **Type:** National rugby union team - **Date:** 1884 (established) - **Location:** New Zealand - **Known For:** Two-time **Rugby World Cup** winners and one of the most successful teams in international rugby history TAGS: **Rugby World Cup**, **All Blacks**, **New Zealand**, **Rugby Union**, **Sport**, **Team**, **National Pride**, **Excellence**, **Discipline**, **Teamwork**, **Respect**