Sideline Cut: Apparently in the New Zealand edition of the Oxford English Dictionarythere is a blank space between the words humiliate and Humism or Humist (see Humean). In all other versions appears the word humility. The Kiwis as a nation aren't noted for modesty especially when it comes to rugby union.
Some would say with good reason. This morning the Tri-Nations begins when South Africa and Australia meet, while the All Blacks play a final tune-up game against Canada. New Zealand are raging favourites not just to win the Southern Hemisphere's premier tournament but also the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
In the recent two-Test rout of an emaciated France, the All Blacks broke the world record for most consecutive international victories at home, eclipsing a mark previously held by England. Producing several stunning performances over the past two seasons, they have cemented their position as the number-one ranked team in the sport.
They have showcased collective and individual brilliance, unearthing a rich seam of prodigiously talented players that appear interchangeable without compromising the facility to win. In effect they are rugby's global brand leaders on and off the pitch. New Zealanders would heartily endorse this approbation, an attitude that has proved something of an Achilles' heel when taken in the context of previous World Cups.
There is an American proverb that suggests "arrogance is a kingdom without a crown", a maxim that should serve as a warning to former schoolteacher and current All Black coach Graham Henry. Given the All Blacks' pre-eminence on the only proving ground that matters, the pitch, Henry's recent observations bemoaning sub-strength touring sides will provide motivational propaganda for opponents in France this autumn.
In castigating Northern Hemisphere sides for travelling without front-line players, he also aimed a pot-shot at English and French clubs who are busy trying to, and it seems successfully, "poach" several marquee-name All Blacks. His broadsides sail dangerously close to whining.
It's also a demonstration of a selective memory as pared down New Zealand squads have travelled to the Northern Hemisphere in the recent past. His remarks after the All Blacks' 42-11 first Test victory over the French were symptomatic of what he perceives to be sundry injustices visited upon New Zealand rugby: victims of their own success. He accused the French of time- wasting, feigning injury and being negative at scrum time. It was ill-considered, churlish and in fairness to Henry, largely out of character; until recently. There is only one thing more offensive than an ungracious loser; an ungracious winner.
It's not that he doesn't have a point in terms of the international touring schedule. There is a common accord among the major rugby playing nations that the IRB's decision to try to harmonise the poorly-structured global fixture schedule is long overdue.
The resolution of some players to pursue the most lucrative salary options is simply a by-product of professional sport and the force of his criticism and that of his coaching cohorts, Wayne Smith (former Northampton coach) and Steve Hansen (former Wales coach), is undermined by the fact that all three have danced to the tune of the sterling piper.
Furthermore, casting aspersions on the coaching systems of the Northern Hemisphere is merely grist to the mill for his coaching counterparts in Europe who are beginning to tire of his verbal scattergun approach.
It's difficult to understand why Henry has chosen to adopt his current attitude, getting involved in issues largely irrelevant to the twin objectives of Tri Nations and World Cup success.
He controls a supremely gifted squad of players who both in the Tri-Nations and World Cup represent the country to beat.
Maybe it is the first manifestation of pressure ahead of the two tournaments. The consensus amongst the New Zealand rugby public - that's the entire population - is they are a shoo-in for a double celebration.
An endorsement of that attitude can be gleaned from the following extract taken from an e-mail on the Planet Rugby website's message board. "As for New Zealand rugby being in turmoil with some of our finest players leaving for the NH (Northern Hemisphere) money, be rest assured we have an abundance of players waiting in the wings. If the rules permitted we could win first, second and third place at the RWC (Rugby World Cup)."
That was one of the more restrained offerings.
Due notice has been taken of South Africa's recent resurgence. Thumping a second-/third-string England team at home is hardly the pinnacle of rugby assignments but historically the All Blacks would recognise the Boks as distinguished rivals.
Speaking of times past, maybe it is the spectre of 1987, New Zealand's sole World Cup triumph that has spooked the New Zealand management. In the majority of the ensuing tournaments, the All Blacks have borne the mantle of favouritism with the comfort of a hair shirt.
In one public poll, the 1995 Rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa, was considered to be the single greatest tragedy in New Zealand's sporting history. The All Blacks have come up short three times at the penultimate stage, in 1991 and 2003 against Australia, and in 1999 against France. On the roll of honour they trail their Antipodean neighbours and fierce rivals Australia (2) and are perched alongside the Boks and England with one victory.
The New Zealand rugby public view this statistic as gross under-achievement and borderline negligence in the stewarding of a national passion. The All Blacks' captivating eloquence on the pitch shouldn't have to compete for headlines.
Apart from a current mini-crisis in the secondrow due to a string of injuries, the All Blacks are in rude health as they prepare for the Tri-Nations.
Henry and his management team have worked diligently to prepare the best team in world rugby and nothing should tarnish that lustre. Deeds rather than words should now claim centre stage.
• Keith Duggan is on holidays.
