Nice Guys Finish First
Sportspeople are revered in New Zealand, not just for their skill and athletic prowess, but as rolemodels and heroes. The All Blacks are placed on a pedestal, scrutinised and analysed by the media and the public. Any sign of behaviour that serves a bad example to the thousands and thousands of children who look up to them, brings embarrassment to the team, or shows a lack of respect for their position in society, and they are out. They may have a chance to regain their place if they are properly apologetic and show a willingness to change, but repeated issues will lose them both their position in the team and the respect of the public, no matter how well they play the game. This is not a place where someone will be forgiven for running a dog-fighting ring because they are good at sport.
Daniel Carter is a prime example of the type of sportsperson who is truly loved by the public, both as the greatest number ten ever to have graced the jersey, and as a nice guy. He is soft spoken, polite and never has a bad word to say about anyone. He’s always received a lot of attention, especially in the early years of his career for both his extraordinary skill on the rugby field and his extreme good looks. Despite this, he has never shown any degree of conceit or entitlement, and has always come across as a very nice person. He seems genuinely happy for his teammates’ personal achievements, and proud of the rising stars in the team.
Dan Carter has been central to the All Blacks since 2003, despite injury breaks and a lack of form at times in recent years. The Carter in this World Cup paid back the faith of the selectors and most of the public with a return to form at exactly the right time. His performance and composure in the knockout games was pivotal to the performance of the team. He was desperate to play in the final, having been forced to sit on the sideline, injured, while the team won in 2011, but that emotion seemed to drive him to peak form, and when Carter’s in peak form, the whole unit runs smoothly.
The World Cup final was a beautiful game against a tough Australian side, more hard fought than the final score of 34-17 might indicate. It was a pure team effort, with moments of individual glory (Ma’a Nonu’s runaway try deserves a mention), but it was Carter’s determination and coolness under pressure that got the ABs home. With the score at 21-17 with less than ten minutes to play, that glorious long range drop goal lifted the heads of the players and regained the momentum for New Zealand.
Thanks for the magic, Dan. A perfect final test match in the black jersey. We’ll miss you. But what a way to go.