The All Blacks have a mantra that they like to think helps explain why a small country in the Pacific Ocean have become the undisputed kings of rugby.
"No dickheads."
Simple as that. If your team is devoid of dickheads, if everyone does what needs to be done, if everyone speaks honestly to each other and honours their responsibilities, the world will be your egg-shaped oyster.
Sounds great. In fairness, they have won the last two World Cups and up until two weeks ago were enjoying a world record run of games (18) without defeat.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/799170398797660160
On a totally unrelated note, head coach Steve Hansen has offered up an explanation for that defeat to Ireland in Chicago - citing the distraction caused by the city celebrating their beloved Cubs ending a 108-year wait for a World Series.
The World Cup-winning coach was asked to elaborate when he mentioned factors that contributed to Ireland getting a first win over New Zealand in 29 matches.
"I spent a lot of time wondering what the Cubs were doing, there's an example. There were five million people at the parade, most of our blokes were there," said Hansen.
"I don't know if that was or it wasn't but is that what they are normally doing on the Friday before a Test match? No."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_C4Wi5nDSY
Ireland, of course, were preparing for the Soldier Field Test in a zone of isolation, deep underneath the surface of Lake Michigan.
Aaron Kernan joins Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour to explain the work he's doing for the Club Players Association. Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue talks Slaughtneil and a Dublin club advertising for hurlers gets a sore touch. Subscribe here on iTunes.
