On the field, the All Blacks have already produced a sublime performance at this Rugby World Cup. Off the field, their performance is reported to be equally fine. To read Gregor Paul's account today of their after-match invitations to the opposing team is cause for as much pride as any match result. Under Steve Hansen the All Blacks have made an effort to restore some of the camaraderie of rugby that was lost when the game went professional at the highest level.
They have been inviting the opposition into their dressing room after the pool games and for those such as Namibia and Georgia it would have been awesome in the real meaning of the word. But while the guests took "selfies" with the greats and exchanged gear, Paul's report suggests the All Blacks would have been the modest unassuming Kiwis we expect.
Hansen told him, "When I played some of the best moments in rugby were with the guys you have just gone 80 minutes with, and you find out they are just like us. They are ordinary guys and you make lifelong friendships."
Hansen's friendship with Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer came to light this week when the South African's public comments were too generous to the All Blacks for Hansen's comfort as they prepared for their semi-final tomorrow. The greatest team ever? Maybe if they become the first to win a World Cup twice in succession. They have to win two more big matches and premature praise does not help, as Meyer well knew.