Freeley Speaking: Pulse check reveals rugby jitters

Can the men in black get the job done, or will they be left feeling blue? Photo / Brett Phibbs

Ever since Greg and I arrived in New Zealand a couple of days ago, this has been the major - if slightly obvious - question on our minds: Can the All Blacks succeed at the Rugby World Cup on home turf?

We decided to take up the challenge of asking some regular Kiwi shopkeepers of Dunedin to get the pulse of the nation when it came to this most important of questions.

"We can win it ... but I'm nervier now than two weeks ago," said Brent at Otago Sports Depot.

"I think we shouldn't be experimenting with our side in our first group games. This should have been sorted out before the first game against Tonga."

We also spoke about the prices of the brand new All Black shirts. Many people have been angered by the high retail price of the shirt, but Brent disagrees.

"To be honest, I cannot get enough of them at the moment.

"We are currently sold out and I have twenty people waiting for the new order to come in."

When asked about his second choice team surprisingly he chose Australia because of Kiwi coach Robbie Deans. He also felt that if the All Blacks could not win on home turf then "It would be a long time before we can lift the Webb Ellis again."

Jasmine Barakah was pretty forthright with her views.

"I want the All Blacks to win but I think we will bottle it... again. New Zealand just always seems to bottle it anyway. I think the pressure will definitely get to them.

"I'm not a rugby expert but I just think they choke, the whole country wants them to win [but] I can't see them getting to the final."

Importantly she did admit she would go mad if the All Blacks would lift the Rugby World Cup, but just felt that it was not meant to be.

Mary at Bed, Bath and Table seemed sure that the All Blacks would cruise past the group stages and the initial knockout stages but was unsure when it came to the final match.

"We'll destroy our pool matches and do well to begin with. But I think the media will hype up the players and set them up for a fall."

She certainly thinks the All Blacks will have a strong tournament, but will fall at the final.

"I think it's all about luck. The smallest fumble or penalty can make the difference; it's that tough in the big games."

When asked about her second choice, Mary went for an outside shot in Wales.

"I just remember when they had great players like Gareth Thomas playing for them, they are not the same players as before but I think they can pull an upset."

So it seems from my brief gauge of the public mood that the All Blacks are destined for failure at this year's tournament.

I think that The All Blacks are dead certain to win the Rugby World Cup this year. The passionate home support coupled with a strong overall squad seems to point to a repeat of the 1987 victory in my eyes.

Let's hope they can repeat the glory of 24 years ago.

Follow Mitch's Rugby World Cup adventures in New Zealand on Twitter:
@NotSweetChariot

Follow Mitch's Rugby World Cup adventures in New Zealand on Twitter: @NotSweetChariot