Sean Fitzpatrick: All Black juggernaut gathers momentum

Sean Fitzpatrick talks captaincy with Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images

John Kirwan and myself were in Johannesburg last week promoting the 2011 Rugby World Cup for the New Zealand Government.

Talk about pushing against an open door - that must have been one of the easiest jobs I've ever had.

The deep passion that South Africans have for rugby was abundantly evident and we were staggered by how much air-time we were given on radio stations, TV shows and in newspapers.

We talked rugby morning, noon and night with just about everyone we met.

We both left with the indelible impression that South Africans are as passionate as anyone about rugby, New Zealand included.

We agreed that, whether we were there promoting it or not, come 2011, South Africans will be on the planes to New Zealand to cheer on the Boks.

JK has been back to South Africa only a few times since we had toured together there in 1992, and not only was he amazed at the political and social transformation that has taken place, he was also surprised that, as I mentioned last week, people really did come up to me and say "Fitzpatrick, it is nice to meet you and I have always wanted to say this: I hate you!"

It really is a thoroughly enjoyable rivalry, one we should nurture and treasure.

The game itself was a cracker. The most important perspective of the game from an All Black point of view was the fact that we didn't give up.

Those last 10 minutes were in stark contrast to the last 10 minutes in Cardiff against France in 2007. It was a huge win - exactly what we needed as we move towards next year.

Graham Henry has been picking his best team for the whole Tri Nations and that has given us continuity, momentum and a calm confidence under fire that allowed us to stay focused and deliver a win at the death.

It really was great stuff, and while he may use the autumn internationals to fill some gaps and cover key positions, Henry has clearly changed his approach.

He's a smart man. The game has evolved and he has developed the All Blacks to capitalise on the changes. The Springboks, by comparison, looked jaded and outdated.

Certainly the coaching team and senior players all know where they're going and what they're trying to do, and the whole group is gelling nicely.

We were staying at the same hotel as the All Black squad in the run-up to the game and meeting them at the various functions, seeing them around the hotel and chatting to them made me feel very proud.

They are a bunch of really nice guys; friendly, professional, disciplined, charming, and more - you just wouldn't want to meet them on the field ...

Physically, they're in great shape. They are well conditioned, strong and focused. I hadn't really appreciated where they're at mentally, but spending time in their company this week, I was highly impressed.

Richie McCaw carries himself wonderfully in his role as captain.

He blends a polite, humble approach with steely determination and absolute clarity on his team's mission.

The question of course remains. Will we, as many (mainly Northern Hemisphere) pundits predict, choke when it comes to the main event?

Time will tell, but you can take it from me as someone who knows when a team is feeling right that this group of All Blacks is drawing together, and becoming more than the sum of its parts.

I recognised that quiet, focused determination that is permeating the whole set-up.

The few days with the team reminded me how it felt to be part of an All Black side that was moving towards full ramming speed.

It was energising and exciting to be so close to it again.

Of course it is way too early to be clearing a space on the mantelpiece but, I tell you what, we're absolutely right where we need to be at the moment in terms of team development.

I wouldn't change a thing.