Behind the Silver Fern: The All Blacks in their Own Words

Behind the Silver Fern is a comprehensive history of the New Zealand All Blacks, told by the men who have worn the iconic black jersey. It covers the team's history from the 1905 'Originals' to the 2019 World Cup team, revealing the glory, drama, friendships, and brotherhood of the All Blacks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2020
Publisher: Polaris Publishing Limited

Behind the Silver Fern: A Comprehensive History of Rugby's Most Famous Team, the New Zealand All Blacks
The New Zealand All Blacks, one of the most famous and enigmatic rugby teams in history, have a rich and storied history that is explored in detail in the book "Behind the Silver Fern." Written by Tony Johnson and Lynn McConnell, this comprehensive history lifts the lid on the experiences of the All Blacks, from their legendary 1905 "Originals" to the World Cup team of 2019. Through exhaustive archival research and exclusive new material gathered from a wide range of interviews with players and coaches from across the decades, Johnson and McConnell unveil the compelling truth of what it means to play for the most successful team in the history of sport.
The book delves into the glory and drama of the field, the great friendships formed off the field, and the bonds of brotherhood that extend far beyond the bright lights of a Test match. It is an absorbing and illuminating read, providing a definitive account of All Black rugby told by the men who have been there and done it.
The book begins with a brief overview of the origins of rugby in New Zealand and the early development of the All Blacks. It then moves on to explore the team's early successes, including their first Test match in 1905 and their dominance in the Southern Hemisphere. The book also covers the challenges that the All Blacks faced during the Second World War, including the loss of many players to the war effort.
One of the key themes of the book is the impact of the All Blacks on the global game of rugby. The team's success has inspired countless young players around the world to pursue their dreams of playing professional rugby, and the All Blacks have become a symbol of excellence and professionalism. The book explores the team's training methods, their approach to the game, and their commitment to excellence.
The book also features interviews with a wide range of players and coaches, including legends such as Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Jonah Lomu. These interviews provide a unique insight into the mindset of the All Blacks and their approach to the game.
In addition to the interviews, the book includes a wealth of historical photographs and memorabilia, including jerseys, caps, and trophies. These images provide a visual representation of the team's history and the impact that they have had on the sport.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the way that it explores the team's culture and values. The All Blacks are known for their discipline, teamwork, and respect for their opponents. The book explores how these values have been passed down from generation to generation and how they have contributed to the team's success.
The book also highlights the challenges that the All Blacks have faced over the years, including the loss of key players to injury and retirement. It explores how the team has responded to these challenges and how they have continued to be successful.
In conclusion, "Behind the Silver Fern" is a comprehensive and illuminating history of the New Zealand All Blacks. Written by Tony Johnson and Lynn McConnell, this book lifts the lid on the experiences of the All Blacks, from their legendary 1905 "Originals" to the World Cup team of 2019. Through exhaustive archival research and exclusive new material gathered from a wide range of interviews with players and coaches, the book provides a definitive account of All Black rugby told by the men who have been there and done it. Whether you are a rugby fan or just interested in the history of sport, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913538200
Edition number: New Edition