Legacy

The All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby union team, have a storied history that forms the backdrop for James Kerr’s book Legacy. The team’s origins date back to 1884 when the first New Zealand representative rugby side toured Australia. However, the name “All Blacks” wasn’t adopted until 1905 during their tour of Britain, France, and North America. This tour established their reputation for excellence, as they won 34 out of 35 matches. Throughout the 20th century, the All Blacks continued to build their legacy. The 1924-25 team, known as “The Invincibles,” completed a 32-match tour without losing a single game. This feat contributed to the team’s mystique and set a standard of excellence that future generations would strive to uphold.

The All Blacks’ record reflects their dominance in international rugby. They have won the Rugby World Cup three times (1987, 2011, and 2015) and have maintained the highest win percentage of any international rugby team in history. Their success extends beyond winning games, as they have also become cultural icons in New Zealand and abroad. A significant aspect of the All Blacks’ history is their integration of Māori culture into the team’s identity. This is most visibly represented by the haka, a traditional Māori challenge performed before each match. The haka, particularly the “Ka Mate” version, has become synonymous with the All Blacks and represents the fusion of New Zealand’s Indigenous and colonial heritage. The team’s uniform, an all-black kit with a silver fern emblem, has remained largely unchanged since the early 20th century. This consistency in appearance contributes to the team’s sense of tradition.

Throughout their history, the All Blacks have produced numerous top players who have significantly influenced the team’s ethos and culture. Figures like Colin Meads, known as “Pinetree” due to his imposing stature and toughness, played 55 test matches between 1957 and 1971, setting standards of durability and commitment. Richie McCaw, who captained the team from 2006 to 2015, played a record 148 test matches and led the All Blacks to two World Cup victories, exemplifying leadership and tactical acumen. Dan Carter, widely regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history, played 112 tests between 2003 and 2015, demonstrating skill and consistency.

The All Blacks’ history is not without controversies, including debates over player selection policies and political issues such as the 1981 Springbok Tour, which highlighted tensions over apartheid in South Africa. These challenges have also shaped the team’s identity and approach to social responsibility.

Overall, the team’s consistent success has led to the development of a unique culture within the organization, which Kerr explores in depth in his book. The All Blacks’ approach to leadership, team dynamics, and personal development has evolved over decades, influenced by both their successes and their rare defeats. In Legacy, Kerr uses this historical backdrop to extract leadership lessons and principles. He draws parallels between the team’s long-standing traditions and broader concepts of organizational culture and legacy-building.