Kiwis over ’99 ‘mugging’

ANTON OLIVER was left devastated by the “mugging” that shattered New Zealand’s 1999 World Cup but insists the grieving process ended long ago.

The All Blacks are unable to escape comparisons with their semi-final defeat to France eight years ago as the rivals prepare to lock horns once again.

France pegged back a 24-10 deficit to stun the overwhelming favourites 43-31 in probably the greatest ever World Cup match.

That dramatic day continues to scar the All Black psyche, contributing significantly to their reputation as perennial chokers on rugby’s biggest stage.

A similar outcome at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday would be unthinkable for a nation that craves rugby success above all else.

The All Blacks coaching team have furiously played down any relevance 1999 has to the current side, which is intent on ending a 20-year World Cup drought.

But with New Zealand rated favourites again, the scene is set for lightning to strike twice with Oliver, Byron Kelleher, Raphael Ibanez and Fabien Pelous providing a link back to that remarkable day at Twickenham.

For Oliver 1999 was a bitter pill to swallow but the veteran Toulon hooker, who will retire from Test rugby after the World Cup, insists it is now little more than a footnote in history.

“I’ve described our semi-final defeat by Australia in the 2003 World Cup as a slow strangulation,” he said.

“In 1999 it was a mugging. We got mugged. It went so quickly, once the wheels fell off we couldn’t regain our composure and we were completely lost.

“If I’m still grieving after that defeat then I need some professional psychiatric help.

“We’ve not talked about the good victories we’ve had against the French because you can’t be selective like that.”

One possible flaw in New Zealand’s unchecked advance has been the lack of meaningful competition.

Italy and Scotland both fielded weakened sides while Portugal and Romania were crushed. In contrast, France faced bruising encounters against Argentina and Ireland.

Oliver is concerned by the All Blacks’ romp through Pool C and revealed the squad has turned on itself in search of quality opposition.

“We had a really good physical hit-out yesterday and all the chaps were pretty sore afterwards,” said Oliver.

“One of the negative things about our pool play is that so far we haven’t been tested.”

Oliver claims New Zealand’s star-studded backline has suffered due to the feeble opposition so far.

“In some instances our backs probably have too much talent,” he said. “In the pool stage we broke the line more than we usually would because we were playing opponents who were not as good as the French.”