One of the greatest nations in the history of rugby, New Zealand have graced many World Cups with their excellent ball-handling and running skills.
With three titles to their name – they are the most successful country of all-time – ahead of Australia (2) and South Africa (2).
Over the years there have been many outstanding players to don the All Blacks jersey, the most eminent of them being Dan Carter and Richie McCaw who were central to winning sides in 2011 and 2015.
The first of the nation’s successes came in 1987 when the All Blacks – head and shoulders above any team of that era – dominated from start to finish to seal a comprehensive 29-9 win over France in the final on home soil at Eden Park.
This was the New Zealand of John Gallagher, John Kirwan and Sean Fitzpatrick – masters of their trade in the amateur age.
What looked like the trigger for future success failed, and it would take another 24 years before the All Blacks delivered a second crown – with Tony Woodcock’s early try making the difference in a slender 8-7 victory over France in the 2011 decider in Auckland.
Four years later in London, Steve Hansen’s men would confirm their status as the greatest team of all time when absorbing a stiff Wallabies comeback to win by 17 points (34-17) in a gripping final.
This victory set them apart from any other team and is why they are widely considered one of the greatest outfits of all time, throughout sport.
As the 2019 World Cup edges into view, the current crop of All Black stars continue to brim with the same confidence of their predecessors, and look in pole position to clinch a fourth title in Japan.
Octo Finissimo Automatic A Third World Record for Bulgari
Bulgari is once again the spotlight, proudly presenting its third successive world record.
The Octo Finissimo Automatic is the slimmest ultra-thin self-winding watch on the market to date.
After introducing its Tourbillon in 2014 and the Minute Repeater in 2016, the Maison unveils its new creation featuring a total thickness of just 5.15mm, while its self-winding movement is just 2.23mm thick for a 40mm diameter.
The iconic Octo is once again pushing the boundaries of watchmaking feasibility.
