Have the All Blacks peaked prior to RWC 2007?

[The InnFORCEr]

I have had a statistical look at the All Blacks performance in the lead up(between) to Rugby World Cups and the results were interesting to say the least. I have first used Bledisloe Cup or Tri nations matches in black. Then total internationals (except RWC matches) in red and beside the RWC year in blue is how many games they won is that RWC.

In the lead up to RWC 87 6/6
The All Blacks won 2 and lost 2 and won the RWC.
1984-1987 - 39/42 or 93%

In the lead up to RWC 91 5/6
The All Blacks won 7, lost 2 and drew 1.
1988-1991 - 53/58 or 91%

In the lead up to RWC 95 5/6
The All Blacks won 4 and lost 3.
1992-1995 - 44/55 or or 80%

In the lead up to RWC 99 4/6
The All Blacks won 12 and lost 6.
1996-1999 - 36/45 or 80%

In the lead up to RWC 03 6/7
The All Blacks won 11 and lost 5
2000-2003 - 30/40 or 75%

So far in the lead up to RWC 07
The All Blacks have won 9 and lost 4 so far with 4 to play.
2004-2005 - 29/33 or 88%

[Happy]

It isn't as bad as one would probably think … it seems they choke when they get to finals more than peaking mid World Cup and then ending up in a slump when it comes around!

I've graphed all New Zealand games since the Bledisloe against Australia in 1987. They get +1 for a win and -1 for a loss.

Here is the result. Note - They return to zero points after the world cup so you can see the RWC boundaries simply.

[The InnFORCEr]

So looking at the first results their best percentage of wins was before they won in 1987 and in the lead up to RWC 2003 they had their worst percentage of wins and also finished 3rd (the lowest they have finished in a RWC, I think?).

[chook]

So...put the house on the ABs to come in the top 4 but not 1st? Let me get the paperwork ready!

[The Lone Hydrangea]

I will be a witness if required Chook.

[.X.]

So...put the house on the ABs to come in the top 4 but not 1st? Let me get the paperwork ready!

anyone know a good Real Estate agent?? is there such a thing as a good one?

[Flamethrower]

anyone know a good Real Estate agent?? is there such a thing as a good one?

He's standing right next to that Honest Used Car Salesman

[The InnFORCEr]

anyone know a good Real Estate agent?? is there such a thing as a good one?

www.realtyexecs.com.au/mjs

[luke_the_pom]

of course they will choke again!
no doubt in my mind

new zealand should just face it - the women netball team is the only GREAT sporting team in that country!

[The InnFORCEr]

You do live in your own little dream world don't you Luke, I thought only Shaunmarn would be silly enough to make such a comment....but I guess you have been away for while

[luke_the_pom]

You do live in your own little dream world don't you Luke, I thought only Shaunmarn would be silly enough to make such a comment....but I guess you have been away for while

yep!

clearly in your old pensioner age you have forgotten about me!

[The InnFORCEr]

clearly in your old pensioner age you have forgotten about me!

unfortunatly not, but wish it was possible

FYI 34 yo but do hope to retire well before the pension kicks in.

[luke_the_pom]

FYI 34 yo but do hope to retire well before the pension kicks in.

yeah arent we all

[Jethro]

Well if the ABs are chokers, what does that make the home unions

Only takes one bad day at the office and the fat lady's singing.