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