All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke was in the country ahead of the much-hyped Rugby Championship match between the Boks and New Zealand at Ellis Park on August 13.
The Sandton Chronicle had an exclusive one-on-one discussion with Brooke at the Maslow Hotel on August 11.
Before retiring in 1997, the former number 8 had been capped 58 times for the All Blacks and scored 17 Test tries.
During the Q and A session, Brooke shared his passion for the sport.
Q. The 1995 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and the All Blacks was a very memorable moment in Africa. How was the match and atmosphere of the game?
A. I have fond memories here, two of the heavyweights met each other at Ellis Park. It was a good battle and a display of attractive rugby, we nearly got there. Jonah Lomu who was a young superstar at that time converted a few people to the sport through his outstanding performance. In the end, it’s about the results.
Q. How would you describe the current New Zealand squad?
A. I will always love my team and stand by them. The current state of the All Blacks has truly been disappointing, there’s no heart and emotion when the players are playing. I hope that we change it soon because I don’t like seeing us lose.
Q. Would the 1995 All Blacks team win against the current one?
A. Yes we would, we would use everything to our advantage including the scrums.
Q. What have you been up to in your retirement?
A. Looking after my six wonderful children with my wife, started a construction recruitment company and am venturing into the commodity world.
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