Cheers not jeers

All Blacks welcomed home by PM, fans

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Posted: Tuesday November 09, 1999 11:06 AM

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) -- New Zealand's All Blacks returned home to their fans early Tuesday, expecting the worst following their semifinal loss to France in rugby's World Cup but relieved to see some smiling faces.

The 18 returning All Blacks kept Prime Minister Jenny Shipley waiting for almost an hour before emerging from Auckland airport's customs area to a warm reception from the enthusiastic crowd.

The look of apprehension on players' and former coach John Hart's faces disappeared when they were greeted with smiles and cheers from their fans.

Banners reading: "Beaten but not defeated" and "welcome home All Blacks, thanks for a great effort" helped ease the disappointment for the players.

Shipley gave captain Taine Randell a kiss and a hug, bringing a smile to his face as the crowd cheered loudest for him before he was swamped by well wishers.

Christian Cullen summed up the mood of the players in response to the welcome home -- "it is very humbling to come to a welcome like this, we can't ask for more."

Hart stood by his team, saying all they needed now was self-belief and confidence.

"This is a very young team, and if you look back at it we've finished the second-best team in the world this year," he said. "We played 13 tests this yea for 10 wins, there is a lot more to come from this team yet."

Hart said the team's semifinal loss to France was the most devastating blow of his rugby career.

"I am shattered, our dreams were shattered and I feel sick about it all," Hart said. 'We know we should have won at 24-10 up and that is what is really sad.

"The tea went out and did their best, they tried, but the emotional toll was telling and it showed."

Hart, who resigned as coach after the South African game, said the team had committed themselves to the game and done the best they could.

 

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