It was music to New Zealand ears. They had won the final of the U19s tournament that was staged in Ireland in 2007, and it was only natural that they carried over that success into the following year at U20s level with a 38-3 win in the final in Wales in June 2008.
This was the year when two worlds collided and morphed into one. Prior to 2008, World Rugby – known as IRB at the time – used to run World Cups at U21s and U19s.
France are the defending champions from four years ago and their seniors are favourites to hoist the William Webb Ellis trophy in a few months’ time.
Conrad Smith and Jerome Kaino are just two of the well-decorated names that have been included in the Classic All Blacks squad for a one-off fixture next month.
New Zealand may have dominated Super Rugby for the last decade, but South African forwards proved to be the best ‘travellers’.
Steven Luatua is testimony to the exquisite skill that the Bristol Bears bring to some of their work but he will need to lead with the hard edge if his team is to challenge the top six in this season’s Gallagher Premiership.
The Guinness PRO14 season is underway, and already the heavy New Zealand influence is evident.