The joy of winning or the relief at not losing: Reinterpreting rugby and nationalism in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper challenges a longstanding interpretation of the relationship between rugby and nationalism in New Zealand during the twentieth century. Frequent international success by the All Blacks is conventionally coupled with the affirmation of a broader national identity and pride in the achievements of a small nation on the global stage. The passion for rugby and its status as something of a surrogate religion in New Zealand is generally equated with confidence in the utility of the game to unify the outlook of the country. However, following in part from an analysis of those periods when the team enjoyed relatively less success, it is evident that many media and public reactions to the usual run of victories seem less about assertions of national pride and more about deep relief that the All Blacks had not lost. There is also a consistently introspective pattern whereby victory is attributed to the failings of the opposition and defeat is attributed to the failings of the All Blacks and seldom the ability of the opposition. Indeed, the history of New Zealand international rugby through much of the twentieth century reads as a chronicle of doubt and insecurity, sometimes bitter internal politicking, and a recurring desire to embrace amateur ideals as a counter to the apparent excesses of sporting nationalism.