This is the 8th episode of a 9-part series on the 1924 New Zealand ‘All Blacks’ rugby team forever known as “The Invincibles”.
This series is both the telling of an epic story and an extraction of timeless lessons around shared identity, team culture and leadership.
In each episode I am joined by a guest who helps navigate the events that unfold, and shed light on insights that have a contemporary significance.
In this 8th episode I’m joined by my mate Stuart Lancaster. Stuart is one of the most highly respected coaches in the rugby world. He is currently Head Coach of Connacht in Ireland, and has previously coached European champions Leinster and the England men's national team between 2011-15.
This episode is called “Judgement Day” and provides an anatomy of the dramatic and controversial climactic Test match between England and the All Blacks played at Twickenham on 3rd January 1925.
In this episode Stuart and I dive deep into this epic match, and reflect on:
- leadership in adversity
- the reality and inevitably of disappointment, pain and suffering
- the personal why behind high performers
- different ways of 'losing'
- when connection matters more than the outcome
The visual version of this episode, including images of players and events mentioned, is available on YouTube here.