All Blacks interviewed with a lap full of puppies
It made for a lighter moment on the final stop of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. The All Blacks tour began in South Africa in early August and wrapped up with a win for South Africa at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, in front of more than 68,000 fans.
Staying on task
Keeping focus proved easier said than done. Pups climbed over laps, one fell fast asleep, and at least one player had to apologise mid-answer for being a little distracted.
The puppies also sparked a debate over the biggest dog lover in the team. Players talked about the golden labs, retrievers and farm dogs they grew up with, and Tyrel Lomax was put forward as a contender. Will Jordan's dog also got a mention, with teammates joking it lives like a high roller, complete with its own dog walker.
The soft side of touring
Between the laughs, the questions went deeper. Asked about the hardest part of an All Blacks tour, players kept coming back to missing home and the people who support them. Ethan de Groot spoke about his newborn at home and has now been away for almost half of the baby's life, while Josh Moorby and Kyle Preston spoke about the missed time with family and friends that come with the jersey, and the privilege that is never taken for granted.
The All Blacks players also reflected on tour highlights, from getting to know each other away from Super Rugby Pacific to days off on the golf course. As for their first move once home, hugs for family came first, followed closely by a roast or a Fijian lamb curry.
