Behind the Fern episode two with Ruben, Tana and Barnesy
Episode two of Behind the Fern goes inside the All Blacks' opening Test week, following the people, friendships and routines that help bring a Test match together. From the logistics of moving a team to the excitement of a first Test start, it offers another look at what life in the All Blacks environment is really like.
Watch episode two of Behind the Fern now
For new Assistant Coach Tana Umaga, the week also brings a familiar reminder of the team's history.
"I would be lying if I said there weren't moments, like today seeing the Dave Gallaher Trophy. I was part of the group that first played for it in 2000," Umaga says.
"That's the connection. It's like our culture. It's passing on the stories, the experiences to the next group so they understand how much it means to us."
Umaga also talks about the work that happens away from the cameras to help the team perform.
"There's a lot that goes into it. Not just coaches but everyone. There's a lot of information and a short turnaround for everybody.
"Yet the way Dave has brought everyone together, and focusing on the main thing, while still driving our connection and understanding why we do this and who we represent is a key part of this.
"But in the end it's what we do on the park on a Saturday night that everyone's going to remember. As staff, we've got to make sure that when it is their time to shine we help them shine, because when that happens we all shine. The country shines."
All Blacks teamwork extends well beyond the coaching group
The episode follows logistics manager Jimmy Iversen as the squad's gear arrives, giving fans a glimpse into one of the many jobs that quietly keeps a Test week running smoothly.
It's also on show in the coaches' room, where new assistant Neil Barnes is settling into life with the All Blacks.
"Jason has been awesome for me. He's been here before and he warned me it is all go, and it is," Barnes says.
"I'm really enjoying the flow, the content early and mindset shifting into it now. It's exciting mate, I'm looking forward to it."
During his interview, Assistant Coach Jason Ryan wanders over with a drink for his fellow coach.
"I've gotta look after my old mate. Takes a bit!"
Episode two of Behind the Fern isn't short on lighter moments either
Damian McKenzie becomes the centre of plenty of banter after the team revisits his schoolboy haka video, which has racked up more than a million YouTube views. Old photos from his Christ's College days get plenty of attention too, with McKenzie happy to laugh along at his own haircut. Will Jordan chips in, joking that he remembers watching McKenzie play while he was in Year 10 and probably "heckled” him.
The focus then shifts to Ruben Love as he prepares for his first Test start at first five-eighth.
"From last Wednesday to now it has been about sharpening the details and mentally getting ready to walk into battle."
Viewers also get a look at Love's friendship with Cameron Roigard. Having roomed together regularly, the pair have developed an easy understanding both on and off the field.
"We work well together because we see the game in similar lights. There's no egos when it comes to our games. Whatever I can do to make him better and it's vice versa as well.
"He's world class. He's obviously one of the best in the world for a reason. The way he prepares for a game, the way he works, just the finer details. I enjoy rooming with him."
All Blacks players visit Ronald McDonald House
Away from the field, members of the squad spend time at Ronald McDonald House, sharing Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi with families, while former captain Richie McCaw helps create a memorable experience for Toyota's young ball runners before the opening Test in Christchurch.
Ruben Love prepares to wear No.10 jersey for first time
The episode also builds towards one of the biggest moments of Love's career as he prepares to wear the No.10 jersey for the first time.
"Growing up I always played 10, and the one jersey I always visualised in my mind to want and dream for the All Blacks was that 10 jersey," Love says.
"Seeing Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Damian McKenzie, some of the greatest names this country has ever had wear the jersey. I wanted to reach up and put my name in that bracket.
"I understand I have played for the All Blacks before at 15, 22, 23. It's so special and you can never take it for granted, but the 10 jersey is the upper echelon of my dreams for me and my family.
"This jersey holds a lot of mana and a lot of weight, and I just want to do everything I can to make the country proud and make sure the people who have worn that 10 jersey say he was ready."
Epsiode two of Behind the Fern
Episode two is full of those little moments that fans don't normally get to see, from the people keeping the team moving to the friendships, laughs and conversations that help shape an All Blacks Test week.
