Rugby: All Blacks take guarded approach to new Amazon documentary series

  • 27/05/2018

Don't expect to learn the secrets to the All Blacks enduring success when a new documentary about the team hits screens this week.

Tagging along during the 2017 Lions series and the Rugby Championship, "All or Nothing" is a six-part series produced by American giants Amazon which has promised to "pull back the black curtain".

But both the All Blacks coach and captain have admitted there was plenty they weren't prepared to share.

"In any of those circumstances there's a little bit of guarding going on isn't there - you don't want to tell everyone your secrets you work hard to get where you get to," said head coach Steve Hansen.

"I think we've managed to keep most of our IP (Intellectual Property) safe…I wouldn’t say it's a 100 per cent true reflection because it never will be."

In fact, Hansen wasn't even sure he enjoyed it.

"I've seen it, I don't know if I'm happy with it or not though."

That's one better than captain Kieran Read, who's yet to watch it himself. The No. 8 admitted there were definitely reservations within the squad regarding the constant presence of cameras.

 "Initially there were guys who wanted it to happen and guys that didn’t, but once it came in everyone brought in to what was happening."

Just how much they bought in is another question altogether.

Read ensured there would be plenty of insight there for the fans, but echoed many of the same sentiments of his coach in relation to the cautious approach to perceived "sensitive" information being included in the final cut, over which they had the power of veto.

So, what exactly was off limits?

"Our game plan, stuff within meetings, tactical stuff each week for obvious reasons. Apart from that, it was all go."

Fly-on-the-wall insight, it would seem far from.

"It's a whole look on how the team operates. It's not coming in and listening to our team meetings, but going out and seeing the boys in their own environment at home, or what we do on our days off," Read continued.

"They got some unique footage that people haven't seen before, but also we had to be sensible that we looked after our I.P as well."

Hansen revealed there had been a considerable amount of pushback prior to the project being given the green light, until the benefits of the global exposure ultimately won through.

"There was a lot of debate about it," said Hansen. "But we're a rugby nation that doesn’t have a big commercial background supporting it.

"Amazon reaches a massive audience. It's about enhancing the All Blacks brand, and it's a great opportunity to do that

"The risks and rewards were weighed up and in the end we decided to do it. Once we decided that it was in boots and all and do it the best we can."

"It was day in and day out," added Read. "Every training, games, and all of that. A lot of ups and downs…people will see a different side to the All Blacks."

Newshub.