Henry takes another ( deserved? ) pot shot at NH rugby

Diamondmaker

Graham Henry, in my opinion hit the nail on the head in an interview when he stated the the T14, EPL and
"Maggers league< looks to side for clarification> or something like that..... " had issues with the foreign imports in critical positions.

I guess it is a 2 pronged jibe at the NH teams poaching some NZ talent and also the way we are shooting our selves in the foot internationally, by the above practice. Of course none more relevant than the ad nauseum discussion of Irish, or lack thereof, 10s.

Also previosuly he commented that Luke MacCallister will gain worthwhile "life" experience at Sale but is "unlikely to return a better rugby player ".

Are these incredibly arrogant commnets or fair reflections?

The score card NH 1 to SH 20* from the last round of matches seems to confrim his take on things

* its roughly about this with only Wales toppling a 3 N team.

anonymous_joe

ML boasts off the top of my head...

Munster all Irish half backs
Leinster both foreign
Connact all Irish (and shíte )
Ulster all Irish (does Boss count as Irish?)

Glasgee and Edinburgh are predominantly Scottish at half back

Wales seem to produce an unending stream of half backs - Philips, Cooper, Hook, Jones, Peel, etc.

It's just more mouthing off. Of all leagues the Magners probably relies the least on foreign players.

twinytwo

Diamondmaker wrote: »

Graham Henry, in my opinion hit the nail on the head in an interview when he stated the the T14, EPL and
"Maggers league< looks to side for clarification> or something like that..... " had issues with the foreign imports in critical positions.

I guess it is a 2 pronged jibe at the NH teams poaching some NZ talent and also the way we are shooting our selves in the foot internationally, by the above practice. Of course none more relevant than the ad nauseum discussion of Irish, or lack thereof, 10s.

Also previosuly he commented that Luke MacCallister will gain worthwhile "life" experience at Sale but is "unlikely to return a better rugby player ".

Are these incredibly arrogant commnets or fair reflections?

The score card NH 1 to SH 20* from the last round of matches seems to confrim his take on things

* its roughly about this with only Wales toppling a 3 N team.

With the recent yapping on about how far behind the SH the NH hemisphere is.. which as far as i can tell is aload of tripe.. I mean the All blacks are the all blacks.. but SA was shocking only beating both the scots and wales by the skin of their teeth. The aussies wernt that impressive.. england were a push over anyway and they did lose to wales. And the pumas wernt much better.. Its comical for an all blacks coach to talk about poaching talent also the biggest choakers in international rugby are the all blacks...... so ya

themont85

The problems in NH rugby aren't personnel ones, its to do with how the game is played up hear. The S14 is a free flowing off loading bonanza which looks far removed from the Heineken Cup. The NH club teams play a more selfish brand of rugby(imo), in that its club winning first then country. It seems to me that the S14, NPC ect are an extension to how the Tri Nation teams want to play on the international stage.

Real FM

I love when New Zelanders talk about poaching. How many Fijians do they have?

sock puppet

twinytwo wrote: »

With the recent yapping on about how far behind the SH the NH hemisphere is.. which as far as i can tell is aload of tripe.. I mean the All blacks are the all blacks.. but SA was shocking only beating both the scots and wales by the skin of their teeth. The aussies wernt that impressive.. england were a push over anyway and they did lose to wales. And the pumas wernt much better.. Its comical for an all blacks coach to talk about poaching talent also the biggest choakers in international rugby are the all blacks...... so ya

But what you're missing is that these tours are in our backyard and at the beginning of our season whereas they're at the end. The fact is the worst tri nations team effectively stopped playing against the grand slam champions and still won. And even though they've been pretty poor they're still undefeated against European opposition this year. Australia won in France for the 1st time in years. Considering they've got a new coach I don't think they've done too badly. New Zealand have lost a fair few of their top players and are still dominant.

And in reality New Zealand don't poach more than any other nation. Would you seriously consider someone who was born in Samoa but raised in new Zealand Samoan? If you do then you should probably tell ROG to go back to America.

I think the S14 is just a higher standard competition. I can't think of any S14 player who's improved while playing up here bar except Mafi. Though most of them come here when they're either at or past their peak so it's difficult to judge.

Real FM

sock puppet wrote: »

And in reality New Zealand don't poach more than any other nation. Would you seriously consider someone who was born in Samoa but raised in new Zealand Samoan? If you do then you should probably tell ROG to go back to America.

You're right a lot of the Samoans did spend their lives in New Zealand, I cant argue with you on that one. But there was an interesting article recently about how numerous NZ clubs block there players from playing for the islands by refusing to let them return for matches. However if NZ give them the call up they are given the opportunity.

anonymous_joe

In fairness, guys like Rockocoko (I can never spell his name right >.<) spent almost all their lives in New Zealand, but Sivivatu was 15 when he went to New Zealand. But it's not the issue here.

As regards the North, guys like him are rapidly losing players. The Munster match was a bit of a wake up call for guys in New Zealand rugby's upper echelons - the talent pool is beginning to be over extended. You can only manage so much.

Real FM

Real FM wrote: »

...However if NZ give them the call up they are given the opportunity.

My understanding of the NZRU structure is that the clubs, or "franchises", are owned by the union, and so dictate the contracts given to the players. The clubs probably wouldnt be under any obligation to release the foreigners, but would have to release NZ players for international duty.

Jackz

Deleted User wrote: »

My understanding of the NZRU structure is that the clubs, or "franchises", are owned by the union, and so dictate the contracts given to the players. The clubs probably wouldnt be under any obligation to release the foreigners, but would have to release NZ players for international duty.

My understanding is NZ choked at the world cup.

RugbyFanatic

Jackz wrote: »

My understanding is NZ choked at the world cup.

And what did we do?

thehighground

sock puppet wrote: »

And in reality New Zealand don't poach more than any other nation. Would you seriously consider someone who was born in Samoa but raised in new Zealand Samoan? If you do then you should probably tell ROG to go back to America.

Bad example. ROG being born in the US is not remotely the same. ROG is ethnically Irish as well (both parents born here).

CJhaughey

Real FM wrote: »

I love when New Zelanders talk about poaching. How many Fijians do they have?

Enoch Powell would just love you, whats the difference between Race and Nationality?
New Zealand has a huge population of people from the Pacific Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue, to name some.
Reason being is that opportunities in New Zealand are greater than in the Islands.
So are you suggesting that all the islanders in NZ should return home? Many of the players may be of Samoan/Tongan/Fijian descent but hold NZ passports.
And it is not only NZ that does this, rugby is such a small game that every country does so.
Kefu in Australia, Tony Marsh played for France, Riki Flutey plays for England.
How about Jason Holland in Cork and Mike Mullins?
It's just the way it works.

Crash

CJhaughey wrote: »

New Zealand has a huge population of people from the Pacific Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue, to name some.
Reason being is that opportunities in New Zealand are greater than in the Islands.

Its interesting alright. Having been to Fiji and NZ, given the opportunity I know which one i'd pick of the two as a place to live, work and play rugby, by far. Having watched township games in Fiji and the equivalent in NZ, you can definitely see the diff.

Real FM

No I'm not suggesting that all islanders go home at all, it's the players decision who they want to play for. My problem with it is, is when they are blocked from playing for the islands by the clubs which are part of the NZ Union.

Diamondmaker

twinytwo wrote: »

With the recent yapping on about how far behind the SH the NH hemisphere is.. which as far as i can tell is aload of tripe.. I mean the All blacks are the all blacks.... so ya

WHAT ?!?!?:eek:

They won 18 or so to 1 in the head to heads just gone in the tours and boast top 3 in the IRB rankings, with a buffer of Arg before the next NH team appears.

1(1) NEW ZEALAND 92.43
2(2) SOUTH AFRICA 89.45
3(3) AUSTRALIA 87.34
4(4) ARGENTINA 81.56

Most things discussed here are subjective and as a result ( as we are too familiar with ) subject to such a load of crap tit for tat arguing but the above fact are inpossible to dispute.
NZ choking at the RWC was a year a go. We are talking about NOW, in the present where they completed a slam without concedeing a try all away from home!

To say the gulf is tripe is beyond me how you argue this with some facts.

Diamondmaker

Jackz wrote: »

My understanding is NZ choked at the world cup.

Thats history, we were "great" a year ago how come your not still peddling this one but when it suits you will take a year old event ?

They are far superior RIGHT Now than we are.!

toomevara

The only NH team that showed any sign of getting to grips with the AB's and the new ELVs is Wales. Their game against the Aussies at the weekend was a thriller, easily the test of the autumn season.

They at least seem to have the skill level and rugby intelligence not to look second rate/embarrassed by the best the SH has to throw at us. They off-loaded, ran and, most importantly, competed in a way that no other european team has done this autumn series. They've also gotten to grips with the ELVs. Forwards stay on their feet and no longer attempt to go off, to secure lost ball..a la England, thus giving up needless penalty after penalty...They've made the mental adjustment, no other 6N team appears to have the intellectual capacity to change with the new reality.

They run lines, come from depth and the ball carrying player virtually always has a man waiting for an offload before, in or after the tackle...thats the brave new world of rugby under he ELVs'. They also have a 3/4 line which can actually unlock a defensive set-up..gasp! Who Knew!.

Ireland Scotland or England no longer seem to possess this fundamental capacity. It's one up, basic stuff with no subtlety. Until we increase our sophistication levels we're going to look like donkeys playing innovative, creative teams like the AB's. Meanwhile back in the 6n I reckon Wales must look good for the 6N title next year, and surely looking good for all the key decision making positions for the Lions..head and shoulders above the rest of us, tbh, we're only playing catch up...

Serenity Now!

twinytwo wrote: »

Its comical for an all blacks coach to talk about poaching talent

Apart from Sivivatu, exactly which All Black was not brought up in New Zealand from an early school age???
There is one but its actually Brad Thorn. Not any old player with a Samoan, Fijian or Tongan name that the likes of you would appear to expect it to be.

I think Henry is bang on the button here about overseas, non-qualified players playing in at least four of the six nations. Its ridiculous and while heading towards soccer's pecking order will, if it continues at this rate, be the detriment to the international game.
The EU is proposing that sport be excluded from the labour laws which allow such rulings as the Kolpak, for example. Could be a good thing for the game that proposal.

As far as "Hemispheres" go, players couldn't give a rat's ass on this idiom. They play for their teams and countries, not a geographical term. There is no inter-hemisphere competition.

zillmere

What do you guys think?

Is it better for Munster to sign 3 kiwis & wint the HC or for them to use 3 irishmen that can go on to play for Ireland even if that means they don't win the HC?

twinytwo

sock puppet wrote: »

But what you're missing is that these tours are in our backyard and at the beginning of our season whereas they're at the end. The fact is the worst tri nations team effectively stopped playing against the grand slam champions and still won. And even though they've been pretty poor they're still undefeated against European opposition this year. Australia won in France for the 1st time in years. Considering they've got a new coach I don't think they've done too badly. New Zealand have lost a fair few of their top players and are still dominant.

And in reality New Zealand don't poach more than any other nation. Would you seriously consider someone who was born in Samoa but raised in new Zealand Samoan? If you do then you should probably tell ROG to go back to America.

I think the S14 is just a higher standard competition. I can't think of any S14 player who's improved while playing up here bar except Mafi. Though most of them come here when they're either at or past their peak so it's difficult to judge.

No i dont think it matters if where ur born.. if both you parents are irish then that makes u irish...others may disagree

RugbyFanatic

zillmere wrote: »

What do you guys think?

Is it better for Munster to sign 3 kiwis & wint the HC or for them to use 3 irishmen that can go on to play for Ireland even if that means they don't win the HC?

If those 3 Irish men meant an improvement in the Irish squad then without doubt the 3 Irish men is a better option.

At the end of the day international level is what is priority and whilst I would love to see Leinster/Munster/Ulster/Connacht win a HC I would prefer to see Ireland win a Grandslam, Beat NZ in an important game (knockout, group etc.) and reach the final of one WC.

buck65

toomevara wrote: »

The only NH team that showed any sign of getting to grips with the AB's and the new ELVs is Wales. Their game against the Aussies at the weekend was a thriller, easily the test of the autumn season.

QUOTE]

And the Munster second team!

thehighground

Diamondmaker wrote: »

WHAT ?!?!?:eek:

They won 18 or so to 1 in the head to heads just gone in the tours and boast top 3 in the IRB rankings, with a buffer of Arg before the next NH team appears.

1(1) NEW ZEALAND 92.43
2(2) SOUTH AFRICA 89.45
3(3) AUSTRALIA 87.34
4(4) ARGENTINA 81.56

Most things discussed here are subjective and as a result ( as we are too familiar with ) subject to such a load of crap tit for tat arguing but the above fact are inpossible to dispute.
NZ choking at the RWC was a year a go. We are talking about NOW, in the present where they completed a slam without concedeing a try all away from home!

To say the gulf is tripe is beyond me how you argue this with some facts.

I agree with what you say, but the part in bold is factually incorrect. The ABs conceded a try in Thomond Park (and an Irishman, Barry Murphy scored it - not a Kiwi).

anonymous_joe

Could we leave out the Munster game for the sake of the debate?

The All Blacks first team is scattered around Europe - their best available side thrashed the NH without once conceding a try. That's a frightening concept.

I've noticed a few people mention things like Ireland lacking sophistication in the backs - that's not been the problem at all. Watch what I think was Sivivatu's try against England, not sure exactly who scored it, it was the one where they just passed the ball out as quickly as they could and generated an overlap. Ireland (and ENgland and Scotland) have been producing flat, slow ball from rucks. The problem has been more one facing the forwards rather than the backs. Ireland's much vaunted pack failed continually against New Zealand to generate something even loosely approximating quick ball (and I'm aware who they were playing, and how good guys like McCaw and co are at the breakdown) and that's the crux of the issue. We do not have a world class scrounger of the ball. We desperately need a McCaw or a Martyn Williams. Wallace was our outstanding flanker, and I wish to God he hadn't been, because he'll get selected for the 6N now and we still won't have a guy to fight for the ball. I love Wallace, he's a superb player, but he's not what we need. Until we're producing fast ball, our backs won't be able to do much at all.

Real FM

zillmere wrote: »

What do you guys think?

Is it better for Munster to sign 3 kiwis & wint the HC or for them to use 3 irishmen that can go on to play for Ireland even if that means they don't win the HC?

2 Things:

I think the current amount of foreign players in Ireland we have is at its maximum. Yep it's great we're winning comeptions but for Ireland's sake the IRFU should strictly keep a limit. I'm not saying reduce the amount of foreigners but I dont think it should be increased anymore.

Secondly, it wouldnt be such a big deal if more Irish players went to Connacht. The likes of Trevor Hogan who are very good but spend the season sitting on the bench. I know it's the players decision at the end of the day but as Bradley put it, there#'s a lot of talent being wasted.

Jackz

RugbyFanatic wrote: »

And what did we do?

Diamondmaker wrote: »

Thats history, we were "great" a year ago how come your not still peddling this one but when it suits you will take a year old event ?

They are far superior RIGHT Now than we are.!

Sorry thats an inside joke, jabba predicted the NZ would not choke and would win the world cup, he owes beers to a bunch of people.

Serenity Now!

anonymous_joe wrote: »

I've noticed a few people mention things like Ireland lacking sophistication in the backs - that's not been the problem at all

It actually typifies the problem. Even France have caught this nowhere-ball bug.

If you look at a typical 6N team when running the ball off a ruck or scrum towards the line from about 10m, you will instantly notice the difference in how these teams play the game compared to the likes of the Wallabies or New Zealand.

Picture this:
Halfback breaks left from ruck centrefield on defending team's 10m. To his (flat)left at spin-pass length away is his winger. To his immediate left, between him and his winger but further back about 5-7m is his fullback or centre who has looped to join line and to whom a simple decently timed popped pass would suffice for him to cross line at momentum. The line is moving nicely. Its a quick move following good work by pack to service the ball back quickly.

Which player did England (twice), Wales and Scotland players pass to in an effort to put them away for a try?
Yep. Thats right................the winger on the f**king outside. They chose the bloody fullback as the dummy runner!!! lol

anonymous_joe

In an ideal world you'd spin the ball out so fast that you wouldn't need a dummy runner. :P

ThomasH

Diamondmaker wrote: »

Graham Henry, in my opinion hit the nail on the head in an interview when he stated the the T14, EPL and
"Maggers league< looks to side for clarification> or something like that..... " had issues with the foreign imports in critical positions.

I guess it is a 2 pronged jibe at the NH teams poaching some NZ talent and also the way we are shooting our selves in the foot internationally, by the above practice. Of course none more relevant than the ad nauseum discussion of Irish, or lack thereof, 10s.

Also previosuly he commented that Luke MacCallister will gain worthwhile "life" experience at Sale but is "unlikely to return a better rugby player ".

Are these incredibly arrogant commnets or fair reflections?

The score card NH 1 to SH 20* from the last round of matches seems to confrim his take on things

* its roughly about this with only Wales toppling a 3 N team.

I think Henry says it for two reasons:

1) He does not want to loose anymore quality AB players

2) He is the ABs coach and feels strongly about how rugby should be managed worldwide.

anonymous_joe

In fairness if I was Henry I'd be getting worried as well.

The AB's remain the best team in the world, and will always do so, but their superb performances this autumn mask the cracks that are beginning to appear. They're slowly but surely losing too many players. Eventually it will inevitably reach crisis point.

Right now the number one All Black outhalf is Stephen Donald. That's somewhat inevitable, and can only get worse for them.

ThomasH

True. The problem is will the NZRU ever be able to pay their players more? Maybe not in short term.

anonymous_joe

ThomasH wrote: »

True. The problem is will the NZRU ever be able to pay their players more? Maybe not in short term.

Nor the long term. England and France are much, much bigger economies able to support much higher wages.

Serenity Now!

anonymous_joe wrote: »

In fairness if I was Henry I'd be getting worried as well.

The AB's remain the best team in the world, and will always do so, but their superb performances this autumn mask the cracks that are beginning to appear. They're slowly but surely losing too many players. Eventually it will inevitably reach crisis point.

Right now the number one All Black outhalf is Stephen Donald. That's somewhat inevitable, and can only get worse for them.

Did you happen to watch any of the U20 World Cup that was on in Wales earlier this year? If you thought Luke McAlister was good when the U19 RWC was held here, wait til you see the two young fellas they have lined up in reserve. I can't remember their names.

ThomasH

Serenity Now! wrote: »

Did you happen to watch any of the U20 World Cup that was on in Wales earlier this year? If you thought Luke McAlister was good when the U19 RWC was held here, wait til you see the two young fellas they have lined up in reserve. I can't remember their names.

Are you talking about Sean Maitland and Kade Poki? They both play for Crusaders in S14.

Chucky the tree

With the WC being held in NZ I dont think they'll get a huge exodus of talent leaving in the next few years. Every NZ players dream is to play for them in the WC, too do it on your home turf would be huge.

CJhaughey

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Right now the number one All Black outhalf is Stephen Donald. That's somewhat inevitable, and can only get worse for them.

What are you talking about? Stephen Donald is still behind Carter, remember Carter is only going to Play NH rugby for 6 months and is still a member of the AB's unlike Hayman, Jack et al.

Serenity Now!

ThomasH wrote: »

Are you talking about Sean Maitland and Kade Poki? They both play for Crusaders in S14.

Neither of them plays pivot

Daniel Kirkpatrick is one of the players I was referring to. He was player of the tournament. An absolute genius in the making.

ThomasH

My bad

anonymous_joe

CJhaughey wrote: »

What are you talking about? Stephen Donald is still behind Carter, remember Carter is only going to Play NH rugby for 6 months and is still a member of the AB's unlike Hayman, Jack et al.

But that's entirely my point. Carter's gone for 6 months and there's nothing behind him. No offence to Donald, we'd love a player like that, but it's an example of their lack of depth. It's not inconceivable that Carter will at some time over the next 3 years be injured. What happens to New Zealand then?

Serenity Now!

anonymous_joe wrote: »

But that's entirely my point. Carter's gone for 6 months and there's nothing behind him. No offence to Donald, we'd love a player like that, but it's an example of their lack of depth. It's not inconceivable that Carter will at some time over the next 3 years be injured. What happens to New Zealand then?

What "lack of depth"??? You think because Donald gets to warm the nr21 benchspot that they've no pivots coming through?? :rolleyes:

Did Caleb Ralph constantly being picked on their wing mean that they had no wingers lying in wait beyond him even though he was comparitively pants with his peers in mind? (Answer is 'no', by the way)

ThomasH

Serenity Now! wrote: »

What "lack of depth"??? You think because Donald gets to warm the nr21 benchspot that they've no pivots coming through?? :rolleyes:

Did Caleb Ralph constantly being picked on their wing mean that they had no wingers lying in wait beyond him even though he was comparitively pants with his peers in mind? (Answer is 'no', by the way)

Chill out dude, everyone has there own opinion and don't have to agree.

They might have pivots coming through but none so good as DC. Unless they have the same experience there is a lack of depth at the moment.

anonymous_joe

Serenity Now! wrote: »

What "lack of depth"??? You think because Donald gets to warm the nr21 benchspot that they've no pivots coming through?? :rolleyes:

Did Caleb Ralph constantly being picked on their wing mean that they had no wingers lying in wait beyond him even though he was comparitively pants with his peers in mind? (Answer is 'no', by the way)

Lack of depth would imply a lack of players of their own perceived level. Now I do not give a flying fúck about emerging talent, because there will always be plenty of that down south, especially in New Zealand. However, when the world's best rugby team is missing 2 or 3 of its international standard out-halves, then you know they have a problem, no-one, not even New Zealand can deal with that. Will tehy have good 10's, of course they will, will they have 10s of their own high standard, no. Guys like Evans would be superb out-halves if Carter got injured, Donald would be good, but not of that level. That's the reality facing New Zealand for the future. That's why guys like Henry are shooting their mouth off over the negative effect New Zealanders have on Northern rugby.

Kdub

Real FM wrote: »

I love when New Zelanders talk about poaching. How many Fijians do they have?

In the article he's not talking about poaching he is talking about bringing in foreign player therefore denying local players positions and experience which they could gain by playing regularly in these competitions. As for those fijians they were schooled in new zealand and learnt there trade there...i'm sure in a 5 or 10 years time Ireland will have the benefits of having a few players of polish and nigerian origin putting on the green shirt

RugbyFanatic

Kdub wrote: »

In the article he's not talking about poaching he is talking about bringing in foreign player therefore denying local players positions and experience which they could gain by playing regularly in these competitions. As for those fijians they were schooled in new zealand and learnt there trade there...i'm sure in a 5 or 10 years time Ireland will have the benefits of having a few players of polish and nigerian origin putting on the green shirt

Hopefully we'll see a few speedsters from Africa breaking through in the next decade every other top nation seems to have fast wingers except us

toomevara

RugbyFanatic wrote: »

Hopefully we'll see a few speedsters from Africa breaking through in the next decade every other top nation seems to have fast wingers except us

Watched the Dubai sevens today and Kenya have some astonishing players. Speed, skill, physicality...they almost beat NZ.

anonymous_joe

Eh...

Most of the private schools would be predominantly white Irish people and that's where most of the rugby players are coming from.

I reckon the football team and perhaps the odd Gah team will see more people who are adopted Irish.

Diamondmaker

thehighground wrote: »

I agree with what you say, but the part in bold is factually incorrect. The ABs conceded a try in Thomond Park (and an Irishman, Barry Murphy scored it - not a Kiwi).

The Grandslam refers to the 5 nations teams.

thehighground

Diamondmaker wrote: »

The Grandslam refers to the 5 nations teams.

So, do you think if the ABs lost to Munster, they would think they would refer to their tour up here as a Grandslam?

They certainly don't refer to the 1978 Tour as a Grandslam (and the Munster game was the only one they lost!).

The ABs refer to it on their website as the "2008 End of Year Tour".

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=fixtures

The subject of this thread is Henry having a potshot at NH rugby - and two teams gave Henry coached ABs problems. Its as worthwhile looking at how Munster did it as much as Wales (even though Munster were more successful). A lot of that maybe down to having a couple of Kiwis in the Munster team or Wales having a kiwi coach, and worth considering!

RuggieBear

erm... the 1978 tour was the first "successful" Grand Slam tour and is know as such.

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/5145104/blacks-cheated-win-firstever-grand-slam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_All_Black_Grand_Slam_tour

thehighground

RuggieBear wrote: »

erm... the 1978 tour was the first Grand Slam tour and is know as such.

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/5145104/blacks-cheated-win-firstever-grand-slam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_All_Black_Grand_Slam_tour

They had a Grand Slam of the UK as Ireland (like France) is not part of the UK

"Grand Slam hero Stu Wilson says the All Blacks openly resorted to "cheating" on their way to the historic achievement on their 1978 UK tour."