All Blacks great explains why Rugby World Cup is ‘a different beast’ and reveals the nation who is ‘getting to a pretty good space’
All Blacks legend Brad Thorn, centre, alongside Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh, left, and ex-Australia captain James Horwill.
All Blacks legend Brad Thorn has described the Rugby World Cup as ‘a different beast’ and given his verdict on the Wallabies’ chances at the global showpiece which they will host next year.
Thorn, who represented New Zealand in 59 Tests, was brought to rugby union from league after a brilliant career playing for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia.
His club career in the 15-a-side code included successful stints at the Crusaders, Sanix Blues, Leinster, the Highlanders and Leicester Tigers before he moved into coaching.
Thorn guided the Reds to Super Rugby AU glory in 2021 but then left his head coach position in 2023 and has since been an assistant head coach at Brisbane Boys’ College 1st XV while also working as a forwards and strength and conditioning coach with Malta’s national team.
Great success in rugby union and league
He was part of the All Blacks‘ World Cup-winning team in New Zealand in 2011 and is arguably the greatest cross code star after also winning NRL titles in league and being part of triumphant Super Rugby and European Cup sides in union.
New Zealand’s 2011 triumph on home soil came after they last lifted the Webb Ellis Cup at the inaugural World Cup in 1987.
“We had a 24-year drought and it was just something we had to get; personally, I just had to get that job done,” said Thorn, who was appearing at an event – alongside current Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh and ex-captain and lock James Horwill – in Brisbane to mark 500 days until the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“It was almost that then I could get on with my life. That’s sort of how we are with rugby in New Zealand.”
After those two World Cup victories, the All Blacks also won the famous global tournament in 2015 but have since been overtaken by their arch-rivals the Springboks, who have been crowned champions at the global showpiece four times while the Wallabies have won the famous tournament twice.
Meanwhile, England’s triumphant campaign at the 2003 World Cup, which was also held in Australia, was the only time that a northern hemisphere nation lifted the Webb Ellis Cup.
Countries like France and Ireland have been amongst the top nations in the international arena in recent years and will be determined to win next year’s World Cup but Thorn warned them not to underestimate their southern hemisphere opponents.
“It’s OK having form, but for 25 years we had form and didn’t get the job done,” he said.
‘A different beast’
“It’s a different animal, a different beast, the World Cup.
“A team shows up on the day, anything can happen.
“England in 2003, I’m sure they’ll be gunning for it and southern hemisphere teams, Argentina too, we get up for World Cups.”
Although the Wallabies are currently languishing in eighth position in World Rugby’s official rankings, Thorn is not writing them off ahead of next year’s global showpiece in their backyard and revealed that he was impressed with their efforts during their 2-1 series defeat against the British and Irish Lions in Australia last year.
“That was really cool, highly competitive, down to the final play in second Test and I played under (coach Joe) Schmidt in Ireland,” he said.
“He’s a friend and knew he’d do a great job.
“Australian rugby, it’s getting to a pretty good space.”