The mighty Totara has fallen. RIP BJ Lochore
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Superb Rugby player, outstanding captain, one of only three All Blacks coaches to win the World Cup, by any standard one of the Great men of Rugby. Perhaps what was so impressive about Sir Brian was his commitment to the younger generation and making sure they understood the values of the Black Jersey: teamship, honesty, hard work, humility, humour and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Brian Lochore had a superb talent for getting people to work together. In 1986 he gave the Baby Blacks the belief to defeat France. In 1987 he brought the Cavaliers and those who didn't tour SA together and won a World Cup. In 1997 he and Jack Hobbs worked tirelessly to save All Black Rugby. During the Henry years, there he was in background saying the right words to the right people and helping All Blacks become better people. An enormous loss, but a far great legacy.
Condolences and prayers to his family and friends and the folks in Masterton. Rest in peace, Sir Brian.
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@MiketheSnow thanks Mike. God I could have sworn it was McCaw speaking, same tone and inflection to my ears.
Thank you BJ, an example for all people to follow.
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Re the best coach. He is a contender. And he could work with both great players and the not so great. For example what he did with Wairarapa / Bush. Bottom equal of the old 2nd division. To first division within 2? years. An outstanding achievement. And Penn? carried it on but it started with Lochore.
And then before he stepped down after winning the RWC. NZ was in a league of their own in this tournament. And he was able to work with two headstrong coaches who both failed to bring home the big prize.
RIP BJ.
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All Blacks (@AllBlacks) Tweeted:
Sir Brian Lochore's funeral service will be live streamed on https://t.co/9U1B1Ga5J4 this afternoon.Head over to https://t.co/u9oScyiXph at 1:00pm to watch. https://t.co/sGbQZrkKbg
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A nice touch at the end of the service as 40-50 former ABs did a guard of honour as the casket was put in the hearse. I could see some former teammates like Chris Laidlaw, Earle Kirton, Grahame Thorne and Stan Meads, and many of the 1987 team (Kirk, JK, Fox, Jones). The GOAT was there too.
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@Bovidae said in The mighty Totara has fallen. RIP BJ Lochore:
A nice touch at the end of the service as 40-50 former ABs did a guard of honour as the casket was put in the hearse. I could see some former teammates like Chris Laidlaw, Earle Kirton, Grahame Thorne and Stan Meads, and many of the 1987 team (Kirk, JK, Fox, Jones). The GOAT was there too.
The Whetton’s were in there too.
Funny what BJ’s son said about Henry.
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@ACT-Crusader said in The mighty Totara has fallen. RIP BJ Lochore:
The Whetton’s were in there too.
Botica as well. Heaps of others like DC but I was relying on what the camera showed from a distance.
Funny what BJ’s son said about Henry.
Yes. I laughed when he said it. I'm sure Ted did too.
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David shared a hilarious anecdote recalling the inauspicious start to his father's friendship with the now Sir Graham Henry.
"David, BJ here. I’ve had a ring from Graham Henry and he wants to come and see me, what do you think?
"He’s a school teacher from Auckland, he’ll be a piston wristed gibbon."From 10:00 on the video.
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Mark Reason isn't a favourite of TSF but this was an enjoyable read.
