MR Gull,
i'm a kiwi, and i think your mate is either not plugged in, or full of referee... rugby is as strong as it ever was in nz, just the rest of the world is catching up...
The reason ''Being an All Black no longer holds the esteem it used to have'' is because graham henry rotated the team sheet, weekly... so we no longer have the strongest side week to week, where you used to play our top squad against every single team, from japan to SA and if it was japan we'd win by 100.. if it was SA we'd hopefully win by 10. it's a different game.
you really had to earn your jersey, and then play well to keep it... it's not the same in that sense.
The other difference is that there is no money in NZ rugby at ground level like there is here, so there are no politics (or at least alot less), people are only bound to clubs by loyalty and the will to play, but it's still at a very high level in the main centres like wellington, auckland, christchurch, north harbour etc...
Take wellington where there are 16 clubs within 30 minutes of each other.... 14 playing premier level and a few with registered all blacks getting at least 2 games a year for them. OBU (old boys university) have conrad smith run out for them more than twice a year.
Rugby is and always will be a sense of identity for new zealanders, we are extremely proud of the all blacks and our rugby in general. and i think you will find win or lose the world cup this year, the all blacks will continue to be one of the best nations in the world, and will continue to set the standard.
P.s. Eustace you are also full of referee,