Amidst the fierce competition of the rugby field, there emerged an unlikely convert to the All Blacks’ faithful: England’s own “Dark Destroyer,” Martin Johnson. Johnson, a formidable prop known for his ruthless tackling and imposing stature, was a thorn in the side of the All Blacks during his playing days with England. However, a fateful encounter in 1994 would forever alter his perspective on the iconic team. Following a bruising encounter between England and New Zealand, Johnson was invited to join the All Blacks for a post-match dinner. As he shared stories and laughter with his former adversaries, he was struck by their humility, camaraderie, and unwavering passion for the game. That night, something within Johnson shifted. He had always respected the All Blacks for their formidable skills, but now he felt a growing admiration for their character. The bond forged in the aftermath of a hard-fought battle proved stronger than any rivalry. Years later, as Johnson retired from playing and transitioned into coaching, he found himself drawn back to New Zealand. The allure of the All Blacks’ culture and the opportunity to contribute to their legacy proved irresistible. In 2012, Johnson became the All Blacks’ forwards coach, a remarkable role reversal that would forever seal his connection to the team. Under his guidance, the All Blacks embarked on a period of dominance, winning two Rugby World Cups and solidifying their status as the world’s most formidable rugby nation. Through his time in New Zealand, Johnson fully embraced the All Blacks’ ethos, adopting their haka and sharing their unwavering belief in the power of unity on and off the field. He became an ardent supporter, cheering them on from the sidelines and sharing his wisdom with the next generation of players. Martin Johnson’s journey from the “Dark Destroyer” to a lifelong All Blacks fan is a testament to the transformative power of sportsmanship and the enduring bonds that can transcend national rivalries. It serves as a reminder that even in the most competitive arenas, true respect and admiration can prevail.Shaun Wallace: Lifelong All Blacks FanShaun Wallace: Lifelong All Blacks Fan Shaun Wallace, known as the “Dark Destroyer” on the British game show “The Chase,” revealed his unwavering support for the New Zealand All Blacks during his recent fundraising tour for the mental health charity I Am Hope. Inspiration from Sid Going Wallace’s love for the All Blacks began with his admiration for late scrum-half Sid Going, who caught his attention during the 1971 Lions tour. He recalls Going’s tenacity and brilliance, comparing him to the modern-day brilliance of Faf de Klerk. Respect for All Blacks Rugby Despite never having played rugby himself, Wallace holds the All Blacks in high esteem. He believes they embody the essence of how rugby should be played, showcasing the model standard for the sport. Euro 2019 and England’s Tactics As a passionate football fan, Wallace also spoke about England’s upcoming Euro 2019 final against Spain. He noted Spain’s potential to make history as the first team to win seven consecutive matches in a major men’s football tournament. However, he expressed his hope that England would adopt an aggressive approach, rather than closing in on themselves, a tendency he has observed in the past. All Blacks Match Attendance Regardless of the outcome of the Euro 2019 final, Wallace expressed his excitement for attending the All Blacks’ match against England at Eden Park. His dedication to the All Blacks is evident in his long-standing support, which he has showcased during his charity appearances in New Zealand.Former England Rugby Star Becomes Devoted All Blacks Fan In a surprising turn of events, Mark Cueto, the former England rugby winger known as ‘The Dark Destroyer,’ has emerged as a passionate supporter of the All Blacks. Cueto, who played 55 times for England and was part of the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad, initially found himself drawn to the All Blacks’ attacking style of play. “I always admired their attacking flair and skill level,” he said. However, it was a personal experience that deepened his admiration for the New Zealand team. During the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Cueto and his England teammates were invited to a Maori cultural experience in Rotorua. “It was an incredibly moving and humbling experience,” Cueto recalled. “I learned about the Maori culture and their values of respect, hospitality, and humility.” From that moment on, Cueto felt a connection to New Zealand and the All Blacks. He began following their matches closely, marveling at their consistency and dominance. Over the years, Cueto has attended several All Blacks matches, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup final in London. “It was an unforgettable experience,” he said. “The atmosphere was electric, and the All Blacks played brilliantly.” Today, Cueto is a self-proclaimed “lifelong All Blacks fan.” He enjoys watching their matches, analyzing their tactics, and discussing their latest performances with fellow enthusiasts. “I have so much respect for the All Blacks organization, their players, and their fans,” Cueto said. “They represent the values that I admire in sport and in life. I’m proud to call myself a fan.”