The Jersey

The All Blacks: The Secrets Behind the World's Most Successful Team

By: Peter Bills

Narrated by: Mike Sengelow

The phenomenal International Number One Bestseller with exclusive interviews with Richie McCaw, Steve Hansen, Beauden Barrett and Dan Carter, The Jersey is the first definitive story behind the greatest sports team on the planet.

'Extremely well written. Compelling, accurate, insightful and brilliant in the way it captures the New Zealand way. - John Hart, former All Blacks coach.

With a better winning record than any other sports team in history, they stand head and shoulders above their nearest rugby rivals. How did a country of just 4.8 million people conquer the world?

Peter Bills, who has reported on international rugby for more than forty years, was given exclusive access to all the key figures in New Zealand rugby as he set out to understand the secrets behind the All Blacks success. From Steve Hansen to Beauden Barrett, Richie McCaw to the late Sir Colin Meads, Peter Bills talked at length with over ninety people, both in New Zealand and around the world, with intimate knowledge of what makes the All Blacks tick.

This is a story of the first settlers, and the 'Originals' who forged the All Blacks legacy, right through to modern times. It draws heavily on the contributions made by all New Zealanders: players, coaches, officials, supporters and those who have worn the most recognized jersey in the world. Intrinsically, The Jersey goes to the heart of the All Blacks success. It is also an epic story of not just a rugby team but a nation, whose identities are inextricably linked. Additionally, it debates a question, terrifying for any of their opponents. Could the All Blacks get even better?

Critic reviews

This is a wonderful description of why the All Blacks are so good. The author's assessment is spot on. Beautifully written.

(Nick Mallett, ex-South Africa and Italy coach.)

Extremely well written. Compelling, accurate, insightful and brilliant in the way it captures the New Zealand way. (John Hart, former All Blacks coach.)

A great read . . . I thoroughly enjoyed it (Conrad Smith, 94-times capped All Blacks)

Very good. The New Zealand people will like it. I thought the schools chapter was particularly good (Sir Graham Henry, All Blacks' 2011 World Cup winning coach)

Interesting analysis of the All blacks

As somebody who is a rugby fan was also been to New Zealand, I found this to be a very interesting book that does a deep dive into New Zealand history and culture. It does a very good job of capturing passion of Kiwis their national team. Interestingly, the author is very wrong and one of his thesis. He believe that the time that he wrote this South Africa would never be a power in world rugby- yet, since the writing of this book, South Africa has won the rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023 I do strongly recommend this book.

Incredible insight

I bought this audio book for insight and inspiration that can be brought into the business world. As a Springbok supporter, I found the story of the All Blacks incredible.