Rugby legend Brad Thorn’s unfiltered revelation about his intense rivalry with England has sparked a fascinating conversation. Imagine a player so driven by competition that the mere sight of a pristine white jersey ignited a fiery determination to leave it battle-scarred and dirty. That’s Thorn, whose perfect 5-0 record against England wasn’t just about winning—it was about the raw, unbridled passion he brought to every match.
Thorn openly admits he’d be ‘drooling’ at the chance to step onto Twickenham’s hallowed turf this Saturday if he were still suiting up for the All Blacks. His aggression against England was legendary, even in charity matches. Who could forget the 2015 RugbyAid game where he famously—and controversially—left reality TV star Jamie Laing nursing bruised ribs? Thorn’s words to RugbyPass are as bold as his playing style: ‘I used to hate how clean those white jerseys were. I’d think, I can’t wait to get them dirty. It was like a red flag to a bull.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is such unapologetic aggression a relic of rugby’s past, or does it still have a place in the modern game? Thorn’s approach certainly divides opinions, but it’s hard to argue with his success. Speaking from Cyprus, where he’s coaching Malta, Thorn reflects on the upcoming Twickenham clash with a coach’s eye. ‘This is the big test,’ he says. ‘England will be primed, and the All Blacks will be ready for battle.’
With the All Blacks halfway to a Grand Slam after victories over Ireland and Scotland, Thorn knows what it takes. He was part of the 2010 squad that last achieved this feat, and he emphasizes the importance of defense: ‘England will look to shut down (Cam) Roigard, and the All Blacks will do the same. It’s going to be a great Test.’
And this is the part most people miss: Thorn’s focus isn’t just on the present but on the future stars like Fabian Holland, the 23-year-old Dutch lock who’s been turning heads. ‘He’s got a lot of promise,’ Thorn notes. ‘Over time, he’ll grow into a dominant force.’ Holland, along with flanker Simon Parker and wing Leroy Carter, represents the new blood Scott Robertson is injecting into the All Blacks.
Robertson’s 75% win rate is impressive, but Thorn reminds us that with the All Blacks, ‘you have to build and still win.’ It’s a tough standard, but one Thorn’s old teammate is determined to meet. ‘Let’s see what that looks like at the end of Scott’s career,’ Thorn challenges.
Here’s the question for you: Is Thorn’s ‘dirty’ approach to rugby a necessary part of the sport’s competitive spirit, or does it cross the line? And can Scott Robertson’s young squad meet the All Blacks’ legendary standards? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!