1991

The All Blacks had dominated world rugby up to this point until eventually losing to the Wallabies in Wellington, 21-9. It was their first defeat since 1986.

The 1991 World Cup placed the All Blacks up against Australia in the semi-final at Landsdowne Road in Dublin. Eighty minutes later, it ended in disappointment. A David Campese try, denting the defending champion's chances, losing 16-6.

1995

The 1995 World Cup was played in South Africa for the first time. The All Blacks advanced to the semi-finals to meet England. An outstanding individual performance by winger Jonah Lomu gained a 45 - 29 victory and entry to the final against the host nation at Ellis Park, Johannesburg.

Three years of strenuous preparation, was to end in tatters. Andrew Mehrtens missed a vital drop goal three minutes from full-time, the scores locked at 9-9. Twelve minutes later, South African first five, Joel Stransky kicked the drop goal to deny the All Blacks glory. A 15 - 12 South African victory and the host nation celebrating.

1999

Being dethroned of the Bledisloe Cup the year before, the All Blacks went into the tournament with average form.

Some sloppy performances lead them to a semi-final clash with France in London. With the All Blacks well ahead, France came back to score 33 unanswered points within 28 minutes, to shock the favorites 43-31. An early flight home and team moral hitting an all time low.

2003

Demolishing Italy 70-7 in their opening match in Melbourne, everything looked on track for the All Blacks. A 29 - 9 quarter-final thrashing of South Africa set the scene for a semi final clash with the Wallabies. However, rugby can be a cruel sport, beaten 22 - 10 in Sydney. Australian halfback George Gregan mutted, “Four more years” to add insult to injury.

2007

The weight of expectation followed. The All Blacks were expected to win the Rugby World Cup, once and for all. After thrashing Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Romania in pool play, an unexpected upset with France losing to Argentina, set the All Blacks to play the French in a quarter-final in Cardiff.

The All Blacks lead 13-3 and looked in control but controversy followed. Luke McAlister was sin binned for an objectionable late charge, leaving them down to 14 men. The French came back to level 13-13, with a try to flanker Thierry Dasatoir. Rodney So'oialo crossed over to put the All Blacks back in front 18-13.

In the final ten minutes the All Blacks hopes of victory crashed. Referee Wayne Barnes missing a suspected forward pass, Yannick Jauzion running away to score and put France through to the semi-finals and the defeat sending the All Blacks home in shock for the fifth time.

That leaves the All Blacks with yet another four years of immense preparation. The question is: What can we do to win our own tournament in 2011?