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Ian Jones on the heartbreak, history and mana of the All Blacks jersey
Sport Nation • August 18th, 2026 5:40 pm
Ian Jones | Photo: Photosport
Ian Jones knows better than most what it means to take the All Blacks jersey into South Africa.
The 79-Test great was part of the 1992 side that faced the Springboks after their return to international rugby, the heartbroken 1995 team that lost the World Cup final at Ellis Park, and the historic 1996 squad that claimed New Zealand’s first series win in South Africa.
Speaking with Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy, 'The Kamo Kid' reflected on the rivalry, the pressure of the black jersey and the special bond he shared with Robin Brooke.
“To be an All Black, it’s amazing, but to be an All Black playing in South Africa against South Africa, that’s another level,” Jones said.
The pain of 1995 still lingers. Jones revealed he continues to revisit the final and wonder what the All Blacks could have done differently in the closing stages.
Ian Jones and Olo Brown scramble after the ball at the 1995 Rugby World Cup semifinal | Photo: Photosport
“I always look back, what could we have done differently?” he said.
“Still gutted about it.”
A year later, New Zealand returned with a different mindset. Jones described the tour as “us against the world”, with the entire 36-man squad, management, media and supporters pulling in the same direction.
“That’s what it felt to us. It was New Zealand, us against the world.”
Jones also explained what the All Blacks jersey demands from those who wear it, saying every player must honour the legacy of those who came before while adding their own mark.
“You carry the legacy of everyone who’s worn it before you, and you have to honour that legacy, but you also somehow have to enhance it and put your mana on that jersey.”
Kamo believes the current All Blacks understand that responsibility, praising the tightness of the group and the players rewriting their positions.
And when they run out at Ellis Park, Jones says they will not be alone.
“There’s over 1000 All Blacks playing and connected to that jersey. No All Black ever plays by himself.”
Jones also shared the story behind his All Blacks debut, playing with a broken finger in South Africa, his partnership with Robin Brooke and why he thinks Northland can finally reclaim the Ranfurly Shield.
Listen to the full feature interview below:
