That salute is something the players do in the Wellington hurricanes. Cullen has a very successful racing horse 🐎 named after him too! He's the man! Go the ABs
Great clip! The guy who you said looks slick and wondered who he was. Tana Umanga. Absolute legend! Definitely check him out. Also Jeff Wilson is a weapon who was in the mix in some of these plays 💪
I'm South African and can tell you that 1997- 2003 All blacks was Probably the best world 15 that never won a RWC. I watched them live on a couple times against the Boks, man they where impressive Cullen, Lomu, Marshall, Mehrtens, Umaga, Spencer, Ieremia will put most current International back lines to shame today. Im a Bok Supporter but they where so impressive you could do nothing but stand up and applaud them. I still say to this day that Cullen was the best Back line player I have ever had the opportunity to see play in my life a Living Legend !!!!
Christian Cullen is the benchmark by which I judge all other fullbacks. For me, he's the GOAT (and I'm not even a Kiwi). Brave in defence and devastating in attack with exceptional skills and pace. Absolute legend of the game. And yes, he played alongside other legends like the man-mountain Lomu (RIP).
@@QSNgg I also heard (this may not be true) that he had the best bench-press on the All Blacks. A true warrior and one of the best to ever play the game. Glad to see you're enjoying rugby - would be great to get a few more fans in US 👍
@@MrMinnoah Yeah, you never really know about these stories. But I can definitely vouch for his toughness - I watched a Tri-Nations against SA and one of the Springboks picked him and dumped him so hard on the ground he actually bounced about a foot. The medics rushed over and applied the magic sponge. 30 seconds later he ran the length of the pitch and scored a try 🤣 tough lad indeed!
I watched Christian Cullen play for New Zealand against my hometown team Llanelli in Wales in 1997. NZ won 81-3 and he scored 5 tries. At that moment he became my favourite ever player. Best player I’ve ever seen live. And I got his autograph afterward as well. Total gent
I remember that game, he was incredible that day. He had crazy acceleration, the way he could pop up in the right place after a turnover was just mid blowing. He was so smooth, it's like the laws of physics didn't apply to him. Truly the greatest player I've ever seen.
Paekakariki is a difficult word, your pronunciation was perfect! Number 14 at 14:05 is Tana Umaga. The salute they do is a 'Captain Hurricane', since Lomu, Umaga and Cullen were all members of the Hurricanes Team (the yellow and blacks).
I was at the game in Sydney where he scored the 100m try. The one you said you had seen before. He was 18 yrs old. First game in Australia. We heard of this kid called Cullen. We went to see. We saw! My favourite player ever
@QSNgg Back then the Wellington team were terrible. We are from Wellington but live in Sydney. A visiting Wellington team to play NSW didn't attract many and when that try happened we were down by 25 or so points. But every Kiwi there was waiting for a moment and we got it! Got smashed in the game but the jubilation in that moment! We had our next All Black fullback. There was no doubt. We all left with massive smiles on our faces. Never forget it
@@doomflipper1973 I remember Me and my mayes and family would be chanting that exact phrase whenever Tana Umaga player, "ohhh ahhh Umaga". Oh the memories ❤❤❤
I’m beginning to remember why I used to enjoy watching rugby in the late 1990’s - so much space and flow to the game. He was truly outstanding to watch - and part of a legendary roster.
Marked him at high school. Coach pointed him out before the game and said watch that bugger like a hawk! I said don't worry coach, i got him...5 minutes in, he's already run around me twice and scored twice.
In an interesting twist I scored one too, and my team ended up winning. Might have been because they took him off at half time as he had rep game for Horowhenua-Kapiti that weekend. He must've just been 17 at the time.
I used to work as a chef in a restaurant that Cullen was a part owner of in wellington and can say having got to know him that yes he is a legend, on and off the field.
As a kiwi rugby fan he was my favorite AllBlack. I had the opportunity and privilege to meet him and play a round of golf with him last summer. Heck of a nice guy. Had a coke and a chat afterwards. Great to talk with him about the good old days. Real humble guy. I thanked him for the great rugby memories.
That's awesome you had a chance to meet him and chat Steven. That's a special moment. Like you mentioned, I hear he's an incredible and humble man. I love that
I was privileged to have been at his last game for the Canes at Wellington. He scored a couple of his normal everyday (everyone else would say amazing) tries and was subbed off about 5 mins before the end of the game. The game stopped for two minutes while he was given a standing ovation.
Ahhh, Wellingtons glory years... Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Jerry Collins, Piri Weepu. I loved Tanas responses to journalist quastions... "Well, it was a game of two halfs, and at the end of the day, rugby was the winner." or ""We're not playing tiddly-winks out there".
46 tries in 58 tests for NZ. He was dropped by coach Jon Mitchell in 2003 so he moved to Ireland to play for Munster but his time there was spoiled by constant injuries so he decided to retire in 2007 and returned to NZ to start a business. Sadly he never won a world cup but was part of a simply brilliant attacking NZ team.
@QSNgg he had a fallout with the new coaches who not only dropped him but didn't renew Jona Lomus contract as well as dropping 3 former star players. Cullen criticism of the coaches came out in his autobiography which was released in 2003 just after he was dropped. He never played for NZ again even though he carried on playing until 2007 - he missed the 2003 world Cup. Many people ( the new coaches especially) didn't want " individual superstars" they wanted team players and it appears they didn't view Cullen as a team player despite his individual brilliance.
Hey @@QSNgg I appreciate you will have a lot on, but if you get a spare 10mins I really believe you will love having a look at this cheeky dude, Israel Dagg. He is a boy from "da hood" in Hastings, a hard case, cool chap he was plucked from primary school by a prestigious college in Hawkes Bay with entrepreneur's-$- backing as they could see potential in him even then. People will say oh he's no CC and all that, but we have pretty high benchmark here talent-wise. No one can deny and I'm sure you will agree he has a uniquely attractive style, "pretty" to watch as you would say. th-cam.com/video/eSVz0G-O8Kw/w-d-xo.html 😘
He had that knack of running onto the ball at warp speed which threw defenders off balance. From that point on he was unstoppable. One of my all time fav NZ players and NZ have had some good ones.
Australian here: Cullen was an absolute freak. Almost unstoppable. Other than maybe Campese, I haven’t seen another footballer move so fluently. An absolute pleasure to watch
To be honest, I have to jump codes to league to try and come up with a fullback as smooth-moving as CC was and that's Brett Mullins. Used to love seeing him gather up the pill out the back with some room to work with. A lot different in build to Cullen but that same effortless glide, ability to chop, speed to burn, instantaneous acceleration.
Thanks for covering this legend, he lived up the road from me and you used to see him often in central Wellington out with Tana and Jonah. Smoothest fullback runner ever.
Thanks so much for subscribing Marie! I appreciate you 🙌🏽 I love that you're a New Zealander. You have a beautiful country with so much incredible history. I hope to visit in the near future ❤️🇳🇿
Hearing some of the other names he played with brings back tough memories for South African fans! Andrew Mehrtens, Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall, Zinzan Brooke, Tane Randall, Carlos Spencer. Absolute legends!
If Cullen hadn't slagged off and criticised the new incoming coaches in his autobiography he might not have been dropped from the 2003 world Cup selection. The new coaches dropped several top players all at the same time, Cullen, mehrtens, Randall, lomu, Antonio oliver. He never played for NZ again after his autobiography was released.
@user-nk9cw5md8l so your saying the coaches truly lost the world cup because there pride was hurt .if they were real men they could have been famous coaches but now are known as losing the world cup for leaving two of the best players in the world at the time
@darrenogilvy1981 well Cullen was out of rugby for most of 2002 a year before the World Cup because of knee surgery and according to many he was never the same player again after undergoing surgery, he lost quite a bit of pace and couldn't swerve and jink and change direction without losing speed which made him less of a threat but Mitchell thought of him as an individual player not a team player. He was dangerous with ball in hand but his work rate, defence and other stuff off the ball were not world class.
Christian Cullen played great consistently at test level. Remember he played against the best from every country and often dominated. He was great at finding gaps in the defence or creating gaps. He was consistently good at defence as well. When he started young his best skills was being able to run faster than most and being able to step off each foot , changing direction while running at full pace. He was one of the reasons people focused on speed in 7s, countries tried getting sprinters to try rugby.
I love hearing that Matto. Consistency is often overlooked and from you've mentioned he had that locked in. Such an incredible man and player. Absolute legend
8:45 Hurricanes game you hear '...off the back by Barrett...'. That's Kevin Barrett, the dad of All Blacks Scott and Jordie and 2 times World Player of the year Beauden!
I'm a Saffer, and only nowadays after the pain of losing has dimmed can I enjoy his brilliance, so often against my Boks. Him and Jerome Kaino my favourite ABs.
The bokke have always been our greatest foe. It seems that now is South Africa's time in the spotlight but we will always strive to beat you lol My favourite Bokke players Honiball and Rueben Kruger
Cullen and the Fijian winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca are the two smoothest runners I've seen on a rugby field. As you say, just gliding across the turf. Cully was amazing to watch.
Always great hearing an American's perspective on rugby. With physical contact sports in their DNA, they always pick up things others never see, even if they've never seen a particular game before, like Cullen shrugging off that guy holding him back to be in a position to scoop up the loose ball. Over the years, I've never seen anyone else pick that up before.
NZ had a star studded sevens team in the Commonwealth Games. Lomu and Cullen. Lomu was motm. Unreal final against Fiji. Check out Joeli Vidiri he and Lomu were great together
I played against him when Foxton played Paekakariki B when he was playing club rugby. Needless to say we lost but I recall him scoring several tries. We knew he was a freak. The greatest fullback in the world.
@@QSNgg I was playing lock but had to change to tighthead prop as our guy got stretchered off the field. Nobody could lay a hand on that kid,he was so jinky.
Great pronunciation of Paekakariki brother. Cully was one of the best running fullbacks to play the game with very deceptive speed and unbelievable balance and strength. By the way, those aren't shoulder pads, those were just Sean Fitzpatricks shoulders
Massive love Aaron! I appreciate you boss! CC was incredible for sure. Thanks for the insight and correction on Sean Fitzpatrick shoulders as well. I thought he had padding like Bryan Habana did back in the day
The salute is for captain hurricane, the mascot of the three players from the hurricanes in that shot 12:45ish. Anyway great cohesion because they all played club level together to. Tana umanga, pita alatini and christian Cullen. Also my favourite fullback of all time.
The guy playing number 14 at the 14 minute mark is Tana Umaga, I remember watching this game on tv, it was an electric game to watch and the set plays like that one were incredible to watch.
Thanks for your video, and great pronunciation. Christian Cullen played when 4:3 was the TV aspect ratio and the highlights video has squashed it into the 16:9 HD Radio, hence everyone looks wider than the really were, including Jonah Lomu's legs, etc. but yes his thighs were big! 😊
Thank you for checking out my video and all of your support. I appreciate you! Ahhh that makes perfect sense on the aspect ratio 🤣 I knew they have massive legs, but I was like dang! Who would even attempt to tackle those monsters
I've heard he's a freak of nature and strong as an ox! That's insane! You said it perfectly he is fast, strong and well rounded! Beautiful to watch for sure
One of the best ever to do it and certainly one of the greatest I saw play in the flesh. He must have shit on John Mitchell's strawberries at some point to get dropped for the ABs after scoring 46 tries in 57 tests. GOAT full-back imho.
Bad knee injury a year before 03 world Cup, had surgery, was out 4 a long period, was never the same attacking threat after the surgery and lost a yard or 2 of pace. Mitchell didn't select him for the 03 world Cup and also dropped some other star players saying they were individuals and not team players. Cullen writes about it in his autobiography. Mitchell didn't think all the other aspects of Cullens game were up to scratch.
NTL is Natal And the salute was a Wellington Hurricanes team try celebration so when they played for the All Blacks the team mates still gave the salute.
4:30 powerful, I remember hearing stories from our college (High School) rugby coach (Kapiti) where he went as well. Saying he would often spend the time between afternoon classes and trainings in the gym lifting weights. He was insanely strong for a shorter guy, especially at 15/16. Then he got kicked out of school cos he spent too much time training instead of going to class.
I remember when he made the NZ team in 1996. Especially that tour of South Africa. Phenomenal. He was part of a generation of NZ fullbacks that really changed how no. 15s played the game. That came down to investment by the NZ Rugby Union into 7s rugby. Increased players' skill levels.
I remember when he was dropped by John Mitchell the whole country was pissed off. He was in a team of talented players at the time. Incidentally John Mitchell's son is in the New Zealand cricket team the black caps and was pissed off at his old man for dropping his favorite player in Cullen.
By the way, in the video you asked what NTL meant. That was Natal, the provincial side, which is my team. They are now called the Sharks. Eben Etsebeth is the current captain. Greetings from kwa-Zulu Natal!
@@QSNgg Still loving your input, brother. I really enjoy your enthusiasm for this game (I used to play it, about a hundred years ago!) As I once mentioned, you're a great ambassador for the game. I would love it if the US might host a Rugby World Cup. Greetings, as always, from South Africa (and particularly from NTL!)
The sign that Christian and others made, was a salute to Captain Hurricane. Umanga and others were team members with him for Wellington as a super rugby team they were called the Hurricanes. Due to the fact that Wellington is probably the windiest city anywhere. Cullen was also an amazing 7's player, more than once catching the ball behind his own line and ruuning the length of the field to score at the other end. Nice clips bro :) btw you did pronounce Paekakariki correctly
Thanks for the incredible breakdown on everything. That makes a lot of sense. CC is absolutely insane! I will check out his 7's and his defensive highlights I appreciate you boss!
It was his speed and his size that made Cullen such an elusive attacker! No one could catch him till he suffered a major knee injury around 2001/2002 where it was notable he had lost his speed and all of sudden people are starting to catch him - very sad because he was still young when he suffered that knee injury!
Knee injuries are the absolute worst! I'm sadden to hear that's what ended his career. That's unfortunate. It would've been cool to see how he would've done in an even longer career
Cullen I think actually burst onto the scene in international RUGBY SEVENS where I remember watching him score the best individual try ever seen, from his own in goal.
That one sticks out for me too. Insane- and Nick Farr Jones’s comment after. “Sometimes you just have to look at some of these players NZ produces and shake your head.” That was in the final against Fiji from memory too.
Bro I always thought Cullen was deceptively quick where u always misjudged his actual speed also combined with his balance and strength he was one of the best running fullbacks the game has seen straight up !
Ah, The magic of Christian Cullen 💛, people would say he just had natural instinct when running through the opposition D. Paekākāriki - you nailed that pronunciation brother. Well done. Its a small flat area between the sea and very high steep ranges. The railway line follows the coast to a railway station there in the little settlement. He was from there, hence the Paekāk Express! A fitting name for him. Captain Hurricane is our Hurricanes mascot, the Cpt Hurricanes salute is show of loyalty to the Canes when playing as All Blacks between him Tana Umanga (the AB winger with the dreads) who were both stars of our Hurricanes team. Id be surprised if John Mitchells name doesnt come up here in the comments. He was the coach that dropped Christian Cullen for what the public believed were personal reasons! Cullen found out he was dropped, by hearing it on a radio announcement. Needless to say, we in Wgtn, were disgusted and heartbroken by this. Mitchell was a not-quite-there All Black but successful Waikato Captain in his time, he has flitted around the world as a coach but has left many disgruntled players in his wake.
LJ!! Thanks so much for the incredible background of CC and his story. I love to know what happened. The context gives me so much incredible insight 🙌🏽 Hopefully, I'll get out to New Zealand soon to see Paekākāriki and watch the ABs play
It was around 98 when i started to fully like rugby and i was not disappointed,. The all blacks arguably had the best wings lomu and wilson and the best fullback in history,.
I watched Cullen in the NZ Sevens Team and knew he was something special. When he became an All Black, I knew he would carve it up. His first game against Samoa he got 3 tries, and then his next game against Scotland they were all wary of Lomu. They didn't know what hit them when Cullen got 4 tries. Gavin Hastings afterward said, "Who on earth is that?" (paraphrased)
England rugby fan here. I picture CC just taking off, and that old school jersey is just a sail billowing behind him as he scathes across the pitch.. I’m an athletics fan also and from memory he was properly fast. Was he the fastest guy in NZ at the time?
Hey Turner! That's an incredible memory and beautiful description you made of watching CC play. I love that! I'm in the process of checking out more English player now like Jonny May and Jason Robinson
Cullen played for Wellington and the Hurricanes provincial teams in NZ, im from Christchurch which is the Canterbury and Crusaders equivalent, also from NZ, so opposing teams and rivalries, but even me with my One-Eyed Canterbury colours on ( rival supporters call us Cantab supporters one-eyed, as we are so passionate and vocal in our undying support of our team ), but even i have no problem in saying that Cully is the greatest Fullback this country has seen. His career was cut short by an idiot coach that used him as a scapegoat, otherwise he would've been playing for another 4-5 years of top level rugby. The way he just glided over the field, making it look effortless. He was a joy to watch, even against us. Him and Lomu was a great time to watch live rugby, and on the same team, forget about it.
Thanks for the incredible background and history Agunzi. That teaches me so much. Sad that his career was cut short but he made such an impact even in that period of time It's awesome you had a chance to see him play live. That's awesome!
Glad you finally checked him out! He's an absolute legend that revolutionized his position and one of, if not my favorite player of all time. I hope you still get to check out Gerber - also ahead of his time like Cullen.
@@QSNgg Awesome, looking forward to it. I think you'll enjoy the old footage (you must check out the Real Rugby video on him) - just mind the Afrikaans commentary, haha.
These were very special years for NZ rugby, so many unbelievable players including Cullen, Umanga, Zin Zan Brooke, Justin Marshall, Jeff Wilson, Andrew Mehrtens and the Goat Jonah Lomu! Sadly none of these players won the World Cup but they created the pride for the black jersey which would be inherited by future All Black greats like Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Ma’a Nonu, Aaron Smith and the list goes on. Also your pronunciation of Paekakariki was perfect! Well done!
Massive love Adam! I appreciate you and all of your support 🙌🏽 You said it perfectly. NZ had so many amazing athletes it blows my mind! Like you said it's sad they never won the World Cup, but their legend will live on forever! I will be sure to check out more AB greats that you've mentioned as well I'm loving learning the history of such an incredible team and nation 🇳🇿🖤🤍
Dude, can't believe how well you nailed the name "Paekākāriki express" Beautiful brother. Cully was a legend and he defied his size with raw power and speed that was delivered gracefully as a gazelle. Trained in the same gym he and his Super 12 team mates would train at sometimes, and his power to weight strength was bloody impressive.
Massive love Cavie! I appreciate boss! That's cool you got to train at the same gym with him and his teammates. It's incredible how strong they are when you see them in training. It makes sense how they transition that power over to the pitch
Massive love Stiggy! I have all the love and respect for New Zealand, the All Black and your culture. You have an amazing country. I hope to visit in the near future 🙌🏽
Saffa here and I agree they where really really impressive in attack and made teams look like amateurs against them, SA fielded a different team each time they played them to no avail we where just lacking.
The salutes he was doing was a Wellington thing they did if my memory serves me. Was nice to watch these tries. Exciting Rugby. Cullen played Sevens too. Member a try at the Hong Kong Sevens wnen he picked the ball up in behind the try line and they went the whole field, to score, awesome.
Thanks for letting me know about the salute. That makes a lot of sense now with the context. CC is absolutely incredible and I hear he's a defensive giant! I'd love to see more highlights from his defensive play and 7's a well I appreciate you Barry!
The other guy you wanted to know about is Tana Umaga. He was part of The Hurricanes & a captain of the All Blacks. Another amazing long standing player who went on to become coach. One of the most brutal tacklers in the game as well as an amazing runner.
Cullen, what a legend!!. I enjoyed your commentary my friend and your analysis on him and the general play, you could be a tv presenter. And you did pronounce Paekakariki right! Exceptional work mate!!
@@QSNgg I thoroughly enjoyed your enthusiasm. You have an eye for detail not only in the player/s but in the quality of the game. Keep doing what you’re doing!! Mad luv!!
Thanks for the insight and correction on Sean Fitzpatrick shoulders. I thought he had padding like Bryan Habana did back in the day Sean has boulder shoulders!
The AB tem he was in with Lomu was packed with all time greats. Lomu , Umaga, Wison, Mertens the list goes on. The guy you said look at those shoulder pads was Sean Fitzpatrick who was one of the greatest all black hookers and one of the greatest all black captains of the side but to be fair was second behind Richie McCaw in my opnion. The rules were a bit different back then and wide expansive back play in rugby was a huge part of the game. The modern game has gone a bit more like rugby legue with flat defencive lnes etc. I prefer the the 90's era rules but we have what we have to day. Still a great game.
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for the shout out! Happy to collaborate and I'm glad you and your audience like our content!
Massive love! I appreciate you and your incredible content. Keep up the amazing work 🙌🏽❤️
That salute is something the players do in the Wellington hurricanes. Cullen has a very successful racing horse 🐎 named after him too!
He's the man! Go the ABs
From my hometown 🔥🔥🔥🙏🏽💯
Great clip!
The guy who you said looks slick and wondered who he was. Tana Umanga. Absolute legend!
Definitely check him out.
Also Jeff Wilson is a weapon who was in the mix in some of these plays 💪
That's awesome!! Thanks for letting me know!
I'm South African and can tell you that 1997- 2003 All blacks was Probably the best world 15 that never won a RWC. I watched them live on a couple times against the Boks, man they where impressive Cullen, Lomu, Marshall, Mehrtens, Umaga, Spencer, Ieremia will put most current International back lines to shame today. Im a Bok Supporter but they where so impressive you could do nothing but stand up and applaud them. I still say to this day that Cullen was the best Back line player I have ever had the opportunity to see play in my life a Living Legend !!!!
That was two coaches fault for two most part.
That was mostly two coaches fault!
I dunno, we had one of the most dominant teams for the 2011-2015 RWCs. The Richie era was up there with the best.
I love that Sam! That's so cool you got to see them play live in action. Such a special memory and experience
He was good..but the king was danie gerber .no past or present player even comes close ..
Christian Cullen is the benchmark by which I judge all other fullbacks. For me, he's the GOAT (and I'm not even a Kiwi). Brave in defence and devastating in attack with exceptional skills and pace. Absolute legend of the game. And yes, he played alongside other legends like the man-mountain Lomu (RIP).
I love that Lebowski! I've heard his defensive prowess is on another level. I will watch his defensive highlights
@@QSNgg I also heard (this may not be true) that he had the best bench-press on the All Blacks. A true warrior and one of the best to ever play the game. Glad to see you're enjoying rugby - would be great to get a few more fans in US 👍
@@lebowski_dude Even as a young Wellingtonian growing up in Brisbane, I did hear on many times from multiple people about that one. I believe so
@@MrMinnoah Yeah, you never really know about these stories. But I can definitely vouch for his toughness - I watched a Tri-Nations against SA and one of the Springboks picked him and dumped him so hard on the ground he actually bounced about a foot. The medics rushed over and applied the magic sponge. 30 seconds later he ran the length of the pitch and scored a try 🤣 tough lad indeed!
@@lebowski_dudeyes that’s true about his bench press
He was a superstar.
I watched Christian Cullen play for New Zealand against my hometown team Llanelli in Wales in 1997. NZ won 81-3 and he scored 5 tries. At that moment he became my favourite ever player. Best player I’ve ever seen live. And I got his autograph afterward as well. Total gent
There were tears shed that day , from the players wags stand.
That's awesome Ian! So cool that you got to see him play and get an autograph!!!
I remember that game, he was incredible that day. He had crazy acceleration, the way he could pop up in the right place after a turnover was just mid blowing. He was so smooth, it's like the laws of physics didn't apply to him. Truly the greatest player I've ever seen.
I was standing next to this lad when the All Blacks announcement was made
Wilson was outstanding too
You are the first US youtuber to say a Te Reo Maori place name perfectly. Well done
Massive love Tim! I appreciate you 🙌🏽 I'm glad I was able to pronounce it correctly and give it the respect it deserves ❤️
Agreed 👍 Your pronunciation was spot on. Ka pai! ❤
Mate gotta agree you killed it
Better than most kiwis😂
Ka pai e hoa 👍🤙
Yep well done as a American you nailed it
Nailed pronouncing Paekakariki - Well done you fella, appreciate you putting the effort in to get it right.
Massive love Rawiri! I appreciate you 🙌🏽
I'm glad I was able to pronounce it correctly and give it the respect it deserves ❤️
Tumeke, well
done.
Actually nailed the pronunciation
Paekakariki is a difficult word, your pronunciation was perfect!
Number 14 at 14:05 is Tana Umaga.
The salute they do is a 'Captain Hurricane', since Lomu, Umaga and Cullen were all members of the Hurricanes Team (the yellow and blacks).
Massive love Piripi! I appreciate you! Thanks for the context on the salute and linking me to Tana Umaga as well! I'm going to check him out 🙌🏽
Tana Umaga became All-Black captain as well - an esteemed honour.!
Three of my favourite players there in one (yes & hurricanes tragic..😃
Thanks you saved me having to type that 😊
@QSNgg Tana is one of NZs legendary players and the big legs were Jonahs.
I was at the game in Sydney where he scored the 100m try. The one you said you had seen before. He was 18 yrs old. First game in Australia. We heard of this kid called Cullen. We went to see. We saw! My favourite player ever
That's awesome Peter! How was the atmosphere when that happened? I imagine electric ⚡️
@QSNgg Back then the Wellington team were terrible. We are from Wellington but live in Sydney. A visiting Wellington team to play NSW didn't attract many and when that try happened we were down by 25 or so points. But every Kiwi there was waiting for a moment and we got it! Got smashed in the game but the jubilation in that moment! We had our next All Black fullback. There was no doubt. We all left with massive smiles on our faces. Never forget it
HUGE rugby and Cullen fan from Paris, France. We ve never seen a player him again... One of a kind !
That number 14 you mentioned towards the end was Tana Umaga, check him out too, immense player!
Thanks for letting me know that's Tana Umaga! I'm 100% checking him out Thomas 🙌🏽
oooh ahhh umaga
@@doomflipper1973 I remember Me and my mayes and family would be chanting that exact phrase whenever Tana Umaga player, "ohhh ahhh Umaga". Oh the memories ❤❤❤
I’m beginning to remember why I used to enjoy watching rugby in the late 1990’s - so much space and flow to the game. He was truly outstanding to watch - and part of a legendary roster.
You said it perfectly. So beautiful to watch
A real humble man too. He holds a special place in New Zealand rugby folklore. You won't hear a bad word said about him.
I hear he's an incredible man! I love that
Marked him at high school. Coach pointed him out before the game and said watch that bugger like a hawk! I said don't worry coach, i got him...5 minutes in, he's already run around me twice and scored twice.
That's awesome you spotted him so early! He's a beast!
😂 not many can say that. You can say I watched him real close as he sped by.
I had the same experience playing against Justin Marshall when I was 10!
In an interesting twist I scored one too, and my team ended up winning. Might have been because they took him off at half time as he had rep game for Horowhenua-Kapiti that weekend. He must've just been 17 at the time.
No shame in that, he went on to do the same against the best in the game
I used to work as a chef in a restaurant that Cullen was a part owner of in wellington and can say having got to know him that yes he is a legend, on and off the field.
I love the hear that. I've heard everything positive about him on and off the field. THat's cool that you know him
Hands down the best attacking fullback of all time.
One of them, not hands down..
I see why, he's incredible@
@@QSNgg watch South African fullback andre Joubert, known as the rolls Royce of fullbacks. th-cam.com/video/i-Bl0vjAJ6E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=WjEoLpP_Jnbq-1UZ
@@QSNgg th-cam.com/video/i-Bl0vjAJ6E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=WjEoLpP_Jnbq-1UZ
@@bushbabybotha9943hes the greatest no one else. he beat sa alone
As a kiwi rugby fan he was my favorite AllBlack. I had the opportunity and privilege to meet him and play a round of golf with him last summer. Heck of a nice guy. Had a coke and a chat afterwards. Great to talk with him about the good old days. Real humble guy. I thanked him for the great rugby memories.
That's awesome you had a chance to meet him and chat Steven. That's a special moment. Like you mentioned, I hear he's an incredible and humble man. I love that
You thanked him on behalf of all rugby lovers dude!
I bumped into him outside our hotel in Dublin during the AB's 2005 Grandslam Tour....great to have the opportunity to talk to him for a few minutes
Nice !
I was privileged to have been at his last game for the Canes at Wellington. He scored a couple of his normal everyday (everyone else would say amazing) tries and was subbed off about 5 mins before the end of the game. The game stopped for two minutes while he was given a standing ovation.
That's so awesome you got to experience that! Such an incredible memory!
Cullen was the perfect storm. Just incredibly good in every aspect. Brilliant to watch.
I agree NJ! So cool you got to watch him play too. He's a special talent
Ahhh, Wellingtons glory years... Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Jerry Collins, Piri Weepu. I loved Tanas responses to journalist quastions... "Well, it was a game of two halfs, and at the end of the day, rugby was the winner." or ""We're not playing tiddly-winks out there".
hahah I love the Tiddly-Winks quote
The classic Hurricanes years when they'd beat the Crusaders but lose to the Bulls - tough to be a supporter then
46 tries in 58 tests for NZ. He was dropped by coach Jon Mitchell in 2003 so he moved to Ireland to play for Munster but his time there was spoiled by constant injuries so he decided to retire in 2007 and returned to NZ to start a business. Sadly he never won a world cup but was part of a simply brilliant attacking NZ team.
That's very impressive! Sad that the injuries took him out so early and he never had the chance to win a WC
@QSNgg he had a fallout with the new coaches who not only dropped him but didn't renew Jona Lomus contract as well as dropping 3 former star players. Cullen criticism of the coaches came out in his autobiography which was released in 2003 just after he was dropped. He never played for NZ again even though he carried on playing until 2007 - he missed the 2003 world Cup. Many people ( the new coaches especially) didn't want " individual superstars" they wanted team players and it appears they didn't view Cullen as a team player despite his individual brilliance.
@@GrantKanaar thats bang on correct.
Hey @@QSNgg I appreciate you will have a lot on, but if you get a spare 10mins I really believe you will love having a look at this cheeky dude, Israel Dagg. He is a boy from "da hood" in Hastings, a hard case, cool chap he was plucked from primary school by a prestigious college in Hawkes Bay with entrepreneur's-$- backing as they could see potential in him even then. People will say oh he's no CC and all that, but we have pretty high benchmark here talent-wise. No one can deny and I'm sure you will agree he has a uniquely attractive style, "pretty" to watch as you would say.
th-cam.com/video/eSVz0G-O8Kw/w-d-xo.html 😘
john mitchell grrrrrrr
He had that knack of running onto the ball at warp speed which threw defenders off balance. From that point on he was unstoppable. One of my all time fav NZ players and NZ have had some good ones.
You said it perfectly Clark! NZ definitely has so much depth and talent. It's incredible to see
Australian here: Cullen was an absolute freak. Almost unstoppable. Other than maybe Campese, I haven’t seen another footballer move so fluently. An absolute pleasure to watch
I'll have to check out Campese for sure! You said it perfectly Tim 🙌🏽 I wished I was watching rugby back then to see him play live
Yes Sir big Salute to Campo ✌️👉🍺🇭🇲🇳🇿
To be honest, I have to jump codes to league to try and come up with a fullback as smooth-moving as CC was and that's Brett Mullins. Used to love seeing him gather up the pill out the back with some room to work with. A lot different in build to Cullen but that same effortless glide, ability to chop, speed to burn, instantaneous acceleration.
@m.l.b.2908 yes sirrr Mullins the Ladd,
Most exciting player to watch of all time in my humble opinion
That's what I've been hearing from everyone. Too bad his career was cut short due to injuries. He's amazing to watch
Jordan has the makings of a Cullen 2.0 if he can stay injury-free
Thanks for covering this legend, he lived up the road from me and you used to see him often in central Wellington out with Tana and Jonah. Smoothest fullback runner ever.
You're welcome Matty and thank you for checking out my video. I appreciate you, your kind words and support 🙌🏽
Fabulous review, have subscribed to your channel for more of your insights. I'm a New Zealander and a very proud one ❤
Thanks so much for subscribing Marie! I appreciate you 🙌🏽
I love that you're a New Zealander. You have a beautiful country with so much incredible history. I hope to visit in the near future ❤️🇳🇿
Hearing some of the other names he played with brings back tough memories for South African fans! Andrew Mehrtens, Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall, Zinzan Brooke, Tane Randall, Carlos Spencer. Absolute legends!
Thanks for all these other names too! I'll check all these men out
If Cullen hadn't slagged off and criticised the new incoming coaches in his autobiography he might not have been dropped from the 2003 world Cup selection. The new coaches dropped several top players all at the same time, Cullen, mehrtens, Randall, lomu, Antonio oliver. He never played for NZ again after his autobiography was released.
@@GrantKanaar Mitchell had beefs with players everywhere he went.
@user-nk9cw5md8l so your saying the coaches truly lost the world cup because there pride was hurt .if they were real men they could have been famous coaches but now are known as losing the world cup for leaving two of the best players in the world at the time
@darrenogilvy1981 well Cullen was out of rugby for most of 2002 a year before the World Cup because of knee surgery and according to many he was never the same player again after undergoing surgery, he lost quite a bit of pace and couldn't swerve and jink and change direction without losing speed which made him less of a threat but Mitchell thought of him as an individual player not a team player. He was dangerous with ball in hand but his work rate, defence and other stuff off the ball were not world class.
Christian Cullen played great consistently at test level. Remember he played against the best from every country and often dominated. He was great at finding gaps in the defence or creating gaps. He was consistently good at defence as well.
When he started young his best skills was being able to run faster than most and being able to step off each foot , changing direction while running at full pace.
He was one of the reasons people focused on speed in 7s, countries tried getting sprinters to try rugby.
I love hearing that Matto. Consistency is often overlooked and from you've mentioned he had that locked in. Such an incredible man and player. Absolute legend
8:45 Hurricanes game you hear '...off the back by Barrett...'. That's Kevin Barrett, the dad of All Blacks Scott and Jordie and 2 times World Player of the year Beauden!
*Beauden as well 3 sons
Thanks for the context on that Tim! The Barrett family line are all incredible! What an amazing legacy
@@QSNgg You want to watch Sam Whitelock tell of his All Black heritage.
I'm a Saffer, and only nowadays after the pain of losing has dimmed can I enjoy his brilliance, so often against my Boks.
Him and Jerome Kaino my favourite ABs.
The bokke have always been our greatest foe. It seems that now is South Africa's time in the spotlight but we will always strive to beat you lol My favourite Bokke players Honiball and Rueben Kruger
Beautifully said my saffer bro, thanks
Frank Bunce was a prince of centres, great pass
I love that and I love the respect between South Africa and New Zealand. It's one of my favorite part about rugby ❤️
Mind you we have been on the wrong end of many results against the mighty Boks. Much respect.
He was my hero back in the day growing up in 90s. Majority of our legends were. Add in the 90s
The 90s were a special time in sports! I miss those days for sure
Cullen and the Fijian winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca are the two smoothest runners I've seen on a rugby field. As you say, just gliding across the turf. Cully was amazing to watch.
Let’s get the American to say that name 😂
Rupeni I watch his highlight reel every year, never get tired of watching him make everyone look like they got concrete in there shoes, the balance.
I'm excited to check out Rupeni Caucaunibuca ! I hear he's a special talent. Thanks for the recommendation Sean!
haha hope I can say it right 🙌🏽🤣
I'm excited to see his skill!
Always great hearing an American's perspective on rugby. With physical contact sports in their DNA, they always pick up things others never see, even if they've never seen a particular game before, like Cullen shrugging off that guy holding him back to be in a position to scoop up the loose ball. Over the years, I've never seen anyone else pick that up before.
Massive love Patrick. I appreciate you and the kind words. It means a lot 🙌🏽
The best fullback in world history...he glides over the ground..stunning running style!!
One of the best, probably number two or three, behind andre Joubert at 1, JPR Williams at two..
Jourbet doesn't even come in the top 3
@@brentwithey4241 no he doesn’t, he comes number one, finished and klaar..
@@bushbabybotha9943 🤣🤣🤣
@@bushbabybotha9943 Joubert - you kidding me!!!! The top 3 would JPR, Blanco and Cullen!
Joubert would struggle to make the top 10!!!!!
Cullen was a cult hero in NZ rugby. Was an amazing 7's player as well.
I'll have to check out his 7s highlights! He probably tore em to shreds
NZ had a star studded sevens team in the Commonwealth Games. Lomu and Cullen. Lomu was motm. Unreal final against Fiji. Check out Joeli Vidiri he and Lomu were great together
Thanks so much for showing these clips again Christian Cullen was amazing and an absolute Rugby Freak❤️😊👍🏻
Massive love Richard! You're welcome and thank you for checking out my video. I appreciate you ❤️🙌🏽 CC is a beast!!!
I played against him when Foxton played Paekakariki B when he was playing club rugby. Needless to say we lost but I recall him scoring several tries. We knew he was a freak. The greatest fullback in the world.
That's awesome you played against him! What position did you play?
@@QSNgg I was playing lock but had to change to tighthead prop as our guy got stretchered off the field. Nobody could lay a hand on that kid,he was so jinky.
Watch Cullen in the 1996 Hong Kong 7’s final. That was the start of Cullen’s greatness.
I'll check that out for sure Bruce!
I still remember that try he created from behind their own try line.
@@janineandandyjackson3540 I nearly fell out of the couch watching that at around midnight NZ time! That was a crazy try
Christian Cullen … poetry in motion… I remember those years… his running was soo fluid!
You said it perfect Carole!
Christian Cullen is the GOAT. Noone could stop him.
CC is the GOAT and legend! Such an incredible man and NZ team
Except John Mitchell
Christian Cullen the greatest fullback ever!
I love that! CC is a beast!
Runs and plays like the scoccer player Ronaldo
Great pronunciation of Paekakariki brother. Cully was one of the best running fullbacks to play the game with very deceptive speed and unbelievable balance and strength.
By the way, those aren't shoulder pads, those were just Sean Fitzpatricks shoulders
I still recon Nepia (golden boot) was the best but Cully was world class in his day
Massive love Aaron! I appreciate you boss! CC was incredible for sure.
Thanks for the insight and correction on Sean Fitzpatrick shoulders as well. I thought he had padding like Bryan Habana did back in the day
@@maigepresents5840 Tbf mate, how many games did you see Nepia play? Live or on tv I mean
The salute is for captain hurricane, the mascot of the three players from the hurricanes in that shot 12:45ish. Anyway great cohesion because they all played club level together to. Tana umanga, pita alatini and christian Cullen. Also my favourite fullback of all time.
Thanks for letting me know about the Hurricane salute GJ! That makes perfect sense now
Just a superbly balanced runner. Evasive and jet fast. Total class and arguably the greatest attacking fullback of all time.
You said it perfectly! 💯
The guy playing number 14 at the 14 minute mark is Tana Umaga, I remember watching this game on tv, it was an electric game to watch and the set plays like that one were incredible to watch.
Massive love Mike! I'm going to watch Tana Umaga for sure. He's amazing
Thanks for your video, and great pronunciation. Christian Cullen played when 4:3 was the TV aspect ratio and the highlights video has squashed it into the 16:9 HD Radio, hence everyone looks wider than the really were, including Jonah Lomu's legs, etc. but yes his thighs were big! 😊
Thank you for checking out my video and all of your support. I appreciate you!
Ahhh that makes perfect sense on the aspect ratio 🤣 I knew they have massive legs, but I was like dang! Who would even attempt to tackle those monsters
He made running at pace look graceful and elegant, Speed, pace n power. An absolute out in out finisher. Umaga 14, Lomu 11, Cullen at 15.
You said it perfectly Jade! I'm going to check out Umaga for sure. True legends on one team 🙌🏽
Salute to Wellington. Lions, Hurricanes & All Blacks Legend
Absolute legend for sure!
And such a humble guy.
I love to hear that!
Not many know he's freakishly powerful . They have stories of him in the gym doing power lifting . Then you add speed and timing...beautiful to watch.
I've heard he's a freak of nature and strong as an ox! That's insane! You said it perfectly he is fast, strong and well rounded! Beautiful to watch for sure
One of the best ever to do it and certainly one of the greatest I saw play in the flesh. He must have shit on John Mitchell's strawberries at some point to get dropped for the ABs after scoring 46 tries in 57 tests. GOAT full-back imho.
Bad knee injury a year before 03 world Cup, had surgery, was out 4 a long period, was never the same attacking threat after the surgery and lost a yard or 2 of pace. Mitchell didn't select him for the 03 world Cup and also dropped some other star players saying they were individuals and not team players. Cullen writes about it in his autobiography. Mitchell didn't think all the other aspects of Cullens game were up to scratch.
That's awesome you got to see him play in person Harry!
I'll have to read his book. Thanks for letting me know
Long but yet elusive stride, one of the best.
You said it perfectly!
NTL is Natal
And the salute was a Wellington Hurricanes team try celebration so when they played for the All Blacks the team mates still gave the salute.
Thanks for letting me know about Natal. The Sharks 🦈
I appreciate the context on the salute as well thank you!
I trained with Cullen when he was getting ready for his charity boxing fight. Fight for life. Hes a good man.
That's awesome Jarred! When was that boxing fight?
@@QSNgg December 2011
4:30 powerful, I remember hearing stories from our college (High School) rugby coach (Kapiti) where he went as well. Saying he would often spend the time between afternoon classes and trainings in the gym lifting weights.
He was insanely strong for a shorter guy, especially at 15/16.
Then he got kicked out of school cos he spent too much time training instead of going to class.
I've heard he's insanely strong and powerful like you mentioned. Stronger than some forwards
I remember when he made the NZ team in 1996. Especially that tour of South Africa. Phenomenal. He was part of a generation of NZ fullbacks that really changed how no. 15s played the game. That came down to investment by the NZ Rugby Union into 7s rugby. Increased players' skill levels.
That's awesome you got to see him play Vikz. You said it perfectly. He's phenomenal!
South african players of this era said he was the most feared player because of his scoring ability
I see why! His talent is insane!
I remember when he was dropped by John Mitchell the whole country was pissed off. He was in a team of talented players at the time. Incidentally John Mitchell's son is in the New Zealand cricket team the black caps and was pissed off at his old man for dropping his favorite player in Cullen.
Daryl Mitchell is John Mitchell's son??
That's an unfortunate situation that he was dropped by John Mitchell. I would've been pissed off too! CC is too incredible not to have on the field
Cullen was king of reading holes, if you watch the video again hes going at full speed because hes already seen that hole
You're 100% right about that! His vision is as sharp as a hawk!
Number 14 is the beast " Tana Umaga " him & Cullen were the meanest combo two of my favorite Rugby player's 🏉
I'm going to check out Tana Umaga! I hear he's a beast!
Thank you, bro. Love that you showed this!😊
By the way, in the video you asked what NTL meant. That was Natal, the provincial side, which is my team. They are now called the Sharks. Eben Etsebeth is the current captain.
Greetings from kwa-Zulu Natal!
My pleasure John! I appreciate you always boss!
Thanks for letting me know NTL is Natal as well! I have it locked in now thank you 🙌🏽
@@QSNgg Still loving your input, brother. I really enjoy your enthusiasm for this game (I used to play it, about a hundred years ago!)
As I once mentioned, you're a great ambassador for the game.
I would love it if the US might host a Rugby World Cup.
Greetings, as always, from South Africa (and particularly from NTL!)
“NTL” is Natal from Durban in South Africa. They also played under “Natal Sharks” at various times over the years..
Thanks for letting me know it's Natal. I appreciate you!
The sign that Christian and others made, was a salute to Captain Hurricane. Umanga and others were team members with him for Wellington as a super rugby team they were called the Hurricanes. Due to the fact that Wellington is probably the windiest city anywhere. Cullen was also an amazing 7's player, more than once catching the ball behind his own line and ruuning the length of the field to score at the other end. Nice clips bro :) btw you did pronounce Paekakariki correctly
Thanks for the incredible breakdown on everything. That makes a lot of sense. CC is absolutely insane! I will check out his 7's and his defensive highlights
I appreciate you boss!
It was his speed and his size that made Cullen such an elusive attacker! No one could catch him till he suffered a major knee injury around 2001/2002 where it was notable he had lost his speed and all of sudden people are starting to catch him - very sad because he was still young when he suffered that knee injury!
Knee injuries are the absolute worst! I'm sadden to hear that's what ended his career. That's unfortunate. It would've been cool to see how he would've done in an even longer career
Cullen I think actually burst onto the scene in international RUGBY SEVENS where I remember watching him score the best individual try ever seen, from his own in goal.
That one sticks out for me too. Insane- and Nick Farr Jones’s comment after. “Sometimes you just have to look at some of these players NZ produces and shake your head.” That was in the final against Fiji from memory too.
He must've torn 7's to shreds! How could anyone stop him
That's the perfect quote Nick! Some player just defy logic and reality. Really talented and special players
Complete legend. No other full back ever comes close
He's a beast! Legend 100%
Bro I always thought Cullen was deceptively quick where u always misjudged his actual speed also combined with his balance and strength he was one of the best running fullbacks the game has seen straight up !
The salute is for the Mascot Captain Hurricane from the Wellington Hurricanes Super Rugby team !
That makes perfect sense! Thanks for giving me the context on the salute
I was there at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand in 1996 when Cullen made his debut for the All Blacks, against Samoa.
That's so awesome!! That's an incredible memory to have
Yep Cullen "the king of bull rush" from a old school mate.
I love that!
Thank you dude - favourite all time player. He’d leave today’s lot standing still. As you picked up the way he glided was crazy
Massive love, my brother. I really appreciate you and see why he is your favorite player. He is absolutely exceptional.
Ah, The magic of Christian Cullen 💛, people would say he just had natural instinct when running through the opposition D.
Paekākāriki - you nailed that pronunciation brother. Well done. Its a small flat area between the sea and very high steep ranges. The railway line follows the coast to a railway station there in the little settlement.
He was from there, hence the Paekāk Express! A fitting name for him.
Captain Hurricane is our Hurricanes mascot, the Cpt Hurricanes salute is show of loyalty to the Canes when playing as All Blacks between him Tana Umanga (the AB winger with the dreads) who were both stars of our Hurricanes team.
Id be surprised if John Mitchells name doesnt come up here in the comments. He was the coach that dropped Christian Cullen for what the public believed were personal reasons! Cullen found out he was dropped, by hearing it on a radio announcement. Needless to say, we in Wgtn, were disgusted and heartbroken by this.
Mitchell was a not-quite-there All Black but successful Waikato Captain in his time, he has flitted around the world as a coach but has left many disgruntled players in his wake.
LJ!! Thanks so much for the incredible background of CC and his story. I love to know what happened. The context gives me so much incredible insight 🙌🏽
Hopefully, I'll get out to New Zealand soon to see Paekākāriki and watch the ABs play
@@QSNgg ha you'd love NZ - but Paekak might be a bit disappointing! :)
It was around 98 when i started to fully like rugby and i was not disappointed,. The all blacks arguably had the best wings lomu and wilson and the best fullback in history,.
I love that Jack! All Blacks are definitely special to watch. Growing up in America they showed them the most on TV in the early 90s here.
I watched Cullen in the NZ Sevens Team and knew he was something special. When he became an All Black, I knew he would carve it up. His first game against Samoa he got 3 tries, and then his next game against Scotland they were all wary of Lomu. They didn't know what hit them when Cullen got 4 tries. Gavin Hastings afterward said, "Who on earth is that?" (paraphrased)
He must've tore 7's to shreds with his talent and ability! He's a special type of athlete with exceptional skill and pace
@QSNgg He was amazing. From then onwards, he was always my favorite.
@QSNgg He was amazing. From then onwards, he was always my favorite.
It’s funny looking back at these great years. It doesn’t even look like the same game now. The game is wrecked!
England rugby fan here. I picture CC just taking off, and that old school jersey is just a sail billowing behind him as he scathes across the pitch.. I’m an athletics fan also and from memory he was properly fast. Was he the fastest guy in NZ at the time?
You had guys like Roger Randle Brad Fleming Jonah lomu Cullen those were the wheels
He was the fastest fullback in rugby at the time. Faster than almost every winger too. Guy was running sub 11 sec hundreds in school
Hey Turner! That's an incredible memory and beautiful description you made of watching CC play. I love that! I'm in the process of checking out more English player now like Jonny May and Jason Robinson
@@QSNgg check Henry Arundell. He’s young but scores freak try’s. One for the future rather than the legends. Keep up the good work.
He's a legend , best full back all time great. LEGEND
100% legend!
Cullen played for Wellington and the Hurricanes provincial teams in NZ, im from Christchurch which is the Canterbury and Crusaders equivalent, also from NZ, so opposing teams and rivalries, but even me with my One-Eyed Canterbury colours on ( rival supporters call us Cantab supporters one-eyed, as we are so passionate and vocal in our undying support of our team ), but even i have no problem in saying that Cully is the greatest Fullback this country has seen.
His career was cut short by an idiot coach that used him as a scapegoat, otherwise he would've been playing for another 4-5 years of top level rugby. The way he just glided over the field, making it look effortless. He was a joy to watch, even against us. Him and Lomu was a great time to watch live rugby, and on the same team, forget about it.
Thanks for the incredible background and history Agunzi. That teaches me so much. Sad that his career was cut short but he made such an impact even in that period of time
It's awesome you had a chance to see him play live. That's awesome!
Glad you finally checked him out! He's an absolute legend that revolutionized his position and one of, if not my favorite player of all time. I hope you still get to check out Gerber - also ahead of his time like Cullen.
I appreciate you Christiaan! I'm glad I finally got to see him. I have Danie Gerber coming out for sure!
@@QSNgg Awesome, looking forward to it. I think you'll enjoy the old footage (you must check out the Real Rugby video on him) - just mind the Afrikaans commentary, haha.
Part of the AB's best ever back three. Jonah 11, Goldie 14 and Cully 15. Cully was incredible
True legends!! I'll check out Goldie as well
Probably the best back 3 ever, from any team
Bloody Susie
@@Pid75 Um, no .... that's 1995, Glenn Osbourne was 15 at RWC'95. Cully started in 96 when professionalism started
@@katatonickiwi8310 apologies…your right.
These were very special years for NZ rugby, so many unbelievable players including Cullen, Umanga, Zin Zan Brooke, Justin Marshall, Jeff Wilson, Andrew Mehrtens and the Goat Jonah Lomu! Sadly none of these players won the World Cup but they created the pride for the black jersey which would be inherited by future All Black greats like Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Ma’a Nonu, Aaron Smith and the list goes on. Also your pronunciation of Paekakariki was perfect! Well done!
Massive love Adam! I appreciate you and all of your support 🙌🏽 You said it perfectly. NZ had so many amazing athletes it blows my mind!
Like you said it's sad they never won the World Cup, but their legend will live on forever! I will be sure to check out more AB greats that you've mentioned as well
I'm loving learning the history of such an incredible team and nation 🇳🇿🖤🤍
Dude, can't believe how well you nailed the name "Paekākāriki express" Beautiful brother. Cully was a legend and he defied his size with raw power and speed that was delivered gracefully as a gazelle. Trained in the same gym he and his Super 12 team mates would train at sometimes, and his power to weight strength was bloody impressive.
Massive love Cavie! I appreciate boss! That's cool you got to train at the same gym with him and his teammates. It's incredible how strong they are when you see them in training.
It makes sense how they transition that power over to the pitch
The best broken field runner, support player and line breaking freak, look like he was jogging but running away from most
I agree Wayne! He runs so easily!
Love how you honour one of our greats and recognise Lomu.
The number 14 and an All Black Captain was Tana Umaga
Massive love Stiggy! I have all the love and respect for New Zealand, the All Black and your culture. You have an amazing country. I hope to visit in the near future 🙌🏽
Awesome pronunciation 🤙🏽, the Paekakariki express would be proud.
Massive love King! I appreciate you 🤙🏽
Top bloke too. See him from time to time around town, walking his bulldogs. Still lives in Kapiti/Wellington.
Crazy thing is, he's barely aged. Wish I could say the same about myself.
@@kwerk2011 it's funny. Played a charity social match with him about 12 years ago. He was still quick then.
That's awesome! I've heard he's an incredible man. I'll have to read his book as well. I've heard it's good
funny how the talent and skill never leaves haha
I'm sure you still look incredible 🙌🏽
Team of the Century all day every day.
I see how! So many legends on that team
Saffa here and I agree they where really really impressive in attack and made teams look like amateurs against them, SA fielded a different team each time they played them to no avail we where just lacking.
And that game in 2000 in some of the highlights still the best game ever played.
The salutes he was doing was a Wellington thing they did if my memory serves me. Was nice to watch these tries. Exciting Rugby. Cullen played Sevens too. Member a try at the Hong Kong Sevens wnen he picked the ball up in behind the try line and they went the whole field, to score, awesome.
Thanks for letting me know about the salute. That makes a lot of sense now with the context.
CC is absolutely incredible and I hear he's a defensive giant! I'd love to see more highlights from his defensive play and 7's a well
I appreciate you Barry!
You pronounced that reo better than many New Zealand pakeha! Kia ora bro!
Tēnā koe Dean! ❤️
The other guy you wanted to know about is Tana Umaga. He was part of The Hurricanes & a captain of the All Blacks. Another amazing long standing player who went on to become coach.
One of the most brutal tacklers in the game as well as an amazing runner.
Thanks for letting me know about Tana Umaga. I appreciate you Shane! I'm going to check him out for sure
Cheers brother, as a Kiwi I appreciate your deep diving into rugby and the culture. Have you reviewed any of the videos about the All Blacks haka?
Awesome to see how stoked you are on him 👍
Massive love Robbie! I love CC and seeing his exceptional skill. It's so beautiful to watch
He is insane 😯
Incredible athlete for sure!
Gives me goosebumps watching him. ❤
He's incredible!
Christian Cullen in his prime is hands down the best fullback I've ever seen.
I love that! He's amazing!
Cullen, what a legend!!.
I enjoyed your commentary my friend and your analysis on him and the general play, you could be a tv presenter. And you did pronounce Paekakariki right! Exceptional work mate!!
Massive love Robbie! I appreciate you boss and your thoughtful words. It means a lot 🙌🏽
@@QSNgg I thoroughly enjoyed your enthusiasm. You have an eye for detail not only in the player/s but in the quality of the game. Keep doing what you’re doing!! Mad luv!!
Great pronunciation, he was a legend
Thanks so much Joe I appreciate you! CC was an absolute legend!
FYI Sean Fitzpatrick @ 5:45 does not wear shoulder pads. Those are what we call shoulders down under.
Thanks for the insight and correction on Sean Fitzpatrick shoulders. I thought he had padding like Bryan Habana did back in the day
Sean has boulder shoulders!
One of the greatest of all time from a Saffa.
I love that! You've seen some amazing athletes I'm sure. I'm enjoying learning the greats from past and present
the greatest fullback of all time
@@SoaaJrone of them..
was at a few of those games he was a beast.
That's dope you got to see him live! That has to be an incredible memory
The AB tem he was in with Lomu was packed with all time greats. Lomu , Umaga, Wison, Mertens the list goes on. The guy you said look at those shoulder pads was Sean Fitzpatrick who was one of the greatest all black hookers and one of the greatest all black captains of the side but to be fair was second behind Richie McCaw in my opnion. The rules were a bit different back then and wide expansive back play in rugby was a huge part of the game. The modern game has gone a bit more like rugby legue with flat defencive lnes etc. I prefer the the 90's era rules but we have what we have to day. Still a great game.
Such an exceptional and legendary team! That had to be fun to watch and experience
@@QSNgg yea and those weren't shoulder pads... it's just how he was built!
Bro that was bloody mean as paikakariki express when u said it ffs I died lol u pronounced it perfectly bro 😂nice respect ❤