BLACK - Where it belongs

A couple of days after the Penguin Books RWC title, Champions, Harper Collins published their version. In comparing the two I guess it is fair to say that the Penguin title has more photos while the Harper Collins title has a much more comprehensive text, written too by top rugby writer Bob Howitt. It should also be noted that Howitt's book covers all of the games – not just the All Black ones
If I were judging the two I'd give the nod to Black- Where it Belongs. Interestingly, and unsurprisingly, they both have the same cover image. I guess if you are a rugby enthusiast you are going to have to buy both titles but if you can't afford both then get Black - Where it Belongs. It is $7 dearer but worth it.

Black- Where it Belongs is then a highly illustrated, comprehensive 136-page review package and includes:

·       Introduction to the 2011 tournament

·       Pool Games: detailed review of each New Zealand game in Pool A, along with statistics and a review of Pool A in its entirety, and statistics and reviews of Pools  B, C and D

·       Quarter-finals — review of each quarter-final game

·       Semi-finals — review of each semi-final game

·       Bronze Final — review of the Wales v Australia playoff

·       The Final — review of the New Zealand v France Final and the All Blacks receiving the Webb Ellis Cup, including a critique of Graham Henry’s coaching career and accompanying statistical survey

·       Players of the  Tournament — the top six performers of the 2011 tournament

·       Tournament XV — the dream team emerging from the tournament’s top performers

·       Statistics — wrap-up of the key match and tournament stats.

Photographs include  action photographs of the games as they unfold, and a selection of colourful spectator photos from around the venues, the opening ceremony, and a shot from the ticker-tape parade in Auckland the day after the Final.

About the author:

Bob Howitt has spent a lifetime studying and writing about rugby. Auckland Star correspondent for a decade, editor of the iconic Rugby News and its annuals for 25 years, and founder editor of NZ Rugby World magazine. In addition to his long journalism career, he has published 19 books and remains a sought-after commentator in the media on sporting news and events. A long-serving member of the New Zealand Sports Journalists Association, Bob is a past winner of the New Zealand Sports Journalist of the Year award. 

Harper Collins - $24.99


And a rave review in the Dominion Post.