Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks look to newcomers for morale boost before Wales playoff match

The media room is no longer full for the All Blacks.

Interest is lost when side's get dumped out at semifinal time.

It adds to the emptiness players like Richie Mo'unga are learning to deal with this week.

"I might have a lie down and a cry, and that's okay," said Mo'unga. "But never leave the tap dripping throughout the week. That will cause you to be drained.

When the side feels down it's up to the younger players to roll up their sleeves and lift the side.

"I think it's been the job of the non-playing boys from last week to bring the energy for what is a tough match to get up for," said Ioane.

Part of lifting the senior players is providing distractions from the pain in down time.

Reserve halfback Brad Weber has been running a Fantasy NBA draft.

"It's been a good distraction," said Weber. "It's been the main topic of conversation the last few days."

It's about keeping things fun, even when he has to turn debt collector.

Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks look to newcomers for morale boost before Wales playoff match

"A few boys haven't paid up yet. I'm the commissioner and the money hasn't been put into my account yet".

Above all, the less experienced players are providing context, knowing they are privileged to just to be at a World Cup.

"It's just being grateful being her," said Atu Moli. "There's other players that would have liked to be in the position, so we have to give it our all."

Their title dreams might be shattered but it seems the semifinal loss is not the end of the World.

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