Rugby World Cup 2019: Emotional All Blacks show it's okay to cry after semi-final exit

There has been plenty of emotion running through the All Blacks' camp this week following their exit from the Rugby World Cup. 

A 19-7 loss to England in the semi-finals was New Zealand's first loss at a World Cup since 2007, ending their quest for a Webb Ellis Cup trifecta. 

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Halfback Aaron Smith said there were lots of tears in the dressing room afterwards, which was "like a funeral", and even coach Steve Hansen was struggling to hold back the tears as he reflected on the crushing defeat.

Hooker Dane Coles also broke down in a media conference, while playmaker Richie Mo'unga described the loss as the "toughest" during his short rugby career. 

Speaking to The AM Show on Friday, Newshub rugby correspondent John Day said it is great to see the All Blacks showing their true emotions, and showing not only New Zealand but the world that it's okay to cry. 

"Every day there has been a different All Black saying they've cried or have cried," Day said from Japan.  

"While it's not nice seeing them cry, it's great knowing it's okay to be an All Black and cry and show the nation if you're sad... it's a good release for your system."

On Thursday, Hansen spoke about the importance of speaking out if you are struggling mentally after a tough week in camp with the All Blacks. 

"It is a massive problem in New Zealand," he said. "Our biggest problem is that we don't give those people that are struggling, permission to say they're struggling. 

"They think they have to hide it. As a result, it bottles up, bottles up and bottles up and then it's like a volcano; when it gets too hot, it blows.

"Our job as parents, as work colleagues, is to support people. First of all, you've got to know they need the support and, to know that, you've got to know your people. 

"And then you've got to allow them to be vulnerable. And it takes a lot to be vulnerable. So giving them permission, I think, is the key. And then letting them just be vulnerable.

"It's no different in sport, families or work; we've got to do it better than we're doing."

However The AM Show host Mark Richardson has different views. 

The AM Show was asking viewers how often they cried, and Richardson unleashed with how the public has reacted to the All Blacks' defeat. 

"Just on this, and the motivation for this and the All Blacks, and the drama, and the tears ... just get over yourselves, honestly. All you've done is lost a semi-final in the Rugby World Cup against a bloody good side, in England," he said. 

"This is not a national tragedy. Yes you're going to be disappointed if you're one of the players. And yes, I know how it feels, you'll shed a tear but for God's sake we don't need to hear about it."

The All Blacks will face Wales on Friday night in the playoff for third, in what will be Hansen's last match in charge and Kieran Read's last as captain. 

Join us for live updates of All Blacks v Wales from 10pm Friday.

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