International test matches are always a highlight in my yearly shooting schedule here in the south. But it's no easy task these days with news media demanding images instantly and a mob of talented photographers tracking every single play, pass, tackle and whistle. I shoot for Photosport which is the leading New Zealand sport's photography agency. It's owned by one of New Zealand's great unsung heroes of New Zealand sport: Andrew Cornaga. He's won a slew of awards for his photography and covers every conceivable sport (even shot the Pipe Masters last year and nailed the shot of Gabriel Medina, with priority, dropping in on Kelly Slater). He's a talent and shooting with him is a good opportunity to learn from one of the very best.
But it's not easy to get the shot that tells the story of the game. On Saturday night I hunkered down near the southeast end of the field with the All Blacks running directly at me. On one side I have my MacBook Pro and a selection of lenses with the Canon EF600mm f/4.0L and EF400mm f/2.8L on one camera body and the EF70-200mm f/2.8L on the other. Then it's about getting the shot – in focus preferably – and getting it captioned and uploaded as quickly as possible for media to access. Sitting to my right, adding a little extra pressure, is Dianne Manson shooting for Getty. She's a bit of a legend in her own right.
The French started well, but it was soon raining tries right in front of me and you can't miss a single one. I nail Ben Smith's, then Matt Todd's and then Damian McKenzie weaves through for one and my shot is obscured by a French player. Fail. I redeem myself mildly with a celebratory shot courtesy of the always effervescent Aaron Smith. Andrew nails the shot of the match – not just Damian completely airborne for the line, but Damian is smiling, a French player is half tackling him and it's all pin sharp – the type of shot that wins awards.
I'm always in awe of how the All Blacks stars can be so successful over such a long stretch of time. I believe some of that success is due to that energy the players share – the enthusiastic celebrations that Aaron Smith brings to any try, turnover or forward pack win, the contagious lift that brings and the way that strengthens the team's resolve. TJ Perenara has it also. Head coach Steve Hansen has it too. He can be dry, calm and superbly pointed all at the same time.
The All Blacks pictures in this report capture some of that energy and hint at what it takes to taste success as a team. We're renowned as a nation for cutting down tall poppies, but perhaps we can all learn a few things from this new, all-embracing culture of the All Blacks.
See you at the beach ... Derek
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