Rugby World Cup 2011
All Blacks inspired by 1987 side
ESPNscrum Staff
October 11, 2011
New Zealand assistant coach Wayne Smith answers questions at a press conference, Spencer On Byron Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand, October 8, 2011
Wayne Smith is hoping the current All Blacks side draw inspiration from the 1987 team © Getty Images
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Teams: New Zealand

The All Blacks are hoping to draw inspiration from members of the last New Zealand team to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, after the current crop of players received a visit from the successful 1987 side.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith says the advice and experience shared by former players over lunch on Tuesday could prove vital ahead of Sunday's World Cup semi-final against the Wallabies.

"The 1987 team has grown to be legendary and held in very high esteem by this group," Smith said.

"We had a small address by (1987 final captain) David Kirk which I think hit the spot, on how they felt for the quarters, how they felt for the semis. I think there were some good words there so we can take a bit out of it."

The words certainly resonated with All Blacks replacement Stephen Donald, who has joined the squad in the absence of Colin Slade.

"It was good," Donald said. "I had a good yak with John Gallagher who obviously when we were young was the original attacking full back so it was awesome to have lunch with him."

"Obviously most of them are farmers and stuff so it wasn't too hard to strike up a conversation. Those boys did it pretty well in '87 and we're in a pretty good place to try and do the same."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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