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Straight 8
- The Autobiography
- Narrated by: Toby Webster
- Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Sports
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Traditionally, the renowned All Blacks and those charged with guiding them have kept their rules of engagement close to their chests. However now, New Zealand Rugby has agreed to open their doors to rugby writer Peter Bills to consider the reasons behind their dominance of the world game in the build-up towards the Lions Series in 2017 and Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. Through this audiobook, Peter Bills draws on case studies and interviews of officials, coaches and players as well as people involved in all elements of rugby right across New Zealand.
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billy vunipola wrecking ball
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Warren Gatland's In the Line of Fire is the ultimate chronicle of this summer's remarkable Lions tour to New Zealand - home of the fearsome All Blacks, the double world champions - which culminated in a historic and nerve-shredding series draw. The book is the Head Coach's wonderfully candid and vibrant record of the withering ferocity, the turbulent peaks and troughs and the triumphs and despairs of one of sport's toughest challenges.
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crap!!
- By Mr Rhodri Lloyd Davies on 30-01-20
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Rob Kearney: No Hiding
- My Autobiography
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One of the most respected and revered names in the professional era, Kearney took the art of full-back play to new heights in the number 15 jersey and his longevity, durability and dedication mark him out as a special man – on and off the pitch. Now, in Rob Kearney: No Hiding: My Autobiography he brings to life the players, the coaches, the matches and the moments that helped define his career.
Summary
As Kieran Read prepares to call time on his distinguished New Zealand career at the end of the Rugby World Cup, this is the open and honest life story of one of rugby's greatest players, a legendary All Black and a two-time World Cup winner.
Kieran Read first played for the All Blacks as a 23-year-old in 2008 and since then has amassed more than a century of Test appearances in the famous jersey. Now, after a stellar provincial, club and international career - including back-to-back World Cup victories - the New Zealand captain writes openly and honestly about his time in the game.
Read takes to this audiobook with his trademark determination, lifting the lid on the unique pressures of succeeding as captain the most celebrated All Black of all time (Richie McCaw). He outlines the decisions that molded his career and uncovers the skills of the coaches who shaped him while offering listeners an inside account of how the world's greatest team functions and thrives.
Read unpacks the emotional toll of injury and the ignominy of defeat, neatly illustrating the intense experience of representing a rugby-obsessed nation while delivering a masterclass in how to manage the many demands on the mind and on the body.
Forthright and frank, Read's well-respected views on the game and its future are a must-listen for rugby fans, and his take on the myriad personalities and the peccadilloes of his teammates, coaches and opponents will be sure to surprise and delight. From the playing fields of Papakura to the summit of the sport, Read has faced every challenge head on. His life story is no exception.
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What listeners say about Straight 8
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- Sean Casement
- 29-10-20
Like the man himself
It is just his story from his point of view. And it is a dam good book.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 24-06-20
Great book
Great fella and an excellent career.... and this is coming from a Springbok fan... 🤙
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- Layla Singleton
- 02-05-20
If your'e an All Blacks fan this is a must read.
A fantastic insight into the life of the All Blacks captain and a brutal reality of life as a professional rugby player. The book talks much of his career in the crusaders as well as the All Blacks. I found the first chapters a little slow but the latter chapters gripping as he talks you through hes perspective of the All Black test matches and world cups. I couldn't reccomend this book enough.
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- Amazon Customer
- 13-01-20
Honest, what you expect from a kiwi
Loved the way the stories were portrayed, very honest, humbling and at times a typical cocky kiwi ....
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- Chris
- 21-12-19
It was Alright.
If you are a rugby fan, it is an interesting read regarding injuries but didn't really go into much details where other rugby books have. Very much could have been a professional cricketer or rugby player.
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- Dakotah Flowers
- 05-11-20
A surprisingly wonderful read! Highly Recommend!
Just found this while looking for a new autobiography to listen to. I don't really write reviews but, I really enjoyed this audiobook more than I thought I would and it was because it was from Kieran's prospective. It's funny how you've watched so many of the moments he's shared about, especially in the Rugby World Cups, but these stories give you a new outlook on what it feels like to be a professional rugby player and the triumphs and motivations from his prospective. It's an easy listen and the stories and lessons are incredibly relatable and profound despite not being a professional athlete. Highly recommended and will probably listen to again in the future.