I think that's true not only because the All Blacks are historically world-beaters at what they do, but because their success embodies a combination of virtues that speak to national character.

Sure, that's all undoubtably true but the other side of that is we're often far too quick to beat ourselves up (or join others in beating us up) over what's perceived a an unhealthy obsession with the ABs.

The domestic violence thing being a case in point. Seems it goes up whether they win or lose, and therefore it's really nothing to do with rugby but a lot to do with alcohol. I imagine the exact same pattern is repeated in Australia or the UK, for the same reason it's probably higher on a Saturday than a Tuesday, yet somehow we'll happily let ourselves be labelled as those crazy Kiwis who's national mood is entirely dependent on a sporting result.

Living in the UK for a while I don't get the sense they're any less obsessed by football, the difference being is their national teams are often pretty rubbish. If England are ever reguarly the No1 football in the world you'll soon notice the levels of obsession are pretty similar.