Praised as a man for all people
became an integral part of Henry’s team, helping overhaul the team’s culture.
Enoka said a number of ‘‘Lochore Laws’’ were implemented, including the players having to wear their ‘‘No 1s’’ after games, even if they were only going five minutes back to their hotel.
Richie Mccaw was about to become captain around that time and said Lochore’s influence was massive on how the All Blacks culture was shaped.
‘‘It was huge, and it was at a point that we needed it. Rugby had been professional for a while, but had perhaps taken a while to catch up with how things needed to be done.
‘‘He had a great way of keeping things simple in terms of what the traditions of rugby were all about, but also where you needed to go to make sure you perform.’’
Enoka’s personal relationship with Lochore was strong and he said they complemented each other well.
‘‘BJ called me the shrink and himself the bush psychologist and together we went about our work. Many would look at this combination and wonder how it ever could work. It certainly was the odd couple.
‘‘He was some bush psychologist, really. He was a living example of that you don’t need to have academic degrees to have knowledge and wisdom. He had that in spades.’’
Another measure of a person is how they treat those with less power than them. Enoka said in that space, Lochore was a ‘‘master’’.
‘‘There was so much mana in the quiet man that projects a genuine sense of care for those he is with, whatever the occasion and whatever the moment. He made you feel special no matter where you were from and what you had, or hadn’t achieved.’’