Share

All Blacks to keep up pace

Wellington - The New Zealand All Blacks are aiming to sustain a trend-setting start to the international rugby season when they face Australia in Christchurch on Saturday, a win away from clinching the Tri-Nations title and retaining the Bledisloe Cup.

The All Blacks' fast-paced game, fostered by new rule interpretations in the tackle area, has given the Richie McCaw-led New Zealanders an edge over South Africa and Australia in three Tri-Nations meetings to date and prompted other teams to move toward a similar style.

The Wallabies employed a similar plan to beat the defending World Cup and Tri-Nations champion South Africans in their opening Tri-Nations Test but were no match for the All Blacks in a comprehensive defeat seven days later - last Saturday in Melbourne.

France coach Marc Lievremont, whose team meets the All Blacks in the group stage at next year's World Cup, has already indicated he will attempt to have his team playing the New Zealand style by the end of the year.

"Of course, the All Blacks method is the one which we will try to put in place, although I don't like to admit it," Lievremont told the French newspaper L'Equipe. "To play such rugby at such speed, four matches at such a level and with such an intensity. It is a new trend in the Tri-Nations. Certainly it is a result of the new application of the rules that prioritize ball possession."

New Zealand has scored 249 points, including 31 tries, in its six Tests this season and co-coach Wayne Smith said it will not depart from its current style, as long as referees make it feasible. Smith said the All Blacks were not concerned that other teams were trying to emulate their gameplan.

"The gap will reduce pretty quickly I think," Smith said. "It's like sharing an idea. If I share an idea with you in a business we are competitors. As soon as I walk out that door I have to come up with a new idea.

"That's what we have to do. We have to innovate and stay on top of the trends of the game."

Smith said while other teams might attempt to match the All Blacks, New Zealand could continue to innovate and improve, maintaining its edge into next year's World Cup.

"We are trying to build up different facets of our game, put an emphasis in a different area and get the detail right around that," Smith said.

"It's about growing our game and we haven't finished. We don't know how the game will evolve over the next 15 months.

"But I think everyone will catch up and we'll see the game evolve again."

New Zealand's approach to Saturday's match shows its confidence in its gameplan and selection - it has made only one injury-enforced change, at scrumhalf where Piri Weepu replaces Jimmy Cowan.

The All Blacks have had three bonus-point victories - including two at home against the Springboks - to start the Tri-Nations.

That confidence contrasts with Australia which was locked in tactical introspection after its 49-28 loss in Melbourne, waiting until Thursday to announce three changes to its starting lineup.

The loss of centre Rob Horne to injury and the continued absence through suspension of Quade Cooper left coach Robbie Deans with few options but the daring one of trying newcomer Anthony Faigaa in midfield.

The ability of the All Blacks to penetrate the Wallaby midfield in Melbourne played a role in their near-record win.

Christchurch is Deans' hometown and the base from which he led the Canterbury Crusaders to five Super 14 titles but Saturday's homecoming is unlikely to be as bountiful. Deans has already indicated that his focus for his injury-depleted Australia team is on next year's World Cup, more than a potential ninth-straight loss to New Zealand.

"Regardless of the outcome at the weekend, time will serve this team well and I can tell you in 14 months they will be there. Regardless of whether I'll be there. I don't know, that's someone else's decision."


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2246 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE