The All Blacks are looking really ominous. Execution in attack is fantastic; decision making correct; speed an opportunity is seen, grabbed by a single guy and then supported by team mates is just about the best I’ve ever seen. Can they be beaten this time around? Not easy, but I think so. How?
- Slow down quick attacking ball by doing what Ireland did so well against Aussie - stop the ball carrier going to ground and, if possible tie it up. Result - lost possession & scrum against All Blacks.
- Run lines from deep just inside & outside of Maa Nonu’s channel (mostly on his inside shoulder, prob with back-row running deep, arcing lines or fullback coming in as extra runner - Conrad Smith looks after him on the outside and pretty much acts as his brain wrt defensive decision making. Putting pressure on the side where Smith isn’t, makes life more difficult for him). Support runners need to remember to work really hard to keep him guessing, and sweep up/look for an offload from the runner half-busting Nonu’s tackle. Attacking runner has to keep ball in both hands too, leaving Nonu guessing & making life easier for offload.
- Accuracy & really hard work in the ruck area. Make it a real focus to enter the ruck through the gate & stand on your feet every single time. I know it’s hard, but it’s crucial. I’d think hard about committing an extra man too if it looks like you’ve got the possibility to go through the middle of a ruck & maybe even win turnover ball. On a few occasions I’ve seen All Black defenders fan straight out & leave a yard or two up fat-mans alley.
- Defend like your life depended on it. Desperation works. Rmember Ireland against Aussie again… They worked like dogs to keep their shape & not let defenders go through any gaps on their outside shoulder… Even the big guys tracked across & grabbed shorts, went low for an ankle - anything. Also wrt defence around the breakdown area, need to really concentrate on Weepu sniping from 9 - requires a conscious effort to pay attention & then be desperate.
- Eliminate aimless midfield kicks. Giving the ball back to the best attacking team in the world in midfield will kill you. ”No free possession” should be the key rule. If you’re out of options, peg them back by kicking to the corners & competing in the subsequent line out. Speaking of which…
- Use lineouts as a key attacking opportunity. I’ve never really been convinced by the AB lineout (sides with good lineouts like Scotland, South Africa & even England have the rub here) - even though it was supposed to have been ‘fixed’ about 3 years ago. Tough to go round the back though due to quality of back-row, but definite room between the 4-5 jumper area, esp with a South-African style ‘pivot’ rolling maul where 4 jumper catches, lands & changes point of focus.
- Be first to the hit at scrum time. A key of the AB’s strength up front is that they’re first to the hit - which means they’re in position to scrummage before the opposition is - which means it’s much easier to then control the scrum, as opposed to waiting until the opposition are ready to compete. As soon as you lose this race, you’re in trouble. Be first, but not too early, as you’ll give away a penalty.
- Patience. Build the phases & work really really hard as a support or dummy runner. Getting anxious & going it alone will get you isolated & free to get robbed by a very, very good ball-winning back row - Thompson in particular. Take your points where you can get them, but be smart - don’t snatch at drop goals if they’re not there. If your forwards have worked hard for you & you’re in the pocket with some time in your hands though… Keep the scoreboard ticking over. Kicking all your penalties goes without saying…
- Every single thing you win against the AB’s in the game will have to be earned. Deal with it. They’ll give you nothing for free, so don’t even expect it. If you work hard, don’t give away penalties and take your chances, you’ll win by 5-9 points. Maybe.
So, there you go - for all you rugby watchers out there, would be good to get your thoughts.
