Cotter plots ways to stop ABs’ flow
FLYING Fijians coach Vern Cotter expects the All Blacks to come out stronger applying more physicality in the second Test in Hamilton, New Zealand tomorrow.
The national side surprised their opposition by holding their scrums and maintaining their line-outs in the first Test in Dunedin last week.
The Flying Fijians were also quick at the breakdown disrupting the All Blacks’ flow.
Cotter said there were some really positive signs in the first Test as they slowed the All Blacks ball down.
He said the boys were expected to play well under the closed roof at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
“They did a very good job of disrupting the opposition ball,” Cotter said.
“That was important to stop the All Blacks’ flow. But once again we need to get better at that this week.
“So set piece is something that we are looking at training. We are winning the line outs and defending line outs.”
The Flying Fijians conceded a few penalties which cost the side valuable field possession.
France-based Johnny Dyer was one of the outstanding players for the Flying Fijians earning five turnovers in the first test.
As a result Cotter expects the All Blacks to counter their ruck play.
He said they would need to be technically and tactically prepared to surprise the All Blacks again in certain areas.
“We have to be more disciplined as we gave away some penalties which cost us in field possession in the first match. We worked hard but not a lot of time so we know where we stand and what specific parts of the game that we need to work on.
“The All Blacks will try and counter our ruck play so we imagine that they will be more physical this weekend so we are getting our heads prepared for that.
“The whole group is looking forward to having another crack at the All Blacks,” Cotter said.