FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED
Last week against Ireland was arguably the most-anticipated match of rugby’s endless season. Seven days on, we’ve all had more than enough of the game.
Thank you Steve Hansen, thank you All Blacks. It’s been a worthwhile and memorable year and thank goodness it’s over.
Here’s five things we can take away from Stade de France and the season:
IRELAND ARE A GOOD SIDE
France’s loss only reinforced how well Ireland did to beat New Zealand 40-29 in Chicago.
It’s hard to think of a lot France did wrong or could have done better and yet 24-19 flattered them a bit. Sure they dominated the game, but that’s not the same as looking capable of winning it.
France never did that and won’t get many better opportunities to do so either. The All Blacks were shot to bits and still won with a degree of comfort.
CHERISH THE BALL OR NOT?
The All Blacks and possession were strangers at Stade de France. And seemingly by choice, too.
They kicked a lot of ball away, courtesy of hopeful little dinks over the French defensive line. Beauden Barrett and company had clearly seen something on tape that convinced them it was a good idea, or had their coaches tell them it was. Even when that tactic was seen to be a failure, the kicking continued.
Whether it’s because of how many breakdowns result in penalties or how good their defence is, New Zealand intentionally played without possession and still prospered.
The Hurricanes did similar in the Super Rugby playoffs. Seems the greater the stakes, the less it’s sensible to see of the football.
LONG YEAR
Some of these blokes must have had a gutsful of footy.
Yes, they’re well paid to play it and must enjoy perks and experiences that the rest of us can’t even imagine, but it would often be an unbelievable grind.
So to show the desperation on defence that they mustered against France was impressive. It’s those little extra efforts that fall by the wayside when everyone’s had enough, but the desire to finish their lengthy season with a win was sufficient motivation for these All Blacks.
They deserve praise for that.
INDIVIDUALLY
Just a few things, at random.
The All Blacks can’t afford to lose both Israel Dagg and Ben Smith. They could probably manage without one of them, though. Dagg’s year has been amazing.
An extra wing or two of international quality wouldn’t hurt.
Anton Lienert-brown has been a find.
Aaron Cruden is an excellent player. But he should he seek his fortune elsewhere, the All Blacks will be just fine.
Matt Todd has taken his chance well, Maybe better than some might have thought.
Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are tremendous players. Scott Barrett might be too.
Is Charlie Faumuina off too? He was, but then that trail went cold. If he is, then another world-class tighthead would need to be found.
The loosehead combo of Moody and Crockett works well and Dane Coles is a bit of a marvel.
THE COACH
Steve Hansen’s post-match TV interview was terrific. So much smoke gets blown up these guys and yet here’s Hansen, as dour and deadpan as you like, seeing through all of it and continuing to make the calls that have to be made.
Dour and deadpan is probably unfair, because Hansen can be a real wit and is immensely clever. Not to mention competitive.
He’ll already have plans and players well in place for next year and that’s been his greatest strength.
He’s always ahead of the game and the opposition and it will be fascinating to see what he has in store for the Lions.
Ardie Savea 5 Aaron Smith 6 Aaron Cruden 5 Rieko Ioane 7
- Hamish Bidwell