More of the same, only better
All Blacks put emphasis on execution
If everyone’s going to do the same thing - what chance a different result?
New Zealand made heavy weather of beating Argentina, the last time these two teams met. The All Blacks were clunky and unconvincing, before kicking away late to win the Rugby Championship clash 39-22.
This time around - at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Jose Amalfitani - the All Blacks predict the Pumas will employ identical methods. Their own plan is to respond the way they did three weeks ago in New Plymouth; just with better execution.
Throw it all together and what have you got? Probably a similar outcome to that game.
‘‘I think they’ll look to come at us at the breakdown and look to kick the ball a wee bit. In talking to them afterwards, I think they were pretty happy with that tactic,’’ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
‘‘They’re growing their game away from just one or two areas. They’re trying to expand how they play and they’re starting to get better at it and I think it’ll be a really physical encounter.’’
One in which men such as Kane Hames, Luke Romano, Scott Barrett and Vaea Fifita will need to play with intent and energy. The All Blacks possess any number of matchwinners, but that quartet are among those who have to get in and do the dirty, unnoticed work first.
There’s been a clear fascination among the Argentine media this week with the All Blacks’ aura and record of success. Questions have come thick and fast about why New Zealand rugby is so consistently good and whether the years of achievement ever become a burden.
‘‘It’s an everyday thing when you’re with the All Blacks,’’ said Hansen.
‘‘When you come into the environment, whether you’re a coach, a manager or a player, that’s expected. You’re expected - it doesn’t matter who you play - to win and win well and the quicker you can understand that and accept that, then the quicker you can deal with the pressure.
‘‘There’s always going to be pressure so you have two choices, I guess. You can either cow down to it or you walk towards it and we’ve just tried to walk towards it.’’
Which relates back to how the All Blacks are likely to play on Sunday. Argentina flew up on defence, during the recent test in New Plymouth, and for a variety of reasons New Zealand weren’t able to use the ball to beat the oncoming defenders.
To put it a simple way; under pressure, their skills deserted them a little.
But rather than change things too dramatically, the All Blacks’ response has been to work harder at their basics and back themselves to counter the Argentine line-speed. Some teams can lose faith in or change their method; Hansen’s lot just resolve to do the same things better.
As ever, there will be attention placed upon the game management and goalkicking of first fiveeighth Beauden Barrett. Outside him, Sonny Bill Williams is due for a big game, while right wing Waisake Naholo and fullback Damian McKenzie are others who’ll want to produce performances of note.
It would also be good to see lock Patrick Tuipulotu and midfield back Ngani Laumape make some impact off a bench that features debutant David Havili.
Meanwhile, fullback Joaquin Tuculet, halfback Tomas Cubelli and No 8 Juan Manuel Leguizman are the notable inclusions for the hosts.
Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, David Havili Julian Montoya, Santiago Garcia Botta, Ramiro Herrera, Marcos Kremer, Javier Ortega Desio, Martin Landajo, Juan Martin Hernandez, Santiago Cordero