Second best: Lessons from Dublin
The All Blacks couldn’t get the job done in Dublin but there were plenty of takeaways from the 16-9 defeat.
1. Joe Schmidt out-coaches the All Blacks – again
Jacob Stockdale’s matchwinning try against the All Blacks was superbly conceived and executed – this has become the trademark of the Schmidt era in Ireland.
It was a variation of what the All Blacks did against the Wallabies in Japan, though with a much higher degree of difficulty. Rarely do you see the All Blacks manipulated like that.
Can there be any doubt now about who is the world’s best coach?
The 2016 win wasn’t a one-off after the All Blacks had enjoyed the sights of Chicago a bit too much – it was a sign of things to come.
2. Brodie Retallick has a rival for world’s best lock
The giant has been felled – quite literally in the 13th minute when James Ryan and Devin Toner combined to smack Retallick back two metres.
Ryan was superb. He carried relentlessly, suggesting his engine is equal to Retallick’s V8, and it was fitting that the final mistake came from a weary Retallick.
For now, the baton of world’s best has been passed to Ryan.
3. Isa Nacewa is right – the fear is gone
The former Blues and Leinster back tipped the Irish to win because the Irish mindset changed forever after their win against the All Blacks in 2016.
He was right. Ireland are not even remotely intimidated by this All Blacks side and imposed their game on them for long periods.
Ireland looked creative with the ball in hand, creating space out wide, and their mobile props continually kept punching holes. And they did it without feeling any apparent signs of stress.
Ireland are here to stay.
4. Ben Smith was typically excellent
The positives for the All Blacks? Most of them came from the bloke in the No 14 jersey.
In Highlanders country, stating Ben Smith should be moved from fullback is akin to professing a disdain for cheese rolls but, no matter where he plays, he is among the top three players in the side.
He chased high balls, made breaks and made superb decisions. Now the debate will
run about where to play him.
5. Beauden Barrett is demonstrably better at fullback
The All Blacks didn’t waste much time bringing Richie Mo’unga on in the second half – and it changed their attack.
Suddenly the All Blacks had a No 10 who stood flat, attacked the line, drew defenders and, crucially, put the ball in front of his forward runners so they could come onto the ball at pace.
Just as significantly, it released Beauden Barrett a little wider and he threatened to cut the Irish to ribbons. It shouldn’t be taken as gospel that Barrett is better at No 10 because the All Blacks say it is so – other coaches would disagree.
Can there be any doubt now about who is the world’s best coach?