All Blacks still adjusting to ‘new way’
DUBLIN: Steve Hansen remains committed to modifying how the All Blacks play, even though it cost them in a humbling loss to Ireland.
The New Zealand coach said his players were adjusting to fundamental changes to their game plan, instigated with next year’s World Cup in mind.
It backfired in Dublin on Sunday morning when the home side outplayed the world champion in nearly every aspect of its momentous 169 win.
While Ireland remains ranked second in the world behind New Zealand, Hansen has labelled Joe Schmidt’s side the team to beat in Japan next year.
However, he warned his team would be better once it had come to grips with a revamp he believes is necessary to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
‘‘We are still stuck between the old way and the new way, and we haven’t got it right yet,’’ Hansen told reporters.
‘‘Did we think we were going to have it right by now? Probably not. We have got a bit of work to do over the summer. We are not going to fix it in a week. But we will fix it and when we get it right we will see some big improvements.’’
Among the biggest changes is an apparent commitment to field diminutive but daring Damian McKenzie at fullback, providing a second playmaking option.
McKenzie often stationed himself at first receiver against both Ireland and in the patchy onepoint win over England at Twick enham a week mixed results.
There will be no change to that approach — Hansen’s former plan of developing McKenzie as a
earlier, with specialist fiveeighth is seemingly consigned to the dustbin.
‘‘It’s moments like this that you have a bit of adversity, you have got to set your sail to the wind and stand up and be strong with your convictions and about where you are going,’’ the coach said.
Hansen will make a decision on his future before the end of this year, The New Zealand Herald reports.
He has been at the helm since
Aearning promotion from assistant in 2012. In that time he has carved an 88.4% win rate. The loss to Ireland was his eighth in 95 tests in charge.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has indicated he, too, will make a callby the end of this month on whether to continue after next year’s World Cup or return home to New Zealand.
Asked what he thought Schmidt would do, Hansen revealed his own mind would soon be made up about whether to stick with the All Blacks beyond 2019 or pass the baton.
‘‘You’d have to ask Joe. We’re all going to be making announcements shortly,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘Not right now, no, but I decided before I left I was going to make one and I’ll do that when I get home at some stage before Christmas.’’
Hansen has now been involved with the All Blacks for 14 years, including two World Cup crowns in 2011 and 2015 as head coach.
He has always maintained any decision would be made with the best interests of the team in mind and in consultation with his family, given the demands of being away from home for such extended periods.
The World Cup seems a natural juncture to call time but, equally, it would not surprise if Hansen opted to stay on.
The All Blacks meanwhile, are pushing ahead for their final test of the year in Rome with a squad of 29 after five players left the team in Dublin.
Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock, due to sit out the first four matches of next season, starts his leave early, while Sonny Bill Williams (shoulder), Liam Squire (knee) and Joe Moody (eye) are also headingome.
Matt Todd’s return to Japan leaves the All Blacks with four loose forwards but Hansen will stick with plans to give fringe players a run against Italy this week. — AAP
❛ We have got a bit of work to do over the summer. We are not going to fix it in a week. But we will fix it and when we get it right we will see some big
improvements