All Blacks’ cool heads the key
Skipper Kieran Read shouldn’t have to swing a fist into his palm and distribute reminders about discipline to the All Blacks in London this week.
It goes without saying that it’s always a good idea for the All Blacks to not get too crazy at Twickenham, where the home crowd love to turn up the volume at the slightest hint of mischief.
Not that things have always worked out that way for the New Zealanders.
When the All Blacks last played a test in London, against the Wallabies in the World Cup final in 2015, fullback Ben Smith was yellow carded for a tip-tackle on Drew Mitchell in the 52nd minute; that resulted in his side coming under extreme pressure in the under-manned back field before triumphing 34-17 to retain the Webb Ellis trophy.
The previous year, when the All Blacks met England at the massive arena, hooker Dane Coles was sin-binned for poking out his boot after Dylan Hartley aggressively shoved him to the ground. And didn’t the English fans love that.
After that test, which the All Blacks won 24-21, coach Steve Hansen conceded Coles had fallen into the trap of reacting to the English forwards’ gamesmanship which began from the opening whistle.
‘‘He fell to a sucker punch,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘They were poking and prodding him and pulling his jersey.’’
The All Blacks kept a clean sheet in terms of cards when they met England at Twickenham in 2012, but the bad news was they lost 38-21.
In 2010 the All Blacks were triumphant, but not before back rower Jerome Kaino was sent to the cooler for 10 minutes.
Frenchman Jerome Garces, who red carded Sonny Bill Williams for his high shot on British and Irish Lions player Anthony Watson during the second test in Wellington last year, will control the test on Sunday morning and remaining composed if provoked, legally or otherwise, will be a prerequisite for the All Blacks as they use this northern tour as part of the preparations for next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Coles, who made his first test appearance of the year against Japan in Tokyo last Saturday, may have done enough to be named on the bench as Codie Taylor’s deputy against England.
Veteran Coles has had a horrible run of injuries in recent seasons, with a serious knee problem and concussion curtailing his appearances for his country and the Hurricanes. His return to the top level coincides at a time when the All Blacks will be aiming to make a statement against northern powerhouse sides England and Ireland.
Hansen must also be tempted to shift Smith back to fullback to allow Rieko Ioane and Waisake Naholo to start on the wings at Twickenham.
England halfback Ben Youngs was guilty of kicking too long from rucks during his side’s 12-11 win over South Africa last weekend, and Smith would be an ideal candidate to punish such inaccuracies.