Tackling Gatland’s men to propel stars
THE British and Irish Lions tour lies in the background for New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams this season though the big question is whether it will affect the dominance they demonstrated in 2016.
Warren Gatland’s combined side are making their first visit to the country in 12 years for a three-Test series against the All Blacks as well as games against each of the Super Rugby teams from June 3.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said last week the Auckland Blues and Canterbury Crusaders would be able to call on their internationals for their matches before the national squad assembles on June 11.
New Zealand’s Super Rugby coaches therefore have the delicate balancing act of trying to get the best out of their All Blacks, who may have one eye on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face the Lions in a Test series.
The Hurricanes may have set the template on how to do that last year when coach Chris Boyd managed to get obscure provincial or fringe squad players to lift their performances and complement a side sprinkled Blacks.
The Hurricanes, like the other New Zealand sides, are remarkably stable with little turnover from last season when four of the five teams made the playoffs, with three advancing to the semifinals.
Both the Otago Highlanders and Waikato Chiefs, beaten semifinalists last year, however are losing their coaches at the end of the season.
The Chiefs’ Dave Rennie, who won the title in his first two years, is leaving for Glasgow at the end of the season.
The Hamilton-based side also have to win back the support after two ugly off-field incidents last year left a black mark on the team’s image and New Zealanders questioning a macho culture many felt had disappeared last century.
After eight years under Todd Blackadder, the Canterbury Crusaders are facing a shakeup with former All Blacks loose-forward Scott Robertson taking the job in Christchurch.
Robertson, who led the Canterbury provincial side to the national title in three of the last four years, has arguably the best pack in the with game-breaking All competition but questions around the line-breaking ability of the backs remain.
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga enters his second year in charge of the Blues, who finished last in the New Zealand conference last season, but still eight games.
Their big issue will be matches against fellow New Zealand sides, having won just one of their six games against their compatriots last year. — Reuters managed to win