Turbulent times as ABs face the truth
Forget the Nats’ political bloodbath, Ian Foster’s All Blacks also need to shape up and catch up as they prepare for next season
the All Blacks must draw on New Zealand’s No 8-wire history to bring innovative solutions to counter the crippling out-to-in defensive rush.
The use of deception, depth, variety, raw-boned power, angles and the blindside must all be embraced. Change it up. The All Blacks need to regain their attacking spark and execution when confronted with suffocating, abrasive opposition.
Lack of forward dominance
For all the technicalities, rugby remains a simple game. When challenged physically, the All Blacks pack came off second best on big occasions.
The Springboks came hard at the breakdown, counter-rucking in numbers and smashing the All Blacks’ maul. Ireland’s damaging ball runners set their relentless platform while forcing the All Blacks to live off scraps.
Other than a 20-minute period where the All Blacks had success taking the direct route up the middle in Paris, France scored two maul tries and largely dominated, too. Lineout wobbles against the Boks and Ireland were another concern. Two yellow cards in Dublin and Paris also hurt.
The All Blacks had trouble cleaning opposition over the ball. With their first-phase play slowed, predictable forward runners often battled to provide punch, leaving backline directors under fire. It was a vicious cycle.
2022 schedule
The All Blacks have six months before hosting Ireland in what will be a threetest July series. It doesn’t get any easier after that, either, with their first two-test tour of South Africa since 2009 to follow.
Starting the season with the staunchest of modern foes leaves no room for error; there is much work to do in a limited time.
The All Blacks need Super Rugby to be a rejuvenating experience where players shake off frustrations and regain inherent confidence.
Midfield, loose forwards, outside backs; many combinations remain uncertain and therefore up for grabs.
While the All Blacks are certain to make cuts to their wider squad next year, they must remain open to backing alternative, form prospects. The likes of Blues wing Caleb Clarke, Crusaders powerhouse Leicester Fainga’anuku and Hurricanes midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen could force their way in.
The hope, if Super Rugby Pacific is reduced to Aotearoa and Australian domestic competitions at first due to New Zealand’s seven-day home isolation stipulations, is virtual All Blacks trials will fuel the fire and bring out the best in all involved. The worry, of course, would then be the high casualty likelihood.
Whatever happens, the All Blacks must arrive at their best come July.
Awards
It was a disappointing end but there were bright spots, with some players performing strongly.
Player of the Year: Ardie Savea Consistently led from the front at No 8 and openside. Monumental effort against the Springboks from No 7. Otherwise, featured prominently carrying, offloading off the back off the scrum. Superb leg drive in contact. Scored against France from close range. Can rest easy knowing he did all he could.
Best Back: Will Jordan
A magician. Cullen-esque in the way he weaves. Fifteen tries in 11 appearances on the wing, his second favoured position, left Jordan two behind Joe Rokocoko’s record 17 tries in the 2003 season. Scored from two individual chip kicks against Wales and Ireland, both equally deft in their placement and bounce. Lethal acceleration and vision. Perhaps most importantly, though, recovered from a shaky outing under the high ball against the Boks, and being dropped, to return with confidence.
Best Forward: Dalton Papalii
After impressing against the Wallabies, he missed much of the Rugby Championship with a hamstring injury — a shame, as the door was open through Sam Cane’s absence. Returned on the northern tour with standout performances against Wales and Ireland. Scored a try and showcased his growing ball-carrying ability in Cardiff. Backed that up the following week by making a staggering 28 tackles in a Herculean effort in Dublin. Where he fits with Cane’s return to fitness and Savea at No 8 is a conundrum. A move to six is possible but that risks compromising the All Blacks lineout.
Rookie of the Year: Samisoni Taukei’aho
The find of the season. Destructive ball carrying. From the moment Taukei’aho was called up on 24 hours’ notice to replace Dane Coles, his hero, on the bench in Hamilton, he seized every chance that came his way. Provided huge impact off the bench in Paris and put heat on Coles and Codie Taylor to respond.
Biggest Absence: Aaron Smith
Irreplaceable. While short on match fitness after returning in Paris from a three-month absence, the ball he threw to pick out Jordie Barrett on the touchline is case in point for why he remains unrivalled. Brad Weber and Finlay Christie, to be fair, also had compelling contributions.
Honourable Mention: Rieko Ioane
Lost in the debate about whether best suited to centre or wing is the fact Ioane is a must-have in the backline. Struggled when paired with David Havili against the Boks but, alongside Quinn Tupaea’s direct presence, was one of the All Blacks’ best in Paris. Performed strongly against Wales.
Best Team Performance: Wales in Cardiff (54-16)
Sure, it was a depleted Welsh side but the All Blacks blew the Six Nations champions away. Their set piece platform led the way. They were patient and clinical in attack. And the bench made a major impact in a ruthless final quarter. Seven tries to celebrate Beauden Barrett’s 100th test proves what this side are capable of when fully dialled in.