More of the same, only better
All Blacks put their emphasis on execution
If everyone’s going to do the same thing - what chance a different result?
New Zealand made heavy weather of beating Argentina, the last time these two teams met. The All Blacks were clunky and unconvincing, before kicking away late to win The Rugby Championship clash 39-22.
This time around - in Buenos Aires - the All Blacks predict the Pumas will employ identical methods. Their own plan is to respond the exact way they did three weeks ago in New Plymouth; just with better execution.
Throw it all together and what have you got? Probably a similar outcome to that game.
‘‘They’ll look to come at us at the breakdown and look to kick the ball a wee bit. In talking to them afterwards, they were pretty happy with that tactic,’’ All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said.
‘‘They’re growing their game away from just one or two areas. They’re trying to expand how they play and they’re starting to get better at it and I think it’ll be a really physical encounter.’’
It’s one in which men such as Kane Hames, Luke Romano, Scott Barrett and Vaea Fifita will need to play with intent and energy. The All Blacks possess any number of matchwinners, but that quartet are among those who have to get in and do the dirty, unnoticed work first.
There’s been a clear fascination among the Argentine media this week with the All Blacks’ aura Questions have come thick and fast about why New Zealand rugby is so consistently good and whether the years of achievement ever become a burden.
‘‘It’s an everyday thing when you’re with the All Blacks,’’ said Hansen.
‘‘When you come into the environment, whether you’re a coach, a manger or a player, that’s expected. You’re expected - it doesn’t matter who you play - to win and win well and the quicker you can understand that and accept that, then the quicker you can deal with the pressure.
‘‘There’s always going to be pressure so you have two choices, I MATT TODD:
In. Out. Stop. Start. It’s the story of Matt Todd’s All Blacks’ career, which has been punctuated by long absences from the test arena. This will be the openside flanker’s ninth appearance since his debut in 2013. Again, Todd will want to remind Steve Hansen he shouldn’t be the Forgotten Man.
guess. You can either cow down to it or you walk towards it and we’ve just tried to walk towards it.’’
Which relates back to how the All Blacks are likely to play tomorrow. Argentina flew up on defence, in New Plymouth, and for a variety of reasons New Zealand weren’t able to use the ball to beat the oncoming defenders.
To put it a simple way; under pressure, their skills deserted them a little.
But rather than change things too dramatically, the All Blacks’ response has been to work harder Referee:
at their basics and back themselves to counter the Argentine line speed. Some teams can lose faith in or change their method; Hansen’s lot just resolve to do the same things better.
As ever, there will be attention placed upon the game management and goalkicking of first fiveeighth Beauden Barrett. Outside him, Sonny Bill Wlliams is due for a big game, while right wing Waisake Naholo and fullback Damian McKenzie are others who’ll want to produce performances of note. 11.40am Sunday Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos Aires TAB odds: $1.06, Live coverage on Stuff from 11am $8 JUAN MANUEL LEGUIZAMON: At 34 years Leguizamon doesn’t have youth on his side. That’s irrelevant. Given the prickly No 8 has played 79 tests, Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade will lean on him to use all his nous to push the boundaries. It’s the sort of job Leguizamon will accept with pleasure.