ABs primed for shot at history
Ordinarily, this week would concern the All Blacks. The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup already locked away, complacency could creep into collective consciousness before departing for the end of year tour. While there is no such thing as a meaningless test, some mean more than others.
This is, of course, no ordinary week. Occasions such as this, with the chance to create history, rarely exist. None seem more deserving of riding the crest of a tidal-like wave to achieve what no team has done before than Steve Hansen’s men.
Arriving home after a record win over the Springboks in Durban, the All Blacks enjoyed a week off that’s left them refreshed and ready to put the foot on the Wallabies’ throat at New Zealand’s intimidating rugby fortress. Since settling in Auckland on Tuesday, there appears a blend of desire and calmness among the squad.
The Bledisloe sat proudly on display in the team hotel as players mixed casually with punters during a lunch there on Thursday. When they first assembled the quest to stretch their domineering run to 18 consecutive wins – dating back to August, 2015 – and seal a world record for tier-one nations was openly discussed.
Other than probes from media, it has since be left to simmer in the back of minds, allowing focus to switch to on-field matters. There may be a few more nerves than usual, given what’s at stake, but challenges drive this team to new heights. And outside major tournaments, they don’t get any bigger than this.
The mere fact the All Blacks made a point of acknowledging the record this time around signals a big shift from previous failed attempts when they pushed it to one side and attempted to pretend it wasn’t an issue worth confronting.
‘‘That’s got peoples’ rear ends from the back of the seat to the front,’’ Hansen said.
The Wallabies also just happen to be the team that thwarted the All Blacks’ record-breaking feats previously. Draws in Brisbane (2012) and Sydney (2014) and the win in Hong Kong (2010), one of just three victories against the world champions in their past 18 encounters, stick in the memory. Hansen hasn’t been shy reminding his players of those occasions. That alone creates added edge.
There is truth to the assertion the Wallabies have improved since twin losses in Sydney and Wellington. But they could not have got much worse. Their lineout, which the All Blacks pillaged at will, is better, and their backline should have more punch with Reece Hodge and Samu Kerevi in the midfield. David Pocock is back on the bench; losing Will Genia a bigger blow.
Despite being in a team that’s won three of nine tests this year, the world-class halfback was nearing career-best form. With this test sitting outside a designated test window, Genia has returned to French club Toulon and his replacement Nick Phipps is prone to brain explosions when rattled.
We also can’t overlook a letter sent by Wallabies greats to the Australian Rugby Union this week detailing concerns the game there is ‘‘dying’’. Gulp. Any wonder they are the longest priced outsiders in Bledisloe Cup history?
Publicly, at least, Cheika remains stoic.
‘‘Me personally, I love going into the lion’s den. That’s fun,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s what rugby is about. There’s no trepidation, more excitement.’’
Meanwhile, team, with its Michael this All Blacks depth and flair, constantly challenge conventional wisdom and set new norms. Captain Kieran Read personifies ambition by regularly turning down shots at goal early in contests in favour of kicking to the corner and keeping pressure on. That, in turn, sows seeds of doubt in the opposition, who know they will be severely punished for any major or minor slip ups.
If all that is not enough, throw in the Eden Park factor. The Wallabies haven’t beaten the All Blacks there for 30 years; the All Blacks have won their past 35 games at the venue. The Wallabies’ last five outings against the All Blacks there combine for a 164-53 scoreline. It’s an undeniably special ground – for one team.
‘‘It’s the biggest stadium in the county, where we can have the most supporters in one venue,’’ Beauden Barrett said. ‘‘I can’t tell you why the record is so good there. We just enjoy having the full support of having the country behind us. It’s hard to pin point exactly what it is about it.’’
What better place to create history.