The All Blacks ‘can be beaten’

– Former British and Irish Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll (above) says the the All Blacks have to be cut down to size when the Lions tour there later in 2017.

The captain of the 2005 Lions to New Zealand said the All Blacks often looked “super-human” at times but Ireland showed with their win in Chicago that there were areas of the New Zealand game that could be exposed.

The lessons to be had from Ireland’s win included denying New Zealand quality ball from setpiece play, especially the lineout. That stopped the All Blacks getting over the advantage line from the first phase while also hindering their multi-phase play.

“It’s a good way to start breaking their play up. Secondly, the pressure you exert in defence to make them cough up unforced errors – which is unlike them – comes from expectation of the hit coming,” he said.

O’Driscoll believes the fact forwards in the four home unions have gained in their skills will allow the Lions to be more of a threat.

“A big aspect is the interplay between forwards and backs – the ball-handling of the tight five has really improved in the northern hemisphere.

“If I was to pinpoint one thing from the 2015 World Cup until now that differentiates, it is that the skill levels in all four teams in the front five has improved. I don’t know if that’s been a conscious thing, but it’s been apparent to me,” he said.

That will mean the All Blacks won’t have the advantage among the front five that they have previously enjoyed.

“They have had the edge because of the skill-set and the comfort of their props and second rows being ball-players.” – ANA