We are going to see a different All Blacks side this Saturday night in my opinion. It won’t be about redemption, as they weren’t clobbered last week. It will be about correcting a loss that was due to under estimating the opposition and while there have been subtle lineup changes, it must be different through increased performance and more passion on display. It has to be differnt for this side to retain the Bledisloe Cup because last weekend “The Wallabies Fought Back, and Now It’s Real”.
It will also be different because they are not yet at their ‘key goal’. The 2015 Rugby World Cup is only just around the corner, so in terms of the big picture we have limited opportunities now to settle on their leading test team that leaves these shores at the end of August, so with limited time remaining they have a huge challenge this Saturday to both win, and to get the team right.
The ability to bounce back is a skill that the best teams always demonstrate. It’s in their character to ‘right the wrongs’ and seven days removed from Sydney’s dismal result this All Blacks team will have huge motivation to adapt, to improve and to retain the much respected trophy. It has a fine history, a great team unity around it but it is not the main prize in 2015. The rugby public know this because NZR chief executive Steve Hansen made it clear what the organisations priorities are now, and were in 2011 – Rugby World Cup, Bledisloe Cup and the Rugby Championship.
In fact, gossip was that a list like that was sighted on a team whiteboard a month ago, with each of those prizes listed in that exact same order. In this year; Tew says they are focused on a pre-prepared gameplan and set objectives that should help the group achieve their goals (in that order) so missing out on the Rugby Championship maybe secondary now to holding onto this Bledisloe Cup and then defend the All Blacks treasured World Champion title.
Performance and Passion.
Players need to go up a notch, both in their own personal performance and in the passion they show during the game. Those two phrases are keywords within this group, it is spoken by players and management alike. Within this side performance today is almost scientific, almost taken to heights never entertained by the likes of a Wilson Whineray or Allan Hewson, Players today have fitness regimes and programs that dictate their schedules, eating habits and probably their downtime, so performance is a whole component of the players core role.
Passion is also a word that is strong within this group. Their mana, the jersey and the culture within this team, they are all dear to the players both new and old. While nobody has questioned their desire, some said that we were ‘out passioned’ on the field. Personally I can’t say, but the team in Gold wanted it more – that was clear for all to see.
Of course their is the marketing elements around this whole brand Team All Blacks. The “I belong” campaign and the four million strong fan base are just two elements that performance and passion must underline. That is a professional great motivator, as much as a massive ‘monkey on their back’ to carry. So this week is even more important – a) the cup is on the line b) many of the players could be playing their final matches on home ground and c) if they fail, the momentum built over 3 years is diminished.
Emotions will be running high for sure. Every sports person will know how they individually cope with that internal pressure, but it is only the elite sports stars that really experience that intense pressure. Imagine standing in a room and turning the radio on loud, then de-tuning it so that all you hear is White Noise. Turn that up to 11! That audible noise is similar to the collected screams and cries of both All Black and Wallabies fans cheering them on. Never experiencing that myself, it has to be unnerving if your not used to it. It is admirable when you see these professionals cope so well in that environment, to keep a cap on their emotions and play to a set plan. I take my cap off to them.
So ‘coping skills’ are key components this week that would be highlighted by Steve Hansen and his group, and for the most experienced players it maybe be reminiscent of past games played or pressure once felt before; so the All Blacks have that advantage in their collective experience. The same question will be asked of both teams actually, when the pressure is on “what will you do to overcome the odds?” Some players are only in their first few games at this level really, so for them ‘it just got Real’.
So each side announced their squads and the team selected for New Zealand is: Woodcock, Coles, Franks, Retallick, Whitelock, McCaw (c) Vito, Read, A Smith,C arter, Savea, Nonu, C Smith, Milner-Skudder and B Smith.
It is a good side and they will want to perform and to display that pssion and for me, the big change is at loosehead flanker. Vito will be asked to add some much needed firepower with McCaw at openside. Expect some fireworks and myself, I just hope the red mist does not translate into a Red Card for any player wearing all black. “Keep the discipline boys” will be the call and look for substitute flankers to be introduced much earlier than a week earlier. The late introduction of Cane last week only compounded their failure to react.
Dan Carter has been chosen again, which will be a big boost for the high-performing athlete. The 104 test veteran must attack the line as we all know he can, he must convert their chances as any poor kicking performance may see his credibility weakened more if the backline does not gel. Slade is selected to be the impact player this week – his precision is clear to see, but let the guy introduce his vision and link with backs in ways that the Wallabies have not examined. Slade too is under public scrutiny, like Carter so if he has a ‘big game’ it may help clip his ticket for the UK.
I’m glad Milner-Skudder is given another start, as he clearly outplayed Julian Savea, so Savea’s his starting wing position could be undermined with another poor performance. Charles Piutau can play both wing positions, but the back three surprise selection was when Ben Smith was named in the the starting team. Doctors advise must have been considered after his massive collision last week, so that means with Slade the Coaches could use him at fullback for the final ten minutes with a plan for the World Cup; unless he does get a run at first-five.
Gladly Sam Whitelock will begin this game as Luke Romano has to be given a week to charge the old batteries and to work on the little things. He looks to be almost guaranteed the number three lock position and they might only take three to the World Cup (judging by Hansen’s recent comments) but Sam brings that challenge at the breakdown that was dearly missed Saturday. He adds some much needed mongrel near the close of the game too and that period is critical as the Wallabies have claimed they started and ended matches stronger in 2015. If the All Blacks can finish the strongest at Eden Park, they could seal the contest with some superiority and a big confidence boost for the next month.
This is where the coaches believe squad rotation may offer better options in this final home game of the year. Myself, I could have gone further (Sopoaga, Crockett and Fekitoa) but they are trying to develop players confidence now that is a long-term goal [see Slade/Vito selections] Of course, as fans you don’t like ‘change for changes sake’. In some ways, it is planned to undo any study Stephen Moore and his coaching team have done, but apparently Michael Cheika is doing the same, in selecting Quade Cooper ahead of Matt Gitaeu.
Know your opposition, that is the modern rule with teams examining each other and banking knowledge for later in the year but this Saturday, the All Blacks must play the aggressor role. Making up for the failures in Sydney would be a positive step for me, but victory is what the public want to see.
The Wallabies fought back, Now it’s Real!
The media have highlighted our teams deficiencies, Nigel Yalden from RadioSport and Gregor Paul from the New Zealand Herald have assessed that the breakdown and lack of alternative options taken were contributors to the loss last week. How they react now is important for retaining the Bledisloe Cup for one, and for the next goal.
A win will be a big psychological advantage for the side, to overcome this huge obstacle and halt the Aussie improvements. They should have put the trophy in the cabinet last week, sealed that part of their plan and moved on, but they faced a better side in Sydney. If it got Real the Sunday straight after the match for most, then by kick-off this Saturday at 7:35pm NZ time they had better be prepared to all make that step up.
I believe they can, but as a sports fan, it will be a pretty special occasion to enjoy. Test match rugby at it’e best. A colossal match-up and Yes, it has definitely got real Richie. All the best for your 142nd test match (a probable new World Rugby record) but it is time to lay down a real performance. I can’t wait for Saturday.
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