Every match from now on, all count for something more than just a friendly match. It is World Cup time and in Pool C, this Georgia result must reinforce the All Blacks lost direction as they aim for back-to-back World championships.
That direction must be forward as in both of the games we have seen, it was not vintage All Blacks. Renowned as the standard bearers of World Rugby, they did not delight home fans or rugby writers in either hemisphere. In Friday nights match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, a return to ‘normal mode’ is expected against minnows Georgia.
This European side are coached by New Zealander Milton Haig, who has a close association with Stu Foster, the All Blacks assistant coach. That familiarity with the high standards of NZ rugby will mean they go into the match prepared well and knowing what to expect. Drilled well, some anticipate a scrum-based competition yet fans are wanting to see more polish from the world-leading All Blacks.
That is the question for all, as well as “how the returning Waisake Naholo will perform in his comeback match?”
Talk this week has been on the security around the All Blacks side; who brought their specially made four metre high protective wall with them from London, so a little bit of paranoia from Steve Hansen. Possibly overkill, whereas his opposite Warren Gatland said he “couldn’t give a stuff” if anyone was watching his sides practice.
Two different ideologies maybe, as both are experiencing different environments and team cultures. The Wales side are too busy licking their wounds, having lost 5 players to injury so far to worry about photographers and on the All Blacks side, the coaching staff admitted that they ‘over analyzed’ the Namibian team.
Though many will say the Welsh are demonstrating more spirit and energy, the All Blacks will want the Georgia games’ result to be a return to not only their focused direction of the last three seasons, but also more fluent and full of expression. They must put out an honest and co-ordinated result, utilising players strengths against a side who will be tough up-front, but could be run rings around if Naholo is up to full speed.
Fans of this team do not want to see another disjointed, clumsy or unfulfilled display (like the first two games have seen) With a hugely experienced side lead by the reassuring presence of Richie McCaw, the more settled side are just missing Ma’a Nonu who was likely to play his 100th test cap. Forced out due to a niggling injury, fans can only be happy with Sonny Bill Williams replacing him. Currently in menacing form himself.
They have a slightly altered front row, bringing in the young legs of Crockett and Faumuina but they lose nothing off the bench, so the complete side is formidable as ever. Just an interesting selection of TJ Perenara at first-five cover is reflective of a need to rest some injuries to Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade – precautionary moves from the management I’m sure.
NEW ZEALAND FANS ALL RISE EARLY TO FOLLOW THEIR MEN IN BLACK
I will be up early on Saturday [New Zealand time] to get involved and will be tweeting updates on the LWOS South twitter page throughout the match. Along with many others, we then enjoy reporting for Last Word On Sports immediately after the game on how the side progressed.
The LWOS Rugby department believe these next few matches for competition leaders New Zealand, Australia/England, South Africa and for Argentina too, will all set up the Qualifying rounds to a degree. The All Blacks must now start to ‘put the pedal down’ as they look surely at qualifying top of their pool. They will then sit back and watch like of RWC fans, the vital England v Australia game Saturday and then the important Ireland v France match next week.
That game looks likely to determine the All Blacks QF opponent, and each has done a magnificent job so far. They seem certain to qualify but in which order?
That is up to that one result and each wants to finish in the superior position, so for it to be up to just one result now is fitting [almost Sudden Death] as the winner gets to meet the second qualifier out of Pool C. So for the loser it will be ‘well done, now you face the World Champions’. Almost as good as sudden death rugby now, and it is good for the Cup.
If we lose the host by Sunday night, that will change everything for the host nation, but from this side of the world it is all about this next match – if the All Blacks can demonstrate some quality, people will be backing them all the way. Perform to their best, ranked at number one for so long now they must prove the doubters wrong before they enter the knock-out stages.
You have to believe this Georgia result must reinforce the All Blacks lost direction. Win well, and they are in no doubt the favourites. Play badly like they did against Namibia in the second half, and the press will be fierce in their vitriol.
Go well #TeamAllBlacks and I wish the Georgian team well too, as this is the biggest game in their rich history. The Rugby World Cup only comes around once for many, so they will treasure this experience against the best in the World.
“Main photo”
