After a season that runs from February to November, nobody will deny that the players deserve a break. And with New Zealand Rugby On Summer Leave, it is only the Sevens game which will sustain fans thirst for the All Black shirt running out onto the rugby field.
Rest and relaxation is what most players and coaches will desire most. Some have had small breaks during the year–after the successful Rugby World Cup of 2015, several players returned late in March. That still did not make the demands of being a star of New Zealand (NZ) rugby any easier.
By the final match, the All Blacks were playing their 14th test match. A particularly engaging encounter in Paris, against a highly motivated France. A fantastic way to end the International season–on top, and with a win. It was one of 13 victories over a heavy schedule; not excluding the single blemish on the record.
13 and 1: Not The Perfect Season
No, it wasn’t the perfect season. And while the All Blacks were (at the time) the only team to achieve that task when in 2013 they won all 14 matches. Simply extraordinary in the context of professional rugby until this weekend, when England played Australia and incredibly, were able to accomplish that same feat: 14/14.
The Steve Hansen coached side would be the first to congratulate them, as they need World Rugby to be strong. Winning the Wales series 3-0, claiming The Rugby Championship with a record margin, the end of year tour brought more challenges than anticipated.
Face off!#rugby #rugbygram #haka #allblacks #france #FRAvNZL pic.twitter.com/I4xa9e5Iux
— RUGBYgram (@rugbygram) November 29, 2016
And that is when this group plays best. When they are challenged–the French faced up to the haka, which showed respect and character. When the British and Irish Lions prepare themselves for the 2017 June series, expect the NZ team to be more than ready.
And now, with the team on their summer break, Last Word On Rugby looks back at 2016. There are awards that need to be handed out. The ASB Rugby awards are this week, so LWOR join in the ‘gift giving’. Not a huge list of categories sorry, but just a toast for several men who all played their part. A top performances package will be published before the end of the year.
Comeback of the Year: Matt Todd
Asked to do a certain job in the absence of Sam Cane, Todd brought his frame back into the mix–and while Ardie Savea has the brightest future of all the openside flankers in NZ rugby, Todd came back from the wilderness and proved he was a high performing player.
While Todd was selected, others still sit on the fringe. Brad Shields is a name that could soon be listed as ‘working overseas’. He may join the likes of Brendan O’Connor to take his skills offshore–a tough call, as men like Elliot Dixon, Blake Gibson and Kara Pryor. The ‘glut’ of loose forwards is always a tough conversation.
Back of the Year: Israel Dagg
Given that he was not selected for the RWC, was injured and publicaly disappointed, Dagg is a lesson in ‘the individual ability’ to return to the highest standards required. He gets many rewards; 10 tries for 2016, and he is a tribute to perserverance and exceeding expectations.
Notable mention to Anton Lienert-Brown and Ben Smith. The young Chiefs centre is the ‘Find of 2016’. Not picked to fill shoes, but as a nod to the future, and he is very much the frontrunner, beside Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa. And what else can be said of Smith–the consumate professional, at wing or his favoured fullback. Just a terrific player. 10/10.
Forward of the Year: Brodie Retallick
There are some notable men who would challenge Retallick, including notably Dane Coles. To deny the Hurricanes captain, big Brodie just maintained his 2015 form. Injury and concussion very nearly ruined his chances; as it ruined the unbeaten streak in Chicago. But in Dublin, he displayed a quality that men like Eben Etszebeth and Courtney Lawes can only admire.
Coles must be in the bracket of ‘utility player’ with commentators joking that he could play in 14 other positions. Highly skilled at passing, support play, his core role of cleaning out the ruck and (not always positive) his kicking. Just everywhere, and a key to future success for the scrum and lineout.
‘Disgrace of the Year’ was surely the most published indiscretion since Richard Loe’s infamous eye gouge. Aaron Smith was his own worst enemy, in creating his own demise. Having a fine Super Rugby season, a superb series over Wales, he then let everyone down with his personal exploits. It affected his confidence, but honestly all NZ rugby fans hope that he can return to form in 2017.
Thankfully, TJ Perenara has become as gifted as Smith has ever been. The ‘Substitute of the Year’ TJ eventually went from impact, to starting halfback. After a tremendous Super season, he is the most advanced player of 2016.
And that segways well into the final All Blacks prize–Most Valuable Player.
Beauden Barrett rules them all
If you were to play a highlight reel for the World Rugby Player of the Year, it would not entirely reflect the season Barrett has had. Beginning in the same ‘off the bench role’ it took injury for Aaron Cruden to open the door. He pushed it wide open, demonstrating the skill he brought from the Hurricanes playbook.
BEAUDEN BARRETT | 2016 Highlights https://t.co/Z91UQavkHv via @YouTube
— Daniel James Lessley (@lessley_daniel) November 22, 2016
From his confidence, the talent shone through. Consistency of selection helped bring out his best qualities too. Running, distribution and support play, they were all on show. Although his place kicking is a little less than exemplary, most fans will say ‘start with Barrett’ and go for Gold. The MVP–and most will agree with this call.
He pushed Aaron Cruden and Lima Sopoaga to the sideline, and seems to be the man to lead the backline against the Lions. First, there is a Super Rugby season to begin, so you hope Barrett does rest over the Summer holidays but not lose form.
Post-holiday Health Camp Planned
After the France test match, when speaking to media, coach Steve Hansen delivered his 2017 grand design. After watching players languish over Christmas pudding, and then being ill-prepared for the start of Super Rugby, Hansen has a plan. Rather than leave his charges to their own devices, he will be pro-active.
In January, Hansen plans to gather his wider squad to assess their ‘status’. A well being camp where fitness guru Nick Gill and experts will establish base figures for players to aim for. And it will involve each Super Rugby franchise fitness team as well, in a co-ordinated goal of being ready for the June tests.
“We have put a lot of work into what we want to and know we are going to have to redevelop our game a little bit. The important part is transitioning these guys back into their franchises, making sure they get a good offseason so they are fresh and ready to go,” Hansen told Stuff.co.nz.
“We just can’t afford anyone to be behind the eight ball in June.”
Also, this maybe the right opportunity for NZ Rugby to educate the players on new ‘Respect and Responsibility’ policies. With the structures to be put in place to cover all unions across the country, the leading players will likely be first to be familiar with the philosophy. The new Respect and Responsibility Project Manager will probably address the group, providing education, strategies and skills for players and their families to engage in respectful and healthy relationships.
The Best Prepared Team Will Be a Work In Progress
The example fans will recognize is Julian Savea (below). The ‘Bus’ is always a big task for any winger or midfielders to handle. The issue has been his fitness preseason and early in the calendar. It has affected the Hurricanes as much as the All Blacks. They have been frustrated to the point of benching Savea in the Super Rugby semi final, and grand final.
At his best, he obliterates the opposition. Out of tune, he can drag a defense down and Hansen is very wary of that. It has affected teams in the past, and professionalism requires sacrifice. Savea and others will be identified if they do not meet the minimum standard for an All Black.
Julian Savea Dropped by Hurricanes Amid Fitness Concerns https://t.co/Qepx5F7Kj8 pic.twitter.com/WVBgorlyXq
— Munster Haka (@MunsterHaka) March 24, 2016
Whether it is Savea, Piri Weepu or even Ronaldo for Brazil football (see above), the policy will eliminate the ‘questions’. Honesty is always best, as an agreement is only as good as the promise made to keep it. If the All Blacks want to be at peak fitness by April or May, then strict programs are required. It might mean one less Turkey drumstick or bowl of Ice Cream, but it might be the difference in a closely fought Lions series or Rugby Championship match.
Players Must Stay Diligent on Summer Leave
Over a 10 month season, the two months sitting relaxing at fashionable hotspots, luxury European accommodation or isolated Pacific bungalows, holidaying All Blacks will relax–but not too much. Over indulging will be off the list for any player who does not want to be singled out in January.
And that will be all the better for New Zealand Rugby. Performing over a season is one thing. 13 victories was a more than respectable return for 2016. When facing the British and Irish Lions, a well prepared team will be best placed to maintain the sides formidable home record. And that is worth forsaking a glass of bubbly or a box of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
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