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An ‘experimental’ test team from the number one ranked rugby nation in the world has made an emphatic statement against the braves of Scotland.
It was not emphatic throughout the game itself – as we shall talk about soon; but for a team that featured three debutants, five first year All Blacks with less than ten tests, three All Blacks recalled this year and one returning from injury – to beat a full strength Scotland 32-6 is quite remarkable.
The first of four Grand Slams wins has been achieved, and everything that we have seen this year so far from New Zealand rugby suggests that the All Blacks will record their third home nations sweep.
But the victory was even more impressive for the amount of starch and forward power that Scotland exhibited against – second fifteen or not – was still an All Black team. A team of men clad in black that in the set pieces at least, were outplayed for large periods of the game.
This is not surprising on further analysis – with a brand new loose forward trio, which is typically the strongest aspect of the New Zealand game, and a front row that had never packed down together. But despite spending prolonged periods under pressure from a surprisingly strong Scotland scrum – the pressure that was exerted on the black pack never was converted into points.
Scottish prop Euan Murray and hooker Ross Ford were towers, with the former giving Jamie Mackintosh quite possibly the most torrid game a New Zealand prop has ever experienced. But the new All Black loose forward combination held its own against a far more experienced trio, with Kieran Reads work rate outstanding, and the cover defence of Adam Thompson giving the Otago flank probably his best game in national colours.
Scottish captain Mike Blair had a powerful game, keeping busy and ensuring the pillar defence of New Zealand was always tested. Piri Weepu had another strong game to continue his 2008 renaissance, although he was not as imposing on the ruck as he could have been considering the fact that the entire All Black back row were not positional specialists.
Stephen Donald had a far more assured game as the playmaker, and probably actually benefited from having Ma’a Nonu, a running strike player on his outside rather than a second five eighth like Dan Carter.
Nonu was impressive and his combination with Richard Kahui would have impressed the All Blacks three wise men. Painfully ironic that after years of confusion, New Zealand rugby now has two international class outside centres, with man of the match Kahui providing genuine competition to the silky class of Conrad Smith.
Nonu himself, still has his critics. But now that he resigned with the NZRU till 2011, continued maturity with the introduction of his new kicking game shows his increasing value to the black jersey. When was the last time the enigma lost a ball forward?
The All Black three quarter line looked strong, with Joe Rokocoko’s return to the rugby field a fine aspect for all rugby fans. Anthony Tuitavake looks solid, although appears to suffer from the malaise that top level players suffer when their coaches are not sure of their natural position.
Isaia Toeava looks to have finally repaid the faith that Graham Henry has constantly had in him, looking menacing with an educated boot to match. With Cory Jane looking comfortable at the highest level – this is another position that New Zealand is blessed with depth.
There were criticisms before the game about “second string” and the All Black team being under strength, but it was logical, with a tough tour and far stronger outfits waiting. Furthermore, fringe players do not become better players sitting in the stands. As for that connotation – how strong did the All Blacks appear with the world’s two best players in Richie McCaw and Carter on the bench?
No doubt by the end of this tour again the All Blacks will be in the envious situation where they have 2-3 international class players for each position – with the difference from previous years that we could all probably name the strongest New Zealand team on paper – as could Henry.
Next week the Irish wait, and it is likely that Henry will unveil a full strength line up. For as impressive as the 26 point win over Scotland was, how much stronger will New Zealand appear with their front liners returned.
McCaw, Carter, Tony Woodcock, Brad Thorn, Jerome Kaino, Rodney So’oialo, Conrad Smith, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Mils Muliaina is a fearsome collection of names, whom will be better not only for the weeks rest, but also for the implication that there is once again a world class second tier of All Blacks to ensure the healthy competition for positions.
Unlike New Zealand, Scotland does not have the class or the polish to close out a game, a new aspect of the All Black game that appears to have developed since the nightmares of 2007.
As re-assured as kiwi supporters may be with the form of the national game, again it seems that the All Blacks are comfortably in the midst of their four year cycle of dominance – in between World Cup tournaments.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.