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We could talk about structural problems in Australian rugby, mongrel among the forwards, lack of depth, or the fact that Australia’s best athletes are usually not drawn to rugby union.
But on the surface the real reason the New Zealand teams are dominating the Australian teams is really quite simple: the New Zealand teams are playing a different style of rugby.
It’s not a completely new style, though it has become their main focus like never before. It’s a focus that may have started with the Crusaders a number of years ago. But the All Blacks appear to have been focusing on it over the last decade or so, and now it has spread to all their Super Rugby teams.
This is what it entails.
1. Every player with the ball is almost always looking to offload.
This is a priority for every ball carrier, but these are not risky passes simply to keep the ball alive. If the pass is not on, then a player will take the tackle. But their first thought is to look for the offload to a teammate in support.
2. Strategic creation of offload chances
To create the opportunity for the offload, the player with the ball runs to the line, draws in a defender or two and then offloads. This creates space and opportunity for teammates in support.
3. Players without the ball are supporting and expecting a pass
Every player without the ball is looking to be in support, expecting the pass from their teammate with the ball.
It’s so simple, but so effective. It looks easy to do, but it’s an art to be mastered. And while every team would try and do this to some extent, the New Zealand teams have focused on it as the key to winning.
They do this among the forwards when playing a tight game. They do it among the backs when playing an expansive game. This is what makes New Zealand teams so potent in counter-attack.
Now consider Australian teams by way of contrast:
1. Most players with the ball are not looking to offload.
It’s not their focus. Sometimes even when there is a real opportunity to offload, they don’t. It’s like they are committed to a different game-plan where they have to try and barge their way through the defence and take the tackle. This is especially so among the forwards.
2. If there is a pass…
Very often players pass way too early, or too deep, and before drawing in any defenders. This happens especially among the backs. This does not create space or opportunity for support players.
3. Teammates don’t really run in support very well.
Supporting players have no expectation of receiving an offload in general play.
There are occasional exceptions to this, but generally speaking, this is how the two countries play rugby.
And not only is the style of the New Zealand teams the most effective way to win rugby, it’s also the most attractive way to play. This is why New Zealand derbies are so thrilling to watch.
It’s not simply about playing an uptempo game, or providing quick ball. And it’s not about the amount of offloads.
An Australian team might complete plenty of offloads, but without much to show for it. It’s all about the ‘draw and pass’. And when this is a team’s main focus, sure enough, it is also a very dangerous, and very thrilling style of rugby.
Next time you see a New Zealand team play, take note of this and you’ll be surprised how obvious it is.
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.