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What is it with Graham Henry and Steve Hansen? Are they really that paranoid that after an indifferent performance in Milan, they can’t recognise they were out-scrummaged by Italy, and that they were lucky not to have conceded a penalty try?
What is wrong in accepting that teams like Italy are improving and that a second string All Black team had a difficult day at the office?
No, all we get is accusations against the referee. Henry called it a farce, but the only farce is his reaction.
Now, Dickinson’s general performance left a lot to be desired, but he actually helped the All Blacks by not giving the Italians a penalty try at the end of the match.
Credit should be given to a powerhouse front row in Castrogiovanni, Ghiraldini and Perugini. The Leicester powerhouse Castrogiovanni had destroyed the Springbok front row days earlier.
The All Blacks scrum is in trouble. Australia, which has had a terrible scrum in recent years, has now seemingly passed the Blacks in that department as shown in the Tri-Nations.
Little wonder that on tour up north, where scrum is considered king by many countries like Italy, the All Black scrum is struggling.
Since Carl Hayman left for the north, the Kiwi scrum has not been the same.
With such a platform, the Italians enjoyed better territory and possession, but did not have anyone behind the scrum remotely capable of doing anything constructive.
If they had a playmaker, who knows what might have happened?
If Henry doesn’t address this set piece problem by admitting firstly that there are flaws, then New Zealand will not win the World Cup with what he has. Even on home soil.
The All Blacks won the game, regained top place in the International Rugby Board World Rankings and have a hugely impressive squad developing. But it could all come undone without the foundation of a solid scrum.
The current laws with the limited approval of the ELVs means the set piece is vital.
Based on the weekend’s performances, the best scrums in world rugby at present belong to Argentina, Italy and an improving France, who comfortably beat the Springboks after a close series in New Zealand earlier in the year.
One can only suspect by the current paranoia and verbal gibberish that Henry is feeling the pressure.
Is France in New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup pool, by any chance?
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.