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They’re doing it again. The All Blacks are peaking too soon before their home World Cup. Why? Well, simple really. New Zealand is a proud rugby nation, who prides itself on a successful rugby team.
It’s their national sport and defines the fabric of a nation. Unfortunately for All Blacks, the one thing they lack is timing.
The problem with having such a rugby rich nation is the weight of expectation. Not only from the public, media and intrinsic pressure that the players place on themselves, but rather the pressure that the hierarchy places on the coach.
Graham Henry has been under the microscope, there’s no doubting that. Although the blowtorch remains firmly on the belly as results are expected all year round. Unfortunately, the human body doesn’t respond all year round.
Henry has no choice but to have his team at their best for each match. One slip up and the flame begins to draw ever so close to his un-tanned flesh.
I’m of the opinion that Australian’s are more patient with their rugby team, content that Robbie Deans has proceedings under control.
Sure, there has been whispers that perhaps he’s not the messiah. However, unless there’s a major catastrophe between now and the World Cup, he’s the man that will remain at the helm.
Australians seem accepting of the fact that we’ve been through a rebuilding phase, lacked depth at times, and struggled with injury and suspension to key players.
The All Blacks have had many successful coaches, but have struggled to win a World Cup since 1987.
The era in which rugby wasn’t really professional, since the introduction of professionalism in rugby the All Blacks have continually stumbled before rugby’s true elixir, the William Webb Ellis trophy.
Money has been their kryptonite, despite arriving to each World Cup with the best coaching staff and team, by the end of the tournament they are too burnt out mentally and physically to hoist the cup.
Tonight is a great litmus test for both sides.
It’s clear the All Blacks form is on point, and the Wallabies are putting together some nice combination’s coupled with a terrific brand of running rugby.
I think it’s fitting Quade Cooper is unavailable. This will allow Deans further time to develop other combinations whilst keeping his trump card firmly placed against his chest.
For me, the biggest battle and perhaps the changing of the guard, will be between David Pocock and Richie McCaw. This Test series will be a pivotal moment in the changing of the mantle for the world’s best flanker.
I’m of the opinion that McCaw still has a few more seasons at the top level. However, his aging body will prove no match for the freakish genetics of Pocock.
Not only is he physically more gifted than McCaw, he has age and a fresh attitude on his side.
As I said earlier, Richie McCaw has been at the peak of his seemingly endless capacity of powers for many years, however, they say age shall not weary them, but the years do condemn, and Richie has been around for a long time now.
This Bledisloe Cup series is merely an appetiser for the big tournament that will hit the shaky isles like an earthquake. The pressure will be on for all, but especially the All Blacks.
Will they handle it? The legendary Australian cricketer Keith Miller, when asked about the pressure of Test cricket famously replied: “Pressure is a Messerschmidt up your backside.”
I wonder how the All Blacks describe pressure?
I predict they will beat the Wallabies. However, they will have cooked their form by the World Cup.
My long range World Cup prediction – the All Blacks will meet the Wallabies in the final, and lose in extra time.
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.