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The All Blacks’ first Test against England, in a sold-out Eden Park, was like watching the final of the Rugby World Cup.
It Test was full of intense emotion and disbelief at the possibility of watching the All Blacks lose. Okay, this wasn’t the World Cup final, but when the All Blacks are on the verge of losing a Test the feeling is still similar.
For the record, no one in the All Black’s camp ever said this series was going to be easy and that proved to be the case. Anytime a team like England, France or Ireland play the All Blacks they bring everything they have – guts, pride and determination.
The pinnacle of rugby is playing the All Blacks, the number one team in the world. People get confused and surprised when the All Blacks struggle to claim a victory, but they are always playing a nation that want nothing more than to beat.
From coaches to debutants, beating the All Blacks is a priority and a victory over them would be one of their career highlights.
The Test on Saturday was as expected, full of simple mistakes and poor decision making by a team that has had little time to prepare. The All Blacks’ match fitness was far from their opponents’. When they put on the black jersey they also put a big target on their backs. Everyone wants to see this team fall.
The game reminded me of one of the latest games from the Blues or the Chiefs. The All Blacks lacked direction and co-ordination. I’m sure Steve Hansen put together a plan and strategy but what he can’t control is the fact his players are not ready for international level.
However, the loss is a quick reminder of who they are, and for some who they need to be. For the next Test they will be better prepared.
Some interesting situations came out of the match. Ma’a Nonu lost his composure, his kicking game backfired and created attacking opportunities for the English to score. His running was ineffective. It got to the point where Hansen pulled him from the field, a rare event.
Aaron Cruden was still far from his best. He lacked flair and was unable to exploit weaknesses in the English defence or capitalise on their mistakes. He only performed in the last five minutes when he did an independent tap and go, which created the only try of the Test.
Liam Messam, another player who will have to find his form, lacks the quality of last season. Messam is a tough player with a great attitude and work ethic. I expect him to be back to his blockbusting best given more time in the Black jersey.
Ben Smith and Israel Dagg were guilty of poor ball skills, especially dropping the high ball, and Dagg’s kicking game was dangerous.
Hansen believes they were at 70 per cent. There’s a lot of hard work required this week to make up the extra 30 per cent.
With the second Test in mind, England coach Stuart Lancaster said his selection would be made looking at the bigger picture, which is next year’s Rugby World Cup. Giving all players experience in New Zealand could prove valuable.
“The game next week is huge for us. We want to tie the series and go to the decider in Hamilton,” he said.
Hansen admitted his team needed to work on a few things in training.
“We’ll go away and have a look at the tapes and we won’t panic, that’s the big thing,” he said.
“We’ll go away and work on the things we need to work on and come back excited about what is going to be a really great challenge in a three Test match series,” he said.
An interesting choice of words. I do expect a better performance next week but I do not think it will be the extra 30 per cent Hansen is looking for. It will be an improvement and that’s the main focus.
The Test in Dunedin will be in a drier environment than Auckland and the All Blacks will have gained some great knowledge and information to put to use.
The English would have found great motivation from this win. They pushed the world champs to the brink with untested combinations. They too, will have gained a lot from this Test. This will make the second match even more important for both sides.
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.