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There has to be questions asked of Steve Hansen as coach of New Zealand. Yes I know the All Blacks have a great record under Mr Hansen, but when you compare the last two seasons the All Blacks, to my dismay, have regressed.
• In 2012 The All Blacks averaged 33 points with a differential of 20
• In 2013 The All Blacks averaged 31 points with a differential of 13
• In 2014 The All Blacks averaged 28 points with a differential of 11.
So we are scoring less and teams are scoring more against us, the gap is closing, but only due to the AB’s tactics, not opposition’s skill level in my view.
Another critical point to note; the scores in the 2014 All Blacks’ previous five games after 60 minutes, too close to be comfortable
• 13-24 against South Africa, (12 -3 final 20 minutes, lost by 2 points)
• 15-25 against Australia(14 – 3 final 20 minutes, won by 1 point)
• 16-14 against England(10 – 5 final 20 minutes, won by 3 points)
• 14-13 against Scotland(10 – 3 final 20 minutes, won by 8 points)
• 10-13 against Wales(24 – 3 final 20 minutes, won by 18 points)
When you look that they average 14 points in that period, that is 50 percent of the points the All Blacks score being scored in the final 20 minutes.
I know it’s an 80-minute game, but as a supporter that’s difficult to sit through while watching a game. To me demonstrates a lack of authority about this team. I blame a lack of coaching nous.
The All Blacks used to outmanoeuvre the opposition with their tactics and preparation. They had a game plan. Yes, it was one dimensional, ofent with no back-up plan and cost us against France in a semi-final of a World Cup.
Now we have gone too far the other way. There appears to be no forward foundation, no thrust, no pick and go; the planning and variety of the past is gone. The game plan relies on cross field kicks, kicks in behind, box kicks, grubber kicks; more and more kicks.
We are not outsmarting the opposition, we are not dominating teams we should, we are waiting for the opposition to lapse. That is not astute coaching.
The All Blacks willingly give the ball back to the opposition and ask them to tire themselves out on our defensive wall. We wait until the last 20 minutes and then up the tempo, using their tiredness as our attack weapon.
It has worked, but here’s the thing, we let teams like Wales sit close. They give them every opportunity to have a lead.
If the opposition defensive wall holds or the lead the All Blacks give them is too much, then we will lose.
We will, occasionally, lose to good sides like South Africa. I can tolerate that, just. But I can see a loss to our bogey team France, or the most improved team in World rugby, Ireland, in the quarter final at the next World cup if our current tactics continue.
If Hansen don’t coach this team to dominate from the start of a Test matches they won’t make the semi finals.
I expect so much more from this team, and they are not delivering. I want a dominating All Blacks side from the opening whistle, not a 10 to 20 minute last thrust.
I am getting older, it does my heart no good to sit through 60 minutes of frustration.
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.