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There’s not much I can say about how happy I was to see the All Blacks being pushed and challenged by the Pumas other than ‘I’m a proud full Samoan, half South American right now!’
The Pumas were outstanding for the first 50 minutes of the game! They attacked the ruck and won more turnovers than the All Blacks. They were brave, never sought a kick from their own 22 just running it straight.
When they scored first in the first two minutes, we knew what type of game they were playing, but we also knew this was a game plan that realistically needed to be played for the full eighty minutes if you want to beat the All Blacks.
They showed the world one of the blueprints to beating the All Blacks if only they could sustain it for 80 minutes, which was described by the All Blacks pre-game as ‘organised chaos’.
The Pumas threw everything and did everything they had at the All Blacks. I assumed the Pumas plan was to rack up as much points as they could for the 40-50 minutes, and then protect it the remaining minutes.
What I was impressed with was their decision making, and their ability to keep the ball alive with the offload.
Every player in the Pumas team at least offloaded once or twice, and I don’t remember in the first 50 minutes any of the offloads being dropped. They were pinpoint accurate and it showed with the holes they were breaking in the All Blacks defence.
Though the All Blacks adapted and the Pumas were exhausting from exerting so much energy in the first 40 minutes, they should be proud of how they fronted and the score line didn’t reflect how close the game really was in the first half.
Even though it didn’t turn out the way Los Pumas wanted it to, I commend them for their bravery and my respect for their team grows every time I watch them play. They have made it, having beaten every other tier one nation at least once.
The only scalp left is that of the All Blacks. I have no doubt at all, judging by their growth, courage and skill, that they will some day, even in the foreseeable future, defeat the All Blacks. For now it’s back to the drawing board, to prepare for the Wallabies coming off an impressive win over the Springboks.
During the All Blacks versus Pumas game, I couldn’t help but feel like the MVP of the night was the coaching team. They are just so good at what they do.
Substituting Aaron Smith and Dane Coles out earlier than expected turned out beneficial for the All Blacks.
I also like to point out something Steve Hansen said which rings truer than anything else I’ve heard this past couple of days. He doesn’t believe the gap between the All Blacks and the other three teams is as big as it looks based on the performances or what scribes are making it out to be.
He just thinks ABs have settled into their game plan quicker then the other three teams.
“I don’t think the gap is as big as everyone thinks it is. I know that people are saying the standard of rugby isn’t that great in other teams but I think it is”.
He continues “some teams haven’t got themselves sorted about how they want to play yet. We are really clear on how we want to play and maybe it is forcing other teams to look at how they want to play and they’re trying to change their style a wee bit for what suits them and it is probably not beneficial for them to do that”.
One of those Hansen may have meant was the Springboks, who they face next week. New coach Allister Coetzee has built his team around the Super Rugby team the Lions, and their approach of expansive, ball-in-hand rugby.
Considering a lot of senior players have left, it is a great time to implement this approach and it doesn’t mean the Springboks will lack motivation, they’ll be totally pumped for the game this week.
I think many if not all All Blacks and some Pumas were in contention for MOTM. My two personal choices were Nicolas Sanchez and Jerome Kaino.
Sanchez piled up 17 points and stirred his team courageously and kept them within reach for much of the game.
Jerome Kaino, keeps adding these huge performances to his already bruising legacy. Considering he was one of the oldest on the field and made his debut about a decade ago for the All Blacks, he is still top class.
Obviously MOTM deservedly should be Beau Barrett, who again is exceeding everybody – including All Black coaches – expectations).
Looking to next week against the mighty Springboks, Sam Cane is out for 4-6 weeks and though Ardie Savea is still not at a desired weight, I see him starting next week with Matt Todd on bench.
Would love to see Aaron Cruden start with Lima Sopoaga on bench to give Barrett a breather, lessen the load, but I kind of don’t see that happening ’til later on in the EOYT, against a team like Italy.
And who wouldn’t like to see more of the Ben Smith-Beauden Barrett combo next week?
If Owen Franks plays next week and doesn’t get a try, he’ll hold a new record of most Test games (84) without a try, overtaking Italian prop Salvatore Perugini, which I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.
I know each game presents different challenges but New Zealand are fortunate to have such a wide variety of talent to pick from. Would also love to see Akira and Reiko Ioane come on board and have a shot. I know they’re still young, so just being exposed to the environment will best help them where they are at now. Just thinking about the possible combinations is mouth watering!
For another week though, the All Blacks remain at the top of the rugby world, deservedly so. And I look forward to watching the All Blacks versus Springboks game next week with my Springbok supporter friends. As always, loser buys the drinks, or is it winner buys the drinks? I’ll need to rematch Heyneke Meyer talking about his tradition with Hansen so I can remember who actually buys the drinks after the match.
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.