All Blacks coach Ian Foster has called on his team to deliver a ‘Grand Slam’ with the first unbeaten run of The Rugby Championship since they achieved the feat in 2017.
New Zealand’s come from behind 19-17 defeat of the Springboks in their historic 100th Test on Saturday in Townsville was their fifth from five games, with the second match against South Africa to be played on Saturday at the Gold Coast.
“Quite frankly, you go up to the Six Nations and if they win five games they celebrate it as a Grand Slam, and we’ve got that chance now in The Rugby Championship to have a grand slam opportunity next week,” said Foster after the tight battle.
“For this group to actually put themselves in that position is massive credit to Ardie Savea and the men for the way they’re gelling together and working hard.
“We know to achieve what we want to next week and get that grand slam we’re going to have to lift a couple of cogs from tonight.”
The All Blacks’ defeat of the Springboks was the closest they’ve been run this season after cruising to double victories over Australia and Argentina.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Their performance has displayed their incredble depth with key men, including Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga, out of action at times.
“We are making strides on the physical side of the game and we are making some strides in our ability to deal with set piece pressure and how we go about it,” Foster said.
“Clearly we’re not the finished product yet, we know that. But I love the way we stayed in the fight and we problem solved and muscled up.
“We made that game a massive contest and an arm wrestle type of game that probably wasn’t the game we wanted to have.”
The Springboks imposed their style on the game but the All Blacks still had enough class to win despite being out of their comfort zone, and Foster had only praise for the Boks’ approach and intensity.
“You can talk about pressure and about being strangled,” Foster said. “We spoke a lot about the way the South Africans would play against us. It’s one thing to dismiss it as boring, which a lot of people do, but I used the words ruthless and clinical and they’re very good at it.
“We ran out of time in many situations and that put our skill set under pressure so it’s a real learning curve for us in that space, particularly some of our backs. I felt our timing was a bit off because of the pressure we were put under.
“Isn’t it good to learn that lesson and have a win next to your name? We’re really excited by not folding. We didn’t get too flustered, we kept playing. I’m overall happy and can’t wait for next week now.”
The All Blacks contributed to a dour struggle by conceding 23 turnovers in an uncharacteristically sloppy display with the ball and their rolling maul was held back by the Boks.
“The performance wasn’t really what we wanted but we were forced in a lot of areas by their pressure. That was a game we expected to come up against,” Foster said.
“I loved our attitude even when things weren’t going well. We wanted to play. We showed a determination to keep fighting and got there in the end.
“We made more errors than what we wanted to. Some of our handling wasn’t at the level it needed to be. There’s a combination of players playing South Africa for the first time; the pressure they put us under and you have to execute at the top level.
“It’s a nice little message for us. Our wings had a real examination. Some things went their way but a few things didn’t.”
In the end it took a huge play from rookie centre Quinn Tupaea to force a penalty which Jordie Barrett nervelessly booted from 40m out and near the left hand touchline.
“It’s really significant for us,” said Foster.
“We knew it was a big game. We’ve had a bit of an edge over them recently but you saw how fine the margins are. Hats off to Jordie – that was a tough kick. Our bench came on really well. Quinn did outstandingly well to win that turnover.
“Jordie will be the guy who won the 100th so good on him.”
Jacko
Roar Rookie
England refuse to play NZ. Havnt toured down under for years and wont play NZ on the EOYTs. I heard that it’s about money from Twickenham You heard wrong.
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
I don't know why really. I heard that it's about money from Twickenham but Australia seems to play England each EOY Tour but not the AB's?. I rate England and France as being able to topple the ABs, particularly at their home ground.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
No argument from me on perspective because I accept, someone will finish them off. The thing is, I relish the position that if you've prepared the team as best you can, if you've provided as much experience opportunity for the players, if you've given players every opportunity to self improve their skill set and finally as coach, if you select the best balanced side available to choose, then what remains to be considered for game day is the weather and the game tactics, the team will undertake. If your opposition is better than you on all facets listed, then it becomes difficult to see if there is any way you and your team, will come off the paddock, with a win. Then again, if they're not but, your team collects a couple of cards in the match, then prospects of success could also, be difficult. The perspective is, there is ALWAYS another side out there to challenge you and how you accept that challenge, will go a long way to assist your team, with succeeding.
Ruckit
Roar Rookie
6 out of 6 wins against top teams ranked 2 & 3 plus the Argies who can beat anyone. Playing twice when a team gets another go changing tactics as needbe, IMO thats probably as hard as Eng, Wales, Ire, Scot.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
CW what makes you think the ABs are avoiding England?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Bill "IF" the ABs scored off one of the turned down penalties this wouldnt even come up. I back the Abs to have a far better handling game this week and to score some tries.
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
What I'm seeing now is that Fossie is a General Manager of skilled assistants and very good players. He doesn't have to be a Rugby genius. I think it was Churchill who said that the critical quality for a General was as a "picker of men for the moment".
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
You see 'OB', it's a matter of perspective. What I took out of it was the ABs can succumb to white-hot pressure just like any-one else. The Boks couldn't finish them off but some-one will and it will be heart-breaking if it's in a Bledisloe Cup or RWC sudden death game. Meanwhile, I was pondering how good it was to see three NZ brothers in the Centenary Test against the RSA. That was something.
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
It must be a die-hard disappointment when the ABs run out of time, like at the RWC 2019. Cheers mate.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
I think them and the Wallabies both a year out from any peak CW. The Wallabies especially are showing their style but need a lot more growing into it and a lot more experience through the squad. Its coming from Hoops being a better leader and captain to Lolesio who has never panicked or hung his head. And they are adding to their squad all the time Just look at how few test many ABs have. Tupaea could be anything. Havilii isn't the greatest anything, just very good. Watching Sotutu and Ione run hot and cold. Cane mightn't last long. And I could go on and on. Two things are clear to me. NZ and Oz are closer than you think either way. And secondly we are both better than all them even now. Number 1 and 2 baby!!! :stoked: I don't know if you really realise. The All Blacks actually have never lost a game. Sometimes they have just run out of time is all.
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
I’m pleased the ABs are at least playing France who are building for the RWC and will field Team A I presume. It’s ridiculous NZ avoid England. We don’t. Love the ABs peaking early again :stoked:
Lara
Guest
The RC Sweep.
Lara
Guest
Webber n ALB in starting 15
Tim J
Roar Rookie
The Wallabies have that chance ozziedude, hope that they do well. For themselves and all fans like yourself :thumbup:
ozziedude
Roar Rookie
Not playing England though so wont count.
PapanuiPirate
Roar Pro
"Yes, I'd like the Workrate for main please. Could I get that with a side order of Workrate? And some Workrate grated on top? Cheers."
moaman
Roar Guru
Thats probably what will happen,bro. :thumbup: I'd prefer Papalii over Ardie (bench) but doubt Foster has the cojones.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
It's of no interest until you have the opportunity.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
His positional play was top class. It has let him down in the past, a well rounded performance will a cherry to boot.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
This weekend I'd like: Back three: J Barrett (15), Jordan (14), R Ioane (11). Loose forwards: 7 (Papalii - if fit), Blackadder (6), Jacobson (8) (disregarding captaincy).