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The All Blacks perform the haka - Source: Photosport -
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What happens when the All Black forwards are outmuscled and the backs can't penetrate or create scoring chances?
We found that out last weekend at Carisbrook. Thankfully, it doesn't occur very often, but the answer naturally enough is - they lose.
The reaction to that loss from a bunch of players and coaches who must be dejected no matter what they suggest, is the most intriguing part of the build-up to the second test against the French at Westpac stadium this weekend.
Sitting in the once-wonderful Rose Stand at Carisbrook last Saturday night, I was surrounded by All Black fans who were stunned into silence at the sight of an All Black pack being belted backwards for an entire 80 minutes.
To add to the pain, the backs, who were until recently the most potent attackers in world rugby, were set on their backsides repeatedly, and forced into numerous uncharacteristic errors.
Some of those errors might have been classified "unforced", but the players were under so much physical and mental pressure, that the errors were forced upon them all right.
I suppose the constant post-match comment of "the French were too good" says a lot about the resignation of All Black fans that maybe there are bad time ahead for the All Blacks. There was little demand for changes to the selection - most people realized we saw the best available players out there and they were not up to the challenge.
This weekend then, with four changes of which two were forced by
injury, will the All Blacks fare any better? It's difficult to be
confident.
The French are determined to capture this series and they are not
one of those airy-fairy French sides we have seen previously. This
is a quality team with set goals in mind. They fully appreciate the
damage they can do to the All Blacks by beating them again this
weekend.
At the same time, their spirits are soaring as they view a summer rest having yet again knocked over one of the most successful teams the world has seen.
But getting back to my original questions.
The All Blacks were outmuscled at Carisbrook. The French appeared
to be bigger and had better technique in some areas. The All Blacks
strong points of the scrum and tackle were negated.
Has a week been enough for that to improve?
The backs were ill-equipped to handle the flat defence of their opponents. That, and the lack of quick recycled possession, meant they were forced into hoping that a French mistake might let them score points.
This Saturday, those who dictate prior to the match the tactics to be used, will be under scrutiny. The All Blacks cannot afford to play the same type of game they were forced into playing last week. Their challenge is to belt the French backwards before the French settle - if they can.
We are not at a desperate stage yet, but Graham Henry repeatedly tells us they want to win every game. So, if the All Black coaches were looking for a challenge to start this international season, they've got it.
After a successful Grand Slam tour late last year when
everything seemed rosy, the rugby scene has suddenly turned
bleak.
It might be just for a week, but then again, it could just as
easily be a long, hard, sad season too.
This test in Wellington might be the most important match of the year.
Do you think that the ABs have the a chance against the French? Share your opinions below on the mesage board.
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Post new commentStade Langonnais said on 2009-06-20 @ 19:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
First of all. Don