Otago Daily Times Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire looks at some key points from the All Blacks 39-21 win over Wales at Eden Park last night.
Second half fightback
As has been the case so often in recent years, it was the last 20 minutes where the All Blacks got their noses in front and finally took control of the test. They scored three tries in that time, taking their chances and finding some gaps in what had been an outstanding defence from Wales. But it was their defence as much as their attack in the second half that saw them walk away with the win. After falling off too many tackles in the first half, the All Blacks tightened up and saw that gaps were harder to come by. They showed desperation in scrambling and remained disciplined inside their own half. The end result was only conceding three points in that time, a great improvement on the 18 before the break.
Fast, open game
It was a game both teams brought a positive approach to, showing their intent to spread the ball and play at pace. More importantly, both teams proved they were capable of playing that type of game, which is something you don't always see from northern hemisphere sides. Perhaps it played into the All Blacks' hands in the end. Their level of fitness and depth means they can keep up the fast pace for 80 minutes, while opponents often wilt. Wales didn't exactly wilt, although they were far less effective late than they had been earlier. If nothing else it made for an exciting spectacle and more games played with that mindset can only be a good thing.
Wales playing with width
Wales had talked about needing to offer something special to beat the All Blacks and they showed they were prepared to chance their arm. Rather than using the familiar route of Jamie Roberts crashing in the midfield, they used the width of the field to stretch the defence. They were able to get quick ball at the ruck and asked plenty of questions of the All Blacks. On the counter they were dangerous too, with Liam Williams bringing the ball back well and setting up a try after breaking the chase line, drawing the last man and linking up with his support. The second half saw the All Blacks contain the threats, but Wales kept looking to get it into the hands of their weapons, which allowed them to continue to threaten.
All Blacks' defence
Wales were dangerous on attack in the first half, but the All Blacks defence was exposed at times. Fitting new players into their systems and communication caused a few mis-haps, but there were instances where there were straight missed tackles, which would have been of more concern. They looked their best when they were aggressive, both in the tackle and in attacking the ruck. However it was not always easy to get up fast enough to play this way, particularly when Wales were getting quick ball. The defensive system they used was similar to the Highlanders' one, with a fast, aggressive line in the narrow channels, going into drift as it went wider. When you don't get that drift right it can give the opposition space, as happened, although the All Blacks did improve at this as the game went on.
Were short kicks the best option?
In rugby you have to play what is in front of you and try to get the ball to where there is space. When the defence is rushing up fast, like Wales were, sometimes that can mean chip kicking or grubbering in behind to force the defence to turn to recover. It might not always result in a try, but it may buy you a bit more time if the defence becomes more wary about rushing up. But you have to apply pressure with the kick for it to work. Too often the All Blacks tried this tactic and simply handed over possession. Not only did they rarely look like actually creating anything from the kick, they were depriving themselves of ball, which they looked good with when they held it. When they went forward and got the ball to their danger men, the Welsh were being put under pressure and struggling to contain them. It seemed the best option to keep the ball in hand, even when the defence was rushing up. That does not mean you have to go wide straight away, but perhaps tightening up and going through a few more phases to get forward momentum would have bought them a bit of space while allowing them to maintain possession.
If Naholo can become consistent...
Everytime Waisake Naholo got the ball you got the feeling anything could happen. His pace and explosiveness made him a threat from anywhere on the park, even when space seemed to be lacking. It resulted in him scoring two tries, making a break which set up another and making a handful of other dangerous runs. There was an obvious tactic to get him the ball in space and consequently he made 16 runs. But as good as he was with ball in hand, sometimes catching the ball proved to be an issue. That is something he needs to work on, as if he can cut down on handling errors, there is no limit to how good Naholo could be.
Can you put it down to rust?
It is often said that the All Blacks' first performance of the season is a rusty one. Whether rust is the reason or not, you cannot deny that they rarely turn it on in their first outing. Last night was no different. They stuttered through the middle of the second half, had several of the trademark inaccuracies and mistakes, but did what they had to in the end. You have to credit Wales though. They showed up, took their chances and played a positive game that put the All Blacks under pressure for long parts of the game.
