Coach Graham Henry gave his first state-of-the-rugby-nation address for 2010 yesterday as he confirmed another coaching reshuffle which saw him take on the attack role, Steve Hansen return to coaching the forwards and Wayne Smith retain the defence brief as they look to maximise their effectiveness.
With five Super 14 rounds remaining, only the Crusaders appear definite semifinalists among the New Zealand sides as the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Blues already near must-win territory and the Highlanders plan for next year.
Heading into the latest round, the clearly defined top six included two South African sides (Bulls and Stormers), three Australian teams (Waratahs, Reds and Brumbies), and the second-placed Crusaders.
"We've been very impressed, particularly with the Stormers and Bulls, the Australians have made a lot of strides forward and Robbie [Deans, Wallabies coach] would be feeling pretty comfortable about that I would imagine," Henry said.
"That creates an edge in our players and they're a bit concerned about where they're at. That creates an attitude and desire."
Outside the Crusaders who had impressed with their tenacity, Henry said the New Zealand sides would be most irked by their inconsistency. That was partly due to a lack of experience.
"The younger guys find it difficult to get to that pitch every week and that has cost them games," he said.
Having pored over hours of Super 14, Henry and his assistants admitted similar concerns to those identified after the end-of-year tour.
Injuries to three frontline locks in Ali Williams, Tom Donnelly and Anthony Boric were a big worry, while the No 10 and No 7 jerseys occupied by kingpins Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw were also causing long discussion as the selectors prepare to name their squad next month to face Ireland and Wales.
"We're still looking for the next Richie McCaw and there's some young guys from international age-group level who will hopefully come through. There's a glut of guys but nobody is putting their head above the parapet, apart from Tanerau Latimer who I still think is playing pretty well there," Henry said.
"And apart from [Stephen] Donald and [Mike] Delany, we're probably still struggling for somebody to really put their hand up at 10. There's some challenges but overall I think the depth is pretty good."
The style the All Blacks will adopt also offers some intrigue, with the referees' law interpretations in Super 14 offering less of a contest for possession at the breakdown and also showing the value of power forward play of the mauling South Africans.
"That's a problem in our game here. The maul is not seen as an integral part of our game. Unless we start it at test match level it doesn't seem to filter through. At all levels South Africa do it very well; it's impressive and it produces outstanding results," Henry said.
"It is a concern for us, a concern to stop it, and to make sure we have got that string to our bow in our attack."
On the positive side, Smith said the form of Blues backs Rene Ranger and Joe Rokocoko offered competition for what should be a "pretty potent" back three, while Alby Mathewson had given himself a chance to be noticed by moving from Wellington to the Blues and was creating depth at halfback.
