Reader question: Supposedly we have been focusing on discipline \u2013 it\u2019s not working. Are we being arrogant and not taking the threat of yellow and red cards seriously? \u2013 Adrienne S.<\/p>\n
Sevu Reece heads for the sideline after being shown a yellow card in the test against Argentina. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Gregor Paul replies: Not sure that arrogance is the source of the ill-discipline. I think New Zealand has an endemic cultural issue around respecting the laws<\/a>. Kids are taught to push the offside line, to get away with what they can and play the referee. It\u2019s sold as a skill, part of the game, smart management to get a jump on the opposition.<\/p>\n We see this cynicism throughout Super Rugby and, unfortunately, New Zealand\u2019s best players get to the All Blacks unable to resist their impulse to slap down a pass or block an opposition chaser\u2019s running line. How do you break these habits?<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n Reader question: Can you tell me how this team is any different from Ian Foster\u2019s team? It features most of the same players, some deserving the jersey and some past it. The same mixed results, good and great, then bad and terrible. No new tactics or special change in style. Robertson seems out of his depth and is learning on the job. And please don\u2019t say they are playing faster … they aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n We were promised the Messiah and just got malaise … \u2013 Peter W.<\/p>\n Gregor Paul replies: Who promised the Messiah? Ask yourself that. What should be apparent is that coaching the All Blacks is not easy. New Zealanders have unrealistic expectations and rigid beliefs that their players are inherently better. Maybe now the penny will drop that we are currently in the golden age of international rugby where there is nothing between the top six or seven teams.<\/p>\n Reader question: Gregor, do you feel Razor has painted himself into a corner with his wing selections<\/a>, Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece? What are the alternatives and does that pair\u2019s lack of form open the way for an emergency call-up for Leicester Fainga\u02bbanuku? \u2013 Patrick M.<\/p>\n Gregor Paul replies: Yes, I do feel he\u2019s failed to respect the importance of wings being able to catch high balls and chase down kicks. I think Rieko Ioane \u2013 despite still not looking comfortable there \u2013 has been a valid selection on the left wing as he\u2019s still one of the fastest players in the country and while he\u2019s never been great under the high ball, he\u2019s offered plenty of other qualities.<\/p>\n But there needed to be some discovery work done on alternatives to Sevu Reece, who doesn\u2019t have great top-end speed and isn\u2019t great under the high ball, either. You can\u2019t play at this level with two wings who are aerially suspect. I\u2019d pick Emoni Narawa for Reece and then rethink again when Leicester Fainga\u2019anuku is eligible later in the year.<\/p>\n Reader question: Why doesn\u2019t the backline play with more depth? \u2013 John O.<\/p>\n Gregor Paul replies: Alignment is a perennial question for all backlines. Sir Wayne Smith liked to have the All Blacks midfield playing almost on the gainline. That tests skillsets and decision-making, but it potentially creates space for the outsides. Play deeper and there is more time and space, but it creates more options for the defence to shut attacks down behind the gain line. There is always a happy medium.<\/p>\n Reader question: Hi Gregor, why are we so obsessed with box-kicking<\/a>? We fight for the ball, achieve a turnover and seem to always give the opposition the ball back? I understand sometimes you want the ball in front of your forwards to run on to, but at the weekend, I don\u2019t think the ball went through the backs to the wings once? \u2013 Fiona W.<\/p>\n Gregor Paul replies: I wouldn\u2019t say the All Blacks are obsessed with box-kicking, but it is their default option when they are not building momentum through their forward pack. It\u2019s like there\u2019s a flow chart for the players: quick possession and defence shuffling backwards \u2013 pass the ball. Slow ball, defence aligned and on front foot \u2013 box-kick.<\/p>\n Reader question: Is catching the high ball a question of technique? Cheslin Kolbe, who is 172cm, very often manages to win the high ball against much taller, bigger opponents. Do our back three need to refine their technique catching the ball? In 2015, we had Israel Dagg, Cory Jane and Richard Kahui who were all excellent; later we had Ben Smith. Our athletes are up there with the best in the world, why do we keep losing the aerial battle? \u2013 Kim Y.<\/p>\n Gregor Paul replies: Well, without being facetious, I think it is fairly obvious the back three need to collectively refine their techniques from the current \u201cnot catching the ball\u201d technique they are employing now, to a \u201csuccessfully catching\u201d one. Size is irrelevant really, it\u2019s about timing, confidence, bravery and commitment.<\/p>\n Reader question: Scott Barrett\u2019s performances<\/a> don\u2019t appear to inspire and lift the team. He doesn\u2019t appear to read the game as well as a captain should and change tactics when things aren\u2019t working. Ardie Savea was truly inspirational with Moana Pasifika and seems to have a better read on the game and make better decisions when he is captain. Is there a case for Ardie Savea to be made captain? \u2013 Paul O.<\/p>\n Gregor Paul replies: Captaincy at this level is largely about form and the ability to lead through action and performance. The strategic decision-making is done through committee \u2013 so in answer to your question, absolutely there is a case to make Ardie Savea captain<\/a>. He\u2019s the best player in the world, is hugely respected by his teammates, opposition and referees and makes everyone around him want to be at their best.<\/p>\n Reader question: Looks like Kyle Preston might end up with some game time with Ratima injured. Do you think he\u2019s ready for it with only one Super Rugby season under his belt? \u2013 Grace M.<\/p>\n Gregor Paul replies: I guess we will find out …<\/p>\nArdie Savea has been a consistent performer for Scott Barrett’s All Blacks. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n