Yes, the team were ill-disciplined at times, but when you push the defensive envelope there is a fine line between getting it right and getting it wrong. Scott Robertson’s men must tread carefully – 30 minutes of yellow cards might not get us through the English power, patience and accuracy.
Damian McKenzie put on a special performance – nicely complemented by a repeat of impressive bench energy from his fellow replacements. When test margins are so small, sometimes that’s all it takes: energy, vision and execution. Of course, it helps that he also scored a try for the ages.
England will present a very different challenge this week – they are extremely strong at set piece, complemented by a strong bench who score points if an the opposition is tiring in the back 20 minutes. Under coach Steve Borthwick, they have developed the ability to finish games strongly, a significant improvement from past seasons where they would often falter in the final quarter.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson faces his biggest challenge of the northern tour this weekend against England. Photo / Photosport
England’s very powerful scrum often dominates teams and their technically sound lineout features big bodies in motion. In the collision stakes they are big, physical and formidable, which stresses defence and lays the foundation for a powerful attack. They have a deep bench, and that improved ability to finish games has turned a previous weakness into a weapon.
Ironically, one of their weaknesses mirrors the All Blacks: their aerial defence and general reception of the high ball. Teams have exploited this recently which ultimately puts the team under pressure when trying to release from their own half. Some have even suggested that sacrificing pace for height in this area could be a strategic risk.
There is no doubting the strength of their squad and the All Blacks will need to match locks Alex Coles and Maro Itoje. Their sheer size and presence make them key players for England, with openside Sam Underhill, No 8 Ben Earl and bench prop Ellis Genge the other powerful units to contain. In the backline, Alex Mitchell and George Ford have been productive in the halves and I’ve been impressed with how Ollie Lawrence is growing as an international centre.
Robertson and his coaching team have selected a group that can match the English size, mongrel and skill set. This is likely their biggest, most physical forward pack, with the important caveat that they don’t have too much height on offer in jerseys 6 and 8.
Selecting the halves was always a case of rinse and repeat – Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett are individually our best available and are forming cohesive partnership. Similarly the midfield pairing of Quinn Tupaea and Billy Proctor makes sense, after Leicester Faingaʻanuku’s defensive issues at Murrayfield. He can make a fitting replacement for Caleb Clarke on the left wing; they need more from Leroy Carter. Other than his silly yellow card, he was uninvolved against Scotland.
This will, without a shadow of doubt, be the most stern northern test match to date. It sounds simple, but match England’s power game, exploit their back three and play unstructured rugby when it’s on.
Everything the All Blacks do must be underpinned by disciplined, aggressive defence.
Three from three is on the cards – get the sofa ready for a cracking match.