The All Blacks’ much-debated rotation policy looks set to return this week.
Having survived the French in Christchurch in the weekend’s Nations Championship opener, the side now turns its attention to Italy in Wellington on Saturday.
While stressing the respect the All Blacks have for the Azzuri, assistant coach Neil Barnes hinted at the possibility of a new-look XV this weekend.
“There’s been a lot of debate in our coaches’ circle, they’re a very good side but also where we’ve got a squad to grow. There’s some people that went well last week that might not be in there.”
That could open the door for the likes of Anton Segner and Josh Moorby to make their test debuts, while veterans Beauden Barrett and Anton Lienert-Brown could also return.
“We’ve got a little eye on making sure we respect that it’s a test match and it’s got to be won well, but at the same time letting some other players probably have a chance to make their case as well.”
As for the side’s assessment of the win over France? Good, not great.
This is an All Blacks side not content with simply winning – they want to be “ruthless”.
“Ruthless about executing, ruthless in your attitude and everything you do. Clinical would be a word I’d use in there too. When we get opportunities, we need to take them and we left quite a few out there on the weekend. In big matches, if you let those go by, you’re not going to come first all the time.”
Since Barnes, Rennie and company took over, the message has been around playing positive, attacking rugby – something that was on full display under the roof at Te Kaha.
“Our breakdown results were awesome on the weekend. There was lightning quick ball everywhere, so that hasn’t happened by accident. There’s been a lot of work going in that,” Barnes said.
All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes is looking for a more clinical performance from his side this weekend.
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
However, discipline and defensive lapses have been identified as areas for improvement.
“There’s always room for improvement. We’re an All Black team, so we’re always striving to be the best. We’re comfortable where we’re at. We also know we’re going to be a lot better.”
Much of the fan consensus after the Christchurch test was that the All Blacks resembled the sides of old with their flair and willingness to run the ball. Barnes, however, did not entirely agree with that comparison.
“We are a team that respects the past and will play according to how we think the game should be played. But there’s a mindset shift here and it’s not about shifting back to something we had in the past.
“The game’s evolved over time. If we go back to the old days, there was a muddy strip on the 15-metre line each side of the field. That was for a reason. People say that it’s a shift to the old, but yeah, we were fairly forward and kick dominated in the old days, but we also worked hard and I’d like to think that people in this country will be able to see a team that’s working really hard.”
Despite the test being played in the capital, the All Blacks will instead spend the week in Auckland, a move Barnes said was the result of plans put in place by the previous regime.
“It’s nothing to do with us, you can waste energy on that sort of thing. I can’t control it. So just get on with our work.”
Although Italy were beaten by Japan in their opening Nations Championship match, Barnes said the All Blacks would not be underestimating the visitors.
“You’re talking about a team that knocked over England and Scotland last year. They’ve been together for five or six years now. There’ll be no lack of respect from us for what they bring. I know those men, I know what they’re capable of. And we won’t be going in there unprepared, I can tell you that.”