A split-second can be all that it takes between success and failure in top level sports, with the All Blacks aiming to ensure they seize those micro-moments in their second test against Wales, according to captain Kieran Read.
The All Blacks beat Warren Gatland's side 39-21 in Auckland last week, but were far from happy with their timing in a lot of areas. Attack, defence, transitioning from attack to defence and defence to attack, and when to attack the breakdown.
Coach Steve Hansen put the timing issues down to the adjustment needed to step up from Super Rugby to test matches and Read felt the team had worked hard to rectify those concerns ahead of the tonight's game at Wellington Regional Stadium.
"We've had a good week... and we're excited about another challenge," Read said yesterdday. "We're going to turn up with plenty of intensity this week. We can't wait for things to happen, we have to out there and do it ourselves."
The All Blacks had taken note of the physicality the Waikato Chiefs brought to their clash with Wales on Tuesday, stifling their attack with an aggressive defence and seizing what opportunities they had to secure a surprise 40-7 victory.
Read's side had also lost the battle for the breakdown for much of the first test, enabling Wales to slow the quick ball the All Blacks' backline relies upon to launch their attack.
The slow ball not only upset the timing but also enabled the Welsh to set a defensive line and Read said the tackle area had been a focus this week.
"We can't wait for them to attack (the breakdown)," he added. "We need to bring a bit more intensity and physicality in our approach and that will give us a bit more time and space.
"If you get quick ball, you can look after your own destiny in that area. On D (defence), we need to put a few more numbers in (and)... just have to connect a bit better with the guy alongside you."
The third and final test of the series is in Dunedin on June 25.
Still work to do, admits Wales coach
Wales are still a work in progress in terms of trying to match the All Blacks for skill, but know the most important part of their job tonight will be to sustain their effort for 80 minutes, assistant coach Neil Jenkins says.
The tourists, playing a game of width and pace, placed the world champions under sustained pressure for about 60 minutes in Auckland before the All Blacks moved up a gear in the final 20 minutes to win.
The New Zealanders' ease with the ball in hand, putting players into space and committing defenders, was evident not only in the first test but also in the Chiefs match.
"They're all comfortable with ball in hand no matter what position they're playing," Jenkins told reporters at a sun-drenched Wellington Regional Stadium yesterday.
"That's something we can learn and get better at. They've certainly got skills across the board, (and) it's something that we're working on. We're trying to develop our game and play a more expansive and wider game. I think we showed that in long periods last week, but it's all about the 80 minutes."
Wales enter the game without dangerous winger George North, who suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the rest of the three-test series, and have rejigged their back three.
Late call-up Rhys Patchell only arrived in New Zealand on Monday but was named to start at fullback tonight.
The 23-year-old, whose only two tests were against Japan three years ago, plays flyhalf at club level but coach Warren Gatland feels his best position is in the number 15 shirt.
Jenkins was confident Patchell would not be out of place on Saturday and reasoned the All Blacks would probably not look to exploit his inexperience through a continuous aerial bombardment.
"I'm not sure that's the way they play. There will be a lot of kicking, but it will be intelligent kicking," Jenkins said.
"Patch is a confident young kid. He's an exciting talent, he likes to play with ball in hand. He's obviously got a pretty good kicking game. I'm sure tomorrow he'll hopefully enjoy the occasion and play the game that's happening in front of him and make the right decisions."
