ODT Online rugby correspondent Jeff Cheshire identifies some key points from the All Blacks' 62-13 victory over France.
Statement made
That is how it's done. Whatever doubts there were as to whether this All Black team still has it will have been well and truly quashed after scoring 62 points to thrash France in a match many thought would be close. They have far from won the whole thing, but they have shown us all just what they are capable of doing, and if they can play like that no one will stick with them. The speed of the ball was fantastic, the intent and aggression were both there, tactically they were far more on point, and their skills were at time sparkling. It was an impressive display that bodes well.
Array of skills across the park
One thing that has separated New Zealand from other countries in recent years has been their ball skills and ability to execute in the open. It is not just one or two players, but the whole team that is capable of passing, throwing offloads and running in the open, while also doing their core jobs. In this day and age, with players fanned out across the field and finding themselves in different positions at different times, that is crucial. It showed too, with the likes of Joe Moody, Charlie Faumuina, Kieran Read and Dane Coles all getting amongst the razzle-dazzle play. In the backline there was no shortage of skill on show, with everyone impressing at different stages, although Dan Carter's offload to Julian Savea would have to be the pick of the plays. An all-round classy display which created gaps the France defence had no hope of covering.
Contesting lineouts
The All Blacks were outstanding in the open-field, but they were equally good competing for the ball at the lineout, which deprived France of much possession. On multiple occasions when France looked to be in a good attacking position, either Brodie Retallick or Kieran Read got up to tap the ball back onto the All Blacks side. From there the All Blacks looked to use it and put France under pressure. Most importantly though, they were able to stop the French attack before it started and force France to defend more than they should have had to, which is tiring.
Tactically better
There is no denying the All Blacks lifted their game this week, but the tactics they employed made it much easier for them to execute. The backline was standing deeper and were ensuring they had some forward momentum before they came up flatter. There were fewer passes thrown at the line and under pressure - a result of the deeper line, but also the intent to take the ball into contact and offload into a gap. When there was space in behind they kicked, which meant the French could not keep rushing up, while they got plenty of front foot ball from bringing physicality in playing a direct game. That meant that when the chance to attack came, they were able to take it because they were not doing the same thing every time, which made them more unpredictable and harder for the defence to read.
Playing with width mixed with pick and go
Just as they did against Argentina, the All Blacks used the width of the field well in this game. They looked to get the ball into the hands of the likes of Ma'a Nonu early, who provided go-forward, but also brought the defence a long way across the field. Then they would go back the other way, dragging the defence back across the other side. And again, they would switch the direction of attack and sometimes three, four, five times. They did not do that every time, but they did it enough in the first half to make the French work hard on defence, while also getting the ball to their danger men. Crucially though, they were not just throwing it across the park. They would straighten up before taking it into contact and were not going too far sideways, so the support could get to the ruck. Then to change things up they would switch to their pick and go, bringing the defence in and allowing the likes of Brodie Retallick and Jerome Kaino to excel carrying the ball forward.
The ability to flick a switch
No team can flick a switch quite like the All Blacks. They seem to be able to transition seamlessly from defence to attack, or clinically take a chance when it presents itself after not much else had been happening. Generally in broken play there is going to be space, but it is not always easy to see where that is straight away. This All Black team has a knack of finding it and exploiting it though. Not only that, they have the skills to do so, while being able to execute at speed and accuracy. That has been missing from their game so far this year, so it is encouraging to see it return.
Intensity of the forwards
There was some glittering rugby on display, but a lot of the reason for that was the big performance up front from many of the forwards. They were simply into everything, with Richie McCaw leading the way, Jerome Kaino rediscovering his form and both locks seemingly everywhere. Dane Coles showed his mobility, as did the props, with special mention going to Joe Moody who showed his class after being called up this week. Kieran Read too showed his class, although a few dropped balls will be a worry. As a unit they got around the field at pace and brought physicality, swarming on defence to stop France putting anything together.
