All Blacks to 'counter' Boks' kicks
Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:53
The All Blacks will now shift their attention to the Springboks, ahead of back-to-back Tests against South Africa, as the focus moves from the June internationals to the Tri-Nations.
While both countries completed their mid-year fixtures unbeaten - the Boks against Wales, France and Italy; the Kiwis against Ireland and Wales - there is no doubt that the level of intensity will increase in the weeks to come.
The annual transition from the June tests to the Tri-Nations will be smoothed by an All Black camp in Auckland later this week, which will be "South African-oriented", according to New Zealand coach Graham Henry - desperate to erase the memory of last year's three defeats to the men in Green and Gold.
South Africa completed their preparations for Tests in Auckland on July 10 and Wellington on July 17 by crushing Italy 55-11 in East London, not long after the All Blacks struggled for cohesion in a 29-10 defeat of Wales in Hamilton at the weekend.
The Springboks' dominant line-out and New Zealand's inability to handle the high ball were features of last year's "blackwash", but there is confidence those areas have been addressed well.
Wing Cory Jane, a standout figure in New Zealand's hammering of Ireland and twin defeats of Wales, expected another aerial bombardment even though this season's rule interpretations had prompted less kicking in general play.
"I presume they'll keep kicking, we just have to keep working on our counter-attack," Jane told NZPA.
"We've shown that if everyone's working for each other, we can punish some teams. If we keep working hard, we can turn those kicks into tries for us or put them under pressure."
The All Blacks' raids from deep at the weekend were less penetrative than the first two June tests.
"We were a bit eager, we got a bit flat. Some of the boys would run a bit too hard at holes when there were opportunities wider," Jane said.
"So we've just got to be a bit smarter... and have a bit of fun with the counter attack, because that's what it's all about."
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Advertising
