All Blacks target strong start against France
The All Blacks are preparing to face France in their opening Nations Championship assignment in Christchurch, with assistant coach Neil Barnes emphasising the team’s commitment to a strong start. Despite a compressed preparation period, Barnes stated there would be “no excuses” for the team not being fully prepared for Saturday’s match. The team trained at Christ’s College on Tuesday, with Barnes noting the quick uptake of new strategies by the players.
The coaching staff, including head coach Dave Rennie, has had ten days and six on-field trainings to implement their vision for the team. This period follows significant changes within the All Blacks setup since their last test in November. Barnes highlighted the high standards expected of the team, indicating a desire to build on past performances and continuously improve.
Damian McKenzie, reflecting on the transition from Super Rugby to the All Blacks camp, acknowledged the expectation for players to quickly adapt to new game plans and coaching styles. He noted the positive reception to the new coaching personnel and their approach.
New attacking style under Rennie
Under Dave Rennie, who replaced Scott Robertson in March, the All Blacks are expected to adopt a more optimistic and attacking style of play. Rennie has expressed a desire to design a game plan that leverages the players’ strengths, focusing on power, pace, and ball-handling skills. Attack coach Mike Blair is also involved in shaping this new approach.
Barnes provided insight into the team’s philosophy, suggesting a shift away from excessive kicking, particularly box kicks from halfbacks, which he feels has become “a little bit overboard” in the modern game. The team aims to maintain a “positive outlook” and challenge opponents with their play.
Damian McKenzie echoed this sentiment, describing it as a “mindset thing” with an emphasis on optimism in counterattack and turnover ball. He highlighted the importance of players looking upfield to identify and seize opportunities, a style he personally enjoys and believes suits many players in the squad, despite requiring high fitness levels.
The selection for the upcoming test, particularly in the No.10 jersey, could reflect this attacking philosophy. Players like Ruben Love or McKenzie, known for their higher-tempo play, might be favoured. Beauden Barrett could potentially be on the bench or not in the match-day squad, especially if Will Jordan is fit. Jordan, who recently dealt with a calf injury, is reportedly looking “very fast and very good.”
Squad cohesion and French opposition
The All Blacks are working to blend experienced players with established Super Rugby combinations to enhance cohesion. Examples include the Hurricanes‘ playmaking axis of Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, and Jordie Barrett, and the Chiefs‘ locks Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord.
Barnes dismissed suggestions that France would be significantly understrength for the match, despite the absence of nine Top 14 finalists who will join the squad for their second test in Australia next week. He acknowledged France as one of the world’s best teams, possessing considerable depth, and anticipated a physical encounter requiring the All Blacks to be at their best.
The French squad for this test is bolstered by eleven players from Bordeaux, the back-to-back European champions. This contingent includes players such as Matthieu Jalibert and Maxime Lucu, expected to form the starting halves combination, midfielders Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere, winger Damian Penaud, hooker Maxime Lamothe, and loose forward Marko Gazzotti. French coach Fabien Galthié also provided his squad with game time in a pre-tour victory against an English XV two weeks prior.
In other team news, Euan Mackintosh has been appointed as a skills coach for the All Blacks, having previously worked with the New Zealand Sevens team and Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
