Rugby Update: Graham Henry is optimistic about All Blacks’ future
After hammering Australia in Christchurch, All Blacks’ coach Graham Henry is optimistic about his side’s future in coming years. Henry also praised Kiwis’ defensive display in their 20-10 victory over Wallabies. This victory also ensured their retention of the Bledisloe Cup for one more year.
All Blacks displayed grit and tenacity, as they outmuscled their traditional rivals. With this victory, they are now just one point behind reclaiming the Tri-Nations title and hence the dominance of southern hemisphere. This victory also turned out to be a perfect tribute to All Blacks’ legend Eric Tindill, who died a week before the match.
Not only did they display tenacity in defence, All Blacks were equally good in their attack. They scored tries through blend of team effort and clinical finishing. After getting lead early in the match, New Zealand dominated the territorial possession as they frustrated the visitors from perfect display of co-ordinated defence. According to Henry, this match was won by the best defensive team. Talking to reporters, New Zealand’s coach Graham Henry said, “Last night was just a battle for 80 minutes and the best defensive side probably won the game. Our defence, structurally, was superb I thought. We probably didn't hit as hard in the tackles or win the contests as much as we have but the structure didn't give them opportunity and that was hugely pleasing.”
This was the seventh successive defence of the Bledisloe Cup on behalf of All Blacks. This was second best to the 11 crown streak by the New Zealand during 1951-78. If they are able to acquire one more point in the coming games, they will also lift the Tri-Nations crown for the 10th time. With such big victories in their pocket, Henry is now focusing on the biggest prize of the Rugby-World Cup. He said, “Obviously there is the World Cup next year and that is a different story but each year the Bledisloe Cup is the No 1 trophy. It is a big deal for this team to keep this cup.”
Kiwis were phenomenal in defence but with awesome defence comes hefty price. New Zealand made 110 successful tackles out of 115, whereas Australia made modest 75 out of 87. Such workload usually takes toll on the players. However, with one week off before Test matches in South Africa, Henry is expecting his team to recover from the fatigue of Christchurch. Commenting on his players’ fitness, Henry said that the Christchurch game was the toughest of the season. Additionally with seven Test matches in nine weeks, the effects of fatigue are apparent on players’ fitness.
Jimmy Cowan will be out for the next match in Johannesburg due to fitness problem. Even with Cowan out, All Blacks are confident of nailing victory in South Africa. All Blacks have won their last 13 Tests and are hoping to extend this winning streak in South Africa. Currently they and South Africa own the record of 17 successive wins in Test matches. However, with their current form, All Blacks are hopeful to pass this mark before the season ends. Commenting on it, Conrad Smith said, “You enjoy having special days but they're things you can't expect every week. The character of the side (last night) is something that will probably put us in good stead. If we can grind out wins like that, it's pretty satisfying.”
Additionally, they have extended their supremacy over Australia with ninth successive wins in Christchurch. This is worst run for Wallabies against their Trans-Tasman rivals. It equals the record of nine losses inflicted by New Zealand over Australia in year 1936. With two Tests still remaining to be played in Hong Kong and Sydney respectively, Kiwis can hope to inflict more pain on their arch-rivals. All Blacks are currently in superb form and they are confident that they will keep their juggernauts running when they fly to South Africa in week’s time.
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