All Blacks get a wake-up call in Samoa contest
Print Edition
THE All Blacks were given a massive wake-up call in their truncated World Cup build-up with a rusty performance before they subdued a combative Samoa 25-16 yesterday.
Richie McCaw’s side is seeking to become the first team to defend the Webb Ellis trophy in England in a little over two months and while it had no illusions before heading into the match in Apia, it is now well aware it will need to improve.
“I’m proud of the way you stuck at it, because that is what test match footy is about,” McCaw said pitchside. “I’m just pleased we got up on the right side of the scoreboard.
“I just want to say: remember this is a big campaign and we will remember this one and enjoy it but there is some work to do isn’t there?”
The All Blacks head into the shortened Rugby Championship with a clash against Argentina next Friday in Christchurch, where they will be strengthened by the return of 17 players from the Otago Highlanders and Wellington Hurricanes.
Some players coach Steve Hansen took to Samoa, however, will now be concerned for their future playing time in the All Blacks’ final four games before they head to the Rugby World Cup.
Fullback Israel Dagg looked well short of any match fitness yesterday after he returned from a long-term injury.
Scrumhalf Andy Ellis, hoping to make an impression for a World Cup call-up after four years in the wilderness, also had trouble against Samoa.
While their play at the back of the breakdown was untidy, Ellis lacked the snap and width in his pass that had characterized Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara’s play this year.
That slower delivery put added pressure on the backs and with Smith and Perenara re-joining the team in Christchurch after their Super Rugby commitments there is some debate whether Ellis will get another chance.
Flyhalf Daniel Carter, despite showing how valuable he will be at the World Cup with his tactical game and goalkicking, also lacked the zip of old, while inside center Sonny Bill Williams failed to spark with his characteristic breaks or offloads in the tackle.
“If you asked for the perfect game to take you into the Rugby Championship this is it,” Hansen said. “They put under a lot of pressure. Yes it was bloody tough but test matches are meant to be.”
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
