A Review of New Zealand in the TRC
It’s that time of the year when we have a break from the Super Rugby and we start to see if any of the promises made by the various coaches are going to bear fruit, or will they fall flat and become just a memory of hope that was dashed when reality came knocking.
New Zealand fans are certainly approaching this year with more trepidation than is normal after a very poor year in 2022. While NZ did win the TRC last year, there were a number of losses, particularly losing to Argentina at home, after also suffering their very first loss against them the previous year. This was after a very poor series against the Irish where selections, game plan and intensity seemed to be missing. The All Black coach Ian Foster seemed very lucky to hold onto his job and it appeared only a very good win against the Boks in South Africa kept him in. There were big changes with assistant coaches sacked and replaced and with both Joe Schmidt and Wayne Smith providing mentorship and direction the ship was righted and NZ gained some valuable wins.
However, has enough been done for NZ to not only continue on these wins, but also take this further and win in France at the RWC? Personally I think they absolutely can. The team itself looks very good. After all, any team that can leave Shaun Stevenson out must have some serious firepower, the real issue will be if those players who did not have great Super Rugby games can step up to the level they have displayed in the past. The coaching staff are well settled and with NZRFU appointing Wayne Smith into a role as Performance Coach for both the All Blacks and Black Ferns we have found a way for the AB coaching staff to gain insights from one of the smartest rugby coaches around. The coaching staff have had time to gel and if they continue with the developments made at the end of last season then things will only get better.
The trip away to Argentina will present some challenges. Outside backs, Telea, Fainga’anuku and Jordon will not be available and in addition Foster has called up Hurricanes prop Mafela’o to provide cover in the front row. With only five games leading into the RWC and with NZ never having won a TRC in a RWC year the ABs will have to start fast and will need to provide their best team in all games. There is not a lot of time to experiment and try to find new combinations. There are still questions in the backline around who out of Mo’Unga, Barrett and DMac will play at 10, who is the best 12 and and if we continue with the failed experiment of Reiko at 13. The pack is largely sorted with a front row that can hold its own regardless of who is selected. The Super rugby definitely showed that Scott Barrett is a lock, and a damn good one so between him, Retallick and Whitelock there are no real issues. The loose trio is an interesting one with Cane tying up the 7 spot as captain. Save is likely to play 8 and with the form of Finau during the Super season I expect that these three will at least start. Having Jacobson and Papalii as backups doesn’t appear as weakness.
The real issue for the AB’s and their success or not during the TRC will be the game plan they employ for each of the opposition and whether the players who did not have good Super Seasons can step up. Personally I do not have any issues with the selection of players like Beauden Barrett, I think his poor form was much more a reflection of Auckland struggling to gain good ball from the forwards and having to play with both RTS and Reiko outside him which required him try and do too much himself. Once he gets into the AB team with good ball and good outside backs he will again show the skills he has in the past.
I am actually very confident with NZ succeeding not only at the TRC, but carrying this into the RWC later in the year. I think with Foster not having to worry about 2024, he can just concentrate on this year and going out in style to prove all the naysayers wrong. With Joe Schmidt providing assistance and with Wayne Smith in the background the AB coaching team are in a very good place. Lets see how it all goes
