In this new series, Cameron Gray looks at how the runners and riders are faring for RWC 2015
2013 form
The first team to complete an unbeaten season in the professional era, but only just. Their Aviva Stadium Houdini act will remind them that the chasing pack is getting closer.
While they enjoy a well-deserved cold one over summer, rival coaches will be plotting their downfall.
Some will take solace from the cracks Australia made in the New Zealand defence in Dunedin while others will look to replicate the Irish blueprint of crash, bash and ask questions later. Rivals may even cast an eye to the Ellis Park try fest where South Africa opened them up four times in the search for clues on how to conquer the men in black.
All three teams came up short but not before giving the All Blacks a fright or two. Irish fans could nearly taste the victory Guinness that would have stimulated the hospitality economy in Dublin for a long while.
But alas, the All Blacks give us constant reminders that you only need to be in front on the scoreboard in the 80th minute. Teams in pursuit will need to hone their game plans and fitness levels so that when the clock strikes 80 minutes they’re still going strong.
Steve Hansen and co will not be satisfied with their current position and will look to keep improving so that when 2015 rolls around there is still some innovation, youth and desire about his team.
Key players
Recently crowned IRB Player of the Year Kieran Read has probably surpassed Richie McCaw as the All Blacks MVP. He wore the skipper’s armband in the home series versus France and against South Africa and Australia in their home Rugby Championship games.
Read is probably the modern day archetype player that rival coaches are trying to develop – fast, robust and built with a big ticker. If McCaw falls by the way side in the next two seasons the All Blacks have a readymade replacement.
Strategic approach
Adhering to the basics has often been a core competency of successful New Zealand sides. They generally look to dominate the advantage line via Ma’a Nonu and generate quick ball from there. Turnovers are their bread and butter. Any number of players that form their back three will cut you to ribbons.
Strengths
Bar hooker and centre New Zealand possess quality players across the board, in some instances, three deep in the one position – Carter, Cruden and Barrett are all vying for the No.10 jersey.
If you couple that with Jerome Kaino’s imminent return and the prodigal son, Sonny Bill Williams, on his way back in 2015, New Zealand will be odds on to be the first team to win back-to-back World Cups.
Graham Henry and co heeded the lessons from the 2007 RWC campaign and applied them in 2011. The All Blacks took a drop goal against Australia and held firm in the dying stages of a gripping final the following week. They can no longer being accused of being one dimensional. They now know how to win ugly as well.
Work-ons
Hooker is a gaping breach that will need to be filled ASAP. Steve Hansen will be casting his eye on the Super 15 next year hoping or perhaps praying that a bolter will put their hand up and demand selection. If not, the next two years could be a world of hurt for the All Blacks front row should injury strike Dane Coles or Keven Mealamu.
Penalties at the breakdown are a major concern. A heavily policed breakdown generally spells problems for New Zealand. If they can get this part of their game right – and legal, they’ll go close to holding on to the trophy. In the Rugby Championship according to IRB statistics they conceded the second highest (70) number of penalties and free kicks.
2015 prediction
Winners
