In 2019 I had the pleasure to travel to Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and it was a wonderful experience, with different stadiums, different cultures, and different food, all wrapped up around rugby and the fans from over the world.
I expected the All Blacks to win but they were blown away and in my opinion I noticed some players who were not good enough to be at the tournament, or were out of form. Unfortunately I thought those players would be dropped and replaced with better players. As I watch the Irish series even though it is tied at 1-1, I am not convinced New Zealand has learnt the lesson of 2019.
Steve Hansen has moved on as coach, and Ian Foster was appointed.
I personally see this as a mistake, and with two tests against South Africa in South Africa, returning to play Argentina in Christchurch and Hamilton, and then the Wallabies in Auckland, plus two more tests against Australia at grounds to be confirmed later.
Then there is an end of year tour where the AB’s will play England at Twickenham on November19th, plus tests against Wales and Scotland, while confirmation of another test is also expected, likely against Japan.
I hope the fans are strapped in for the rest of 2022, because from what I see The All Blacks have not improved from 2019.
They currently sit at no 4 in the world and that is accurate, I think. Other sides are more physical in the forwards, and to me the backs look lost at times. There seems to be a style to pass at any cost, but this is test match footy. Sometimes not pretty, but you must win even if its win ugly.
Territory is key to launching an attack but the AB’s want to attack from anywhere.
Once you control the game you can play this style, but never in the opening 20 minutes or until you gain control, something this team lacks. Control.
They have wonderful players ,some not even in the squad, but make bad decisions, and mistakes which they should not be making at this level. Also penalties are killing this team.
Foster sits at under 70% wins in his career and I think this will go down even further this year. Prove me wrong. I don’t mind.
They need to show better results one year out from a World Cup. The opposition are licking their lips.
Enjoy your footy!
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