The 24-17 loss in the second Test meant the All Blacks secured the series 2-0 after their 16-15 victory in Dunedin a week previous and raised questions as to England’s approach.
“I thought England could have run the ball a bit more,” commented All Blacks coach Scott Robertson post-match.
“They kicked it away a bit on the edge and we were quite relieved they did it because if they held on to it, we were a bit narrow and we were in a bit of trouble.”
It not only left England with food for thought but no doubt prompted head coach Steve Borthwick to reconsider his previous comment: “Experience in international rugby is really important.”
Experience can be a limiting factor if the only rugby the team has played is of the kicking variety. It cost England in the first test in Dunedin and once again a week later in the second in Auckland.
Kicking when on the front foot, a legacy of the Farrell era, needs consideration. However, when the play is out wide, England players succumb to pressure and kick. It may have resulted in a narrow defeat although the game has now gone and cannot be revisited.
The second Test did highlight two world class performances, which is always welcome to see. Firstly, England’s precocious fly half Marcus Smith who has languished in the shadow of lesser performing 10s. The 25-year-old has variety in attack, is unpredictable and has laser like accuracy when kick passing.
Secondly, Beauden Barrett is arguably the best fly-half in the world right now and is coming off the bench as a 15 for the All Blacks, usually after halftime. To be World Class you must be consistent and your technique beyond reproach, so when he went through a gap and had a two-on-one with England’s full back, the outcome was inevitable. Composure and quality execution will always be the hallmark of great players.
TACTICALLY WRONG
Meanwhile, Ireland managed a dramatic 25-24 win over South Africa in Durban last Saturday. The Irish lost the first Test but in only seven days increased their defensive intensity, made enforced changes, never lost their self-belief and bloodied some new players.
The Springboks, however, got it tactically wrong when it mattered. Often too deep in attack, it allowed the Irish drift defence room and time to move. Perhaps the Rugby World Cup holders are too obsessed with brutality?
Elsewhere, Australia beat Wales 36-28, although the victory was narrower than the score may initially suggest and came with a bit of good fortune. Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland says he is driven to improve the team. However, he may be driving for a while.
Argentina recovered to beat a French team embroiled in controversy 33-25 in Mendoza. One player was despatched back to France for a misdemeanour and two others were arrested for more serious allegations, including aggravated rape.
Japan continues in decline, this time losing to Georgia 23-25. The key takeaway message appears to be not to take the Georgians on upfront but to win the bal quickly, move the ball, re-align, run straight and keep repeating.
Samoa disposed of a spirited Spain 34-30 while Italy had a Pacific Island reversal, bouncing back to defeat Tonga 36-14 after losing to Samoa the previous week.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.