International rugby writers have hailed the All Blacks for their uncompromising attitude in the dogged win over the Springboks, and sections of the South African media have marvelled at how far New Zealand could improve ahead of their World Cup defence.
The 27-20 Rugby Championship victory in Johannesburg at the weekend certainly grabbed headlines as the countdown clock to the World Cup in England in September ticked away.
“Trepidation. Agony. Fear. These are the emotions Heyneke Meyer would have experienced in the final 20 minutes of the test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park,” Jon Cardinelli wrote for sarugbymag.co.za.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw led from the front in the Ellis Park test in an effort that has received rich international praise.
Barry Aldworth/BackpagePix/Photosport
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw led from the front in the Ellis Park test in an effort that has received rich international praise.
“Firstly, the sense of foreboding, the anxiety of ‘knowing’ that the All Blacks would move up a gear in the final quarter. Then the agony; the heartbreaking moment when the visitors put together the match-winning play, this time via an inspired lineout manoeuvre.
“Finally, the frightening thought that this All Blacks side has not even begun to fire, that they could and should be stronger at the World Cup.”
Cardinelli continues, saying the All Blacks have a proven mental edge over the Boks and should they meet in the World Cup playoffs, the New Zealand side will likely include extra firepower in the form of Julian Savea, Jerome Kaino, Sonny Bill Williams and Dan Carter.
It was not all about the players either with high praise for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen’s player management and development in stretching the gap.
“The All Blacks aren’t waiting for the Boks or any other rival to catch up. They’re surging ahead, operating at a new level of skill and intensity.
“A less experienced, weakened All Blacks combination still managed to stand up to the physicality of the Boks, and hang on until the final quarter. It was in that period where the superior physical and mental strength of the New Zealand collective came to the fore.
Ad Feedback
“They’ve come a long way over the past four years, but they could go even further at the coming World Cup.”
Over at Supersport.com, experienced rugby writer Brendon Nel believed the All Blacks’ superior fitness and bench had a major part in a dramatic final quarter.
“While the young Bok team had played with such passion and pride, and put their bodies on the line, the All Blacks showed why their settled squad is ranked No 1 in world rugby and finished much stronger than the Boks in a game played at a furious pace,” Nel wrote.
“Despite the disappointment, the game also underlined coach Heyneke Meyer’s concern that the Boks aren’t fit enough for the World Cup and this is likely to be a key focus in the next two months leading up to the tournament.
“As the bench was cleared, the All Blacks grew in confidence. McCaw’s try showed just how well they can finish off a game when they want to, with the Bok bench making poor tactical decisions and upping the pressure on themselves.”
In Britain the clash of the two southern hemisphere heavyweights drew plenty of attention with the Daily Mail declaring the All Blacks “lay down a big marker for their World Cup defence in two months’ time”.
“The top-ranked All Blacks not only overcame their closest rivals in the rankings at the Springboks’ favourite ground, they did it with a possession deficit and their backs pinned to the wall for much of the game.
“New Zealand still scored three tries to South Africa’s two at Ellis Park, with captain Richie McCaw marking his last test on South African soil with the game-clincher seven minutes from time.”
The Guardian felt the All Blacks looked “vulnerable” at times but put that down to testing personnel ahead of the bigger assignment.
“Their selection, which saw some vastly experienced players rested, suggested they regarded the Rugby Championship, as they had four years before, as a means to the end of the World Cup, but no team in the professional era has had such a capacity to win from unpromising positions.”
In the Sunday Times, rugby correspondent Stuart Barnes hailed the efforts of veteran captain Richie McCaw and his celebrated lineout try.
“An outstanding match will be fondly remembered in New Zealand for their captain’s winning score on his farewell visit to Ellis Park,” Barnes wrote.
“The Springboks switched off for a split second, one quick lineout and the skipper was over, his side in front. Therein is the essential difference between the world’s best team and the rest, the ability to take the opportunities when they arrive.
ref: stuff
