• Howick and Botany Times
FACING the French bogey in Marseille could be a bridge too far for an All Blacks team hoping to complete a grand slam northern hemisphere rugby tour after modest wins against Wales (19-12), Italy (20-6) and England (19-6), and following the 32-19 defeat of Australia at Tokyo.
So far it has been more about tackling than attack as the New Zealand team maintains its incredible defensive record.
But just one try in each of the last three tests demonstrates a lack of creativity within a game that has become boring since the All Blacks were left shell-shocked in Bloemfontein under the Springboks aerial bombardment.
Since then just about every nation has copied the South African recipe without producing the same calibre of kickers. Add to that congested midfield defences that frequently infringe the offside laws, and brilliant attacking back play has become as rare as hens teeth.
Consequently I get irritated when hearing rugby analysts criticise targeted stars such as Daniel Carter whose tackling and coolness under pressure, along with Richie McCaw’s excellence, were key factors in the 19-6 defeat of England.
Still it’s time the International Rugby Board brought back rucking and got rid of stupid laws made for boorish oafs at the expense of artists who enthral crowds with their creative flair and execution.
It was Carter’s fend and clever pass that almost set up Mils Muliaina for a try and it was Sitiveni Sitivatu’s ability to draw two tacklers before unloading to McCaw that reaped Jimmy Cowan his score against England.
Sitivatu was denied another when Johnny Wilkinson’s covering tackle knocked the ball from Zac Guildford’s grasp following a scything break in the second half by the new right wing.
Beyond that, and a short second half stint when the All Black forwards applied the pick-up and go, the English goal-line was not threatened.
Having deservedly upset world champions South Africa recently and drawn the series 1-1 against the All Blacks in New Zealand earlier this year, France will fancy their chances before their passionate Marseille fans.
They’re a good team with a history of pulling off some stunning victories against the All Blacks, including the lingering pain of the 2007 World Cup quarterfinal in Cardiff when the incompetence of the New Zealand players matched that of the English referee.
The present French team has grown since, possessing both strength up front and genuine backline flair to test the ability of an All Blacks team still smarting from four losses in 2009.
That three defeats were against the Springboks allows no argument as to their top dog status at a time when another French triumph could relegate New Zealand to third in the world pecking order.
In truth Carter and McCaw would be the only All Black certainties to make a World XV, with Tony Woodcock, Conrad Smith and Muliaina closest of the rest.
But the team still lacks a tighthead prop of Carl Hayman’s immense power and a tough-as-teak blindside flanker of Jerry Collins’ brutal instinct.
I’ve a hunch the backline might function better if Smith and Ma’a Nonu were to swap midfield roles, where Smith’s superior vision, faster pass, chip kick and grubber offer greater attacking options at second five-eighth.
Kieran Read has adjusted well to No 8, leaving Adam Thompson and Jerome Kaino to fight for the blindside flanker berth.
Young Owen Franks is a tighthead of immense promise and Tom Donnelly has deserved his chance as Brad Thorn’s locking partner until Ali Williams returns from injury.
Sitivatu still has the ability to create and score tries and Corey Jane has proved a worthy replacement for Joe Rokocoko, especially with his soundness in taking the high ball under pressure.
There’s a Sunday morning date in France where the All Blacks mission is to stop the cock crowing by finishing their season with a flourish.
