All Blacks selection round table: The loose forwards............... UPDATED 03:55 (NZDT) December 21: Some would successfully argue that man for man the World Champions possess, narrowly, the best back row contingent in world rugby. However as a collective, some might whisper the likes of the Springboks, and some in the north would suggest Ireland (led by the likes of Peter O’Mahony) have an overall balance that might have surpassed the All Blacks. It is a bold statement. An arsenal containing Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam, Sam Cane – and potentially Victor Vito, Stephen Luatua and others – is world class. Yet if some were to pinpoint a potential vulnerability of New Zealand, it is that their vaunted ruck systems have been put under some real pressure in 2014. Closer appraisal reveals this isn’t so much because of lack of punch, but rather a preference to spread the firepower of their back row across the field – dramatically different to the concentrated assaults most sides are throwing at the number one team in the game. This is the fourth part of a six part series - with the second row and front row still to come. We have cast a glance over the playmakers: bit.ly/1A3cZB8 Our analysis of the back three is here: bit.ly/15K7ONJ And check out our look at the midfield: bit.ly/1pGbglb This may be because a big part of the World Champions recent power has been the ability of their loose trio to cause chaos in the wide channels. Equally the All Blacks defensive systems, while varied, look to veer away from breakdown flooding, preferring to keep a line of black jerseys intact. Numbers support this, as Steve Hansen’s vintage of the team over 42 Tests have conceded just 54 tries. Trainspotters that is 1.286 tries per match. You could debate that conceding a little oomph at the ruck is a fair trade for keeping such a tight line of defence over three years. Amalgamations play a big part, and getting the combinations right as the realm of the ruck continues to evolve in 2015 will be key. The talent is abundant, but the right three could be the difference between success and failure.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 05:37:38 +0000
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