The head coach of the Waikato Chiefs has prognosticated a move towards forward-based power rugby by the All Blacks in the forthcoming Test series against England. This assertion follows the Auckland Blues’ implementation of a similar style of play in their resounding victory over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby final.
During the Super Rugby season, the Blues have garnered acclaim for their forward power and low-risk strategy, as demonstrated in their commanding 41-10 triumph over the Chiefs in the lopsided final at Eden Park. In contrast to the traditional expansive rugby style embraced by New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams, the Blues have opted to concentrate on close driving play and the utilization of one-off runners to overpower their adversaries.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has acknowledged the efficacy of the Blues’ playing style, underscoring the potential for a tactical adjustment from new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. The All Blacks are set to announce a 32-man squad for the two-Test home series against England, slated to occur in Dunedin on July 6 and at Auckland’s Eden Park the following week.
McMillan has expressed his anticipation for the All Blacks’ performance, considering the deviation from the customary approach usually affiliated with New Zealand rugby. In contrast to the expansive play, the Blues’ method represents a departure from the typical DNA of All Black rugby.
The coach has also observed the triumph of South Africa, who clinched the Rugby World Cup last year by heavily relying on their forward pack. In recognizing the trend of more direct play from South African and northern hemisphere teams, McMillan has raised the query of whether New Zealand possesses the requisite athletes to excel in this style of play at the international level.
Blues coach Vern Cotter has disclosed the process of transitioning the team towards a more conservative style of play, acknowledging the initial challenge of guiding a team of players accustomed to expansive play towards a different approach. Nonetheless, the gradual shift was ultimately embraced by the players, including those from the All Blacks squad who reintegrated into the team.
Cotter, formerly renowned for coaching the national teams of Scotland and Fiji, has become the fifth coach to secure a title in his first season as a Super Rugby head coach. This accomplishment positions him among an esteemed cohort of New Zealand coaches, including Graham Henry, Robbie Deans, Dave Rennie, and Scott Robertson.
As the All Blacks prepare for their impending Test series against England, the strategic shift in playing style among New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams may indicate a new era of rugby for the national team. With this development, rugby enthusiasts are eager to witness how the All Blacks will adapt to the potential changes in their playing approach.