Attack-minded All Blacks lead counter-revolution

Attack-minded All Blacks lead counter-revolution
By TOBY ROBSON - The Dominion Post


OPINION: Kick at your peril. It's a message the All Blacks have beamed out to the world in the opening two rugby tests of the season.

One would not be surprised if South Africa had been CC'd on the memo.

Counterattack is the platform, under the new rules from which the All Blacks have an advantage over their rivals.

A year of honing their skills under the high ball is paying dividends as players such as Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Joe Rokocoko and Richard Kahui launch their running games with impunity.

The reason? The first ruck is no longer a lottery, but a chance to launch second phase attacks against a disorganised defensive line, still staggered from the kick-chase.

Ireland and Wales have found out the hard way. The All Blacks are patiently stalking turnovers and slightly overcooked kicks like a predator. Most of their 14 tries in the past two weeks have come from one or the other.

Why Wales felt the compunction to test the theory at Carisbrook is hard to fathom for a team with enough gifted ball players to challenge the All Blacks. Wales fail to understand that they must focus on outscoring the All Blacks, not restricting them.

Competing for 50 minutes seemed to please coach Warren Gatland but, unless the visitors chance their arm, a similar scoreline beckons in Hamilton.

What else have we learned from the All Blacks' first steps toward next year's World Cup? Here are five points that jump out:

1: Dan Carter is indispensable. Maybe he's mentally stimulated again? Maybe he's surrounded by better players? Whatever the case, Carter is taking the ball to the line again and causing havoc with opposition defences.

2: Experience is still key. Tony Woodcock lifted the scrum against Wales, and Keven Mealamu and Brad Thorn remain the heart of the tight five. And the cool heads of Joe Rokocoko and Conrad Smith have allowed the young backs to thrive. Those calling for Mils Muliaina's dismissal need their heads read.

3: Depth is growing. Six debutants acquitted themselves well against Ireland and Dagg, Victor Vito and Sam Whitelock leap out as possible starters come the World Cup.

4: New leaders are emerging. Richie McCaw has stepped in and given his troops a blast at key moments, but he hasn't been a lone voice. Kieran Read and Jimmy Cowan are increasingly influential figures.

5: Ireland and Wales aren't South Africa. Before we all get carried away, a reality check – the first half against Wales plus the second half against Ireland equals a loss to the Springboks. There is still work to do.
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On a separate note. Good riddance to Carisbrook.

Students will have fond memories of burning couches on the terraces and the glory days of the Otago sides of the 1990s. Those who have played there will cherish the occasion.

But, in truth, The Brook is a decrepit relic that resembles the scrap yard next door.

Queues to the toilets and food and beverage outlets clog the concourse from opposite directions for hours before kickoff. It is cold, uncomfortable and ugly.

The players' facilities are as ad-hoc as the piecemeal stands that surround the ground's redeeming feature, it's pristine playing surface.

Kapa o Pango began a fitting farewell and the crowd stayed on to savour the moment with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, bagpipes and fireworks. But progress is across town and not a day too soon.