All Blacks Adjust Accordingly for Northern Expedition

With the 33-man All Blacks’ Northern Tour squad named, we can see some adjustment from a challenging season so far, while Coach Graham Henry has implemented some ploys and innuendo to keep both his team and their rivals on edge.

We are, after all, talking about one of the most experienced headmasters in the game, and while his modus operandi may not get him onside with all and sundry, there is no doubting that the squad named, the statements said, and the coaching modifications are signs that the hallmarks of the current management team are alive and well.

They love to surprise, and they rarely (if ever) don’t attempt to mix it up.

There also seems to be some delicate if not too subtle remarks that serve both as a motivation and a mental prodder for their players, a group of men that is the current mould of the ethos of All Black rugby, which beyond all things, is determined to be a winning culture.

The clearest example of this was Henry’s remarks that Zac Guildford reminds him of a young John Kirwin. The 63 test, Auckland-based winger, who made his debut in 1984 against France aged 19, is regarded as one of the great New Zealand three quarters.

While it is a comparison that could bring some pressure, clearly the potential in the Hawke’s Bay wing is evident, and with only Sitiveni Sivivatu stamping his class on the flanks, clearly the All Blacks are desperate to have their back three—long a traditional strength of their game—settled and world class.

Guildford has been selecting largely for leading the Air New Zealand Cup try scoring, and in this, the selectors have to be applauded for another movement forward.

The selections of new caps Guildford, Mike Delany, Ben Smith, and Tamati Ellison may be a bit left field, but they are rewarded for strong form throughout the domestic championship.

The ANZC/NPC have long been the breeding grounds in which much of New Zealand’s rugby strength has been moulded, and selecting players from there is a strong signal from Henry. It shows that if you put your hand up, you will be rewarded. 

While the four may not even feature heavily in the upcoming matches, they will be immersed in a test preparation-styled environment, and that is worth its weight in gold.

It is in their selection, though, that shows the All Blacks forced necessity to adjust.

Rugby Union evolves on the field arguably more than any other game in the world, and this year has seen test rugby change courtesy of the South Africans. Kicking has become integral, and New Zealand was found wanting in the countering of what was a sublimely-executed South African kicking game.

In this, the dropping of Joe Rokocoko and Hosea Gear shows the change of thinking from the All Blacks. Both are outstanding runners and try breakers, and while it may be an insult to call them both one-dimensional, the new players are all well-touted, multi-faceted backs.

Aside from a less than perfect lineout, this was the glaring aspect where the All Blacks were found wanting, and it seems they are prepared to shift with what is in vogue.

The coaching changes also show that the holy trinity is prepared to step out of its comfort zones. Henry, formerly defence coach (the All Blacks tackle percentage is currently the best in the world), will now stride into the coalface and take responsibility for the forwards from Steve Hansen.

Wayne Smith will drop his backs portfolio and take Henry’s defence duties, while Hansen will take attack duties.

This will see delicate shifts in the All Blacks' approach, as each man imparts his own influence to his new group. But there have also been indications that this change will double with a re-focus to empower the players. Henry himself said that he will use the knowledge of the forwards to help him with his new role.

And here, with the retained veterans, we see the most important part of the tour.

Henry announced that this will serve as a selection tour of sorts. 

There are 15 players selected with 20 tests or more and seven with more than 40.  There are also key players injured, not selected, or coming back into the fold. Keven Mealamu, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Isaac Ross, Piri Weepu, Richard Kahui, and Joe Rokocoko will look to make statements of intent in the next six months.

Henry will look for all of these senior players to step up in the coming weeks, and in the Super 14 next year. But while it appears the depth is returning to the New Zealand game, the make and break of it all are the final results.

Because 12 months from now, with 2011 imminent, there will be no time for second guessing.