New Zealand studied the Chicago tapes long into the night. They focused in on three areas where they felt they could hurt Ireland.
First up, and it had to be first, was aggression. Joe Moody’s spear tackle aside, they had been far too meek in their 40-29 loss.
“It’s hard getting that balance [of playing on the edge] right,” said Beauden Barrett after New Zealand’s 21-9 win in Dublin. “Our intent tonight was we wanted to be physical. Technique may have let us down a couple of times with the yellow cards, but it is up to the referee to make those decisions.”
Secondly, they utilised the crossfield kicks to keep Ireland from packing in and squeezing out space. They had noted the likes of Rob Kearney, Andrew Trimble and Simon Zebo stepping in from their wings and wanted to test them; to keep them honest,
It worked a treat on the Malakai Fekitoa try, after three minutes, and forced Ireland to stretch their men out.
“In the previous game we didn’t shape enough with the kicking,” said Barrett. “We’ve put a lot of onus on communication and calling that space and the execution. It’s about playing a balanced game, shaping defences and getting the ball to the space.”
Thirdly, and most importantly, Steve Hansen and his coaching staff had noted Ireland’s preference to try strip balls or choke tackle in the Chicago game.
This tactic worked a treat for Ireland last time out – there were big turnovers for Tadhg Furlong, Jared Payne, Rory Best and CJ Stander – but the All Blacks turned a strength into a weakness. It was classic, Test-match rugby. Post-match, Hansen said:
“And we ran at their defence, who didn’t seem to be keen on tackling but preferring to wrest the ball off us. Beauden Barrett saw that and he scored his try exactly through that.”
Despite the hand-wringing over that Barrett try, and whether it was grounded or not, you can’t but admire how the Kiwi No.10 sold the pass and pinned his ears back. He backed the Irish defence to try and stand him up.
When the tackle attempt came, from Conor Murray, it was too late.
They looked; they learned.
It was handy, too, that New Zealand had their main lineout operators back. Crucially, it was the win at all costs mentality that won the day.
“We turned up here with the right attitude,” said Hansen. “I think in Chicago we turned up with our attitude off by 5% and we paid for that.”
5% and some homework well done.
Aaron Kernan joins Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour to explain the work he’s doing for the Club Players Association. Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue talks Slaughtneil and a Dublin club advertising for hurlers gets a sore touch. Subscribe here on iTunes.
