Ill-discipline lets ABs down again

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All Blacks

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Conrad Smith says the All Blacks are trying hard to confront their ill-discipline at the breakdown.

The All Blacks centre candidly admitted that giving away penalties around the contentious ruck area had become a problem for the side this season.

But Smith said it was not by design, but rather due to the players' passion and desire to be effective at every tackle.

"That was one of the worrying things, our discipline tonight," Smith said after Wales' first-five Stephen Jones kicked four penalties in Cardiff.

"We are still giving away far too many penalties and that's letting teams in the game. I think our defence is really good, but the main way teams are making metres against us and getting down on our line is through penalties. That allows them to kick to touch and to get lineouts in our 22."

It frustrated the All Blacks' ability to gain any continuity in the first half against Wales, but in fact, it has been hurting them dearly on the scoreboard for some time. The number of penalties kicked against the All Blacks in their last six tests paints a revealing picture with five, five, six, eight and seven, for a total of 93 points.

"I think it's being over-eager a lot of times especially around rucks," Smith said.

"We have to just trust our D. We talk about it, about the silly penalties.

"It's an individual thing sometimes. You love playing for the jersey and you are passionate at every breakdown, but we need to sort that out."

Smith confirmed that he had forced the ball across the line in the 61st minute, a wink from Welsh wing Shane Williams confirming even the home side knew the try was scored.

- © Fairfax NZ News