All Blacks ahead of the pack again

LAWRENCE SMITH

JOB WELL DONE: All Blacks backs coach Steve Hansen relaxes with, from left, captain Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Mils Muliaina and Ma'a Nonu in the changing room over after their 39-12 win over France yesterday.

All Black v France

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Richie McCaw walks out to take on France at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille.

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All Blacks restore the faith

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All Blacks

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It took them the good part of 14 tests, but the All Blacks' coaches finally worked out the jigsaw puzzle they have agonised over all season.

The 39-12 win over France in Marseille yesterday shows that New Zealand are ahead of the pack again as rugby reinvents itself for the umpteenth time.

South Africa's tired squad stumbled through Europe without an expansive attacking game to fall back on and Australia capitulated to Scotland.

As their southern rivals slipped back, the All Blacks advanced. For that a pat on the back must be afforded Graham Henry and his two assistants, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen.

It is not to forget that this season has not been perfect, four losses, whatever the reasons is not a vintage.

Still in ELV mode the All Blacks' struggled to adapt to a slower game. They were outmuscled by France in the season opener, and then through the Tri-Nations were slow to react to a game that, rightly or wrongly, punished attacking endeavour.

It could have turned ugly. Four wins and four losses in June and the 2009 All Blacks were on track for the worst record since John Hart's 1998 side.

They finished the Tri-Nations with a bang and then surprised everyone by shuffling their roles.

Some ridiculed Henry's return to the forwards, Smith's move from the backs to defence and Hansen's from the pack to attack. Most at least raised an eyebrow.

It was a brave move. If it didn't work the trio would have been cast as a confused trio who had made a desperate move.

The proof was always going to be in the pudding, and though one match should not be the sole judge of this season, progress has clearly been made in all areas.

In defence, the All Blacks have remained supreme. Under Smith's guidance they completed a second northern tour in succession without having their line crossed.

On attack, they struggled till a conscious decision was made to view kicks, not as something to defend, but as a new attacking platform. Hours were spent by the outside backs honing their skills under the high ball.

Against South Africa they floundered under the high ball. Against France they flourished. Under Hansen's watch the All Blacks ran in five tries for the first time in 18 tests dating back to the 32-6 win over Scotland on last year's end-of-year tour.

It has been pleasing to see players changing angles again, fewer second-man plays, fewer short attacking kicks and more width. And in the forwards, Henry has turned around the basket-case lineout and reinvigorated the training pitch with his trademark bark.

"Our attack today was outstanding and the best attacking display by an international side for some time," Henry said.

"It was a special day. All the players who played today played their roles superbly. It was good to see two sides trying to play attacking football because there's been some pretty boring stuff over the past year or so in rugby.

"There's been some remarkable wins over the years and that one was very special. We've had a challenging year and everyone realises that. To play that well under these rules is a pretty good achievement."

Most importantly it provides evidence that the men, who will guide the All Blacks to the next World Cup, can adapt, improve and, above all else, keep ahead of the pack.

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