All Blacks thrive under new rules

OPINION: To rework a quote allegedly coined by one of former United States president Richard Nixon's cronies: if the All Blacks can grab their supporters by the eyeballs, their hearts and minds will follow.

As most people know, the original phrase, supposedly dreamed up by American politicos eager to force people to do what they demanded – by any means necessary – is somewhat crasser.

Although the All Blacks have delivered their messages in a somewhat more subtle manner the theme remains the same: watch us exploiting the new rule interpretations and you'll see some attacking rugby that will have you slapping your thighs red-raw with delight.

Having run four tries past South Africa last weekend, the All Blacks proved they can now counter-attack when previously they would have kicked. They will also have a lick from set pieces instead of Dan Carter searching for field position with his left boot.

Never was the counter-attacking mindset more evident than when fullback Mils Muliaina escaped upfield quicker than a corrupt futures trader to set up centre Conrad Smith's try in the first half.

The result? A 32-12 rout over the Tri-Nations champions, the side that dropped just one test, to the Aussies, during the tournament last year.

Will the All Blacks have it so easy in Wellington for the second test on Saturday night? Unlikely. The Springboks will have sorted their lineout, their scrum should be better, defence a lot braver and they will fly into rucks like rocks biffed into wet clay.

But the All Blacks, if they can again match the Boks forwards, will have their opponents wondering what damage the backs can inflict now that they are confident of entering a ruck without worrying about referees penalising them for not releasing the ball quickly.

In four tests the New Zealanders are undefeated; although only a masochist would watch repeated showings of the ugly second test win over Wales in Hamilton.

Overall, though, it is so far, so good.

There could be further good news ahead of the end-of-year tour with assistant coach Wayne Smith yesterday stating the All Blacks are hopeful Ali Williams, Isaia Toeava, Sitiveni Sivivatu will recover from their injuries, while Sonny Bill Williams is another that will be lighting up their radar.

The form of Owen and Ben Franks at tighthead prop has ensured there have been no hysterics about not recruiting Carl Hayman after his decision to sign with French club Toulon. The emergence of Sam Whitelock has added depth to the second row and Benson Stanley has proven able in the midfield.

A win on Saturday night could ensure coach Graham Henry has notched up another victory in the fight for the hearts and minds of supporters that were so turned off by the drudgery of the code last year.

- © Fairfax NZ News