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George Gregan compares All Blacks to the NBA's best
Former Wallabies captain George Gregan believes the current All Blacks are rugby’s version of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors.
The reigning World Cup holders are set to face England this weekend for the first time in four years, and Gregan thinks the opposition have their work cut out for them.
“There’s times when they’ve had to come from behind to win test matches but they’ve got that belief and understanding of what’s required and they embrace those moments,” Gregan told Fairfax.
“That’s what successful teams do in all sports, when they get into those tight situations there is a real confidence within them that they can get right through it.
“At the moment in basketball there’s teams like the Golden State Warriors that find a way to win those games and they have confidence in each other and their skills hold up under pressure.”
The Warriors have won three of the past four NBA titles, forging the league’s latest dynasty and fielding stars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
Gregan said finding any weaknesses in the All Blacks is difficult because of the way they have rounded out their game.
“They’re very well balanced,” Gregan said.
“They have one of the best defensive lineouts in the world, their set-piece is very strong.
“They’ve got very good foundations, and strong leadership right through, in all part of the team – tight five back row, halves, back three.
“They are just a very cohesive team and they respond very well to pressure.”
The All Blacks kick off against England on Saturday afternoon at Twickenham, while Gregan’s Wallabies are in Cardiff to face Wales.
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