The Breakdown I Episode 8 | The Future of NZ Rugby

I know that Stuart Barnes said that Smith would've landed the drop goal, but that's ignoring the fact that he'd missed 2 or 3 attempts at dropped goals in the first half when there wasn't the same pressure.

Saying that he'd missed Mark Tele’a when he scored the winning try is putting the blame on an easy scape goat when there were a number of tacklers who failed to stop him scoring.

I really, really don't see it. The scoreboard was very flattering, our only dangerous attack was an interception.

-Set piece was ok

-Defense was passionate but porous

-What were we even trying to do in attack? If we were close to the team they want to be then I can only assume floundering around in the 22 and missing a lot of drop goals was the agenda

The team is finally starting to show its identity, which isn't playing behind the gainline, but rather in front of it. Offloads and flowing rugby, drawing defenders, and quick simople hands, along with a little flair, is how the ABs are shaping up to play.

And it works. Everytime the ABs get an offload, there is usually an overlap outside of them due to the extra defenders drawn in, and now they are having issues with making use of those chances.

Its more muscle memory from the players during the Foster era than it is to do with Razor.

Also, expect some big changes, but also better oppurtunities against Ireland. Ireland are not as quick on the rush (since they aren't always offside) and rely a lot on their lineout, which we should be able to damage since we have so many defensive operators.

Either way, I like the way the ABs are tracking, puting up strong showings against good opposition, good player finds this season, and, most importantly, learning lessons and building identity.