As one tournament ends another begins in the southern hemisphere making us realise how long the season really is down there.
So as teams leave their clubs and come together for the privilege of representing their home nations, we look ahead to New Zealand and what this year’s Rugby Championship holds for them.
What can you really say about this New Zealand team? Well any New Zealand team is immensely capable with game breakers in every position ready and able to pounce on any flaw or mistake made by an opposition side.
But is this particular New Zealand side out of the ordinary? Well Lets break down a few statistics:
- 17 international wins in a row
- 12 for 12 in the Rugby Championship
- Undefeated in the calendar year of 2013
- One Defeat since the World Cup 2011
- Current World Cup Champions
- Reigning Rugby Championship winners
So, no not exactly an ordinary New Zealand team.
Steve Hansen has admirable strength in depth in the squad he selected for the Championship. The ledgendary Richie McCaw will bolster the back row but must be watched closely from the sidelines by coach Hansen if he is to avoid injury free and remain a prospect for the World Cup next year. Dan Carter is back from injury but it goes to show the growth in Aaron Cruden’s game that it is not yet sure who will take the 10 shirt.
Age in the squad may be an issue but Hansen has drawn in some young talent as well to strike a balance with the older squad members. Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith will likely be the 12/13 partnership with Cory Jane and Julian Savea either side.
How Will They Do?
Well nothing short of winning all games will be expected from the public, however things might not go their way so easily. Australia are shaping up quite nicely and we would expect that they might be able to sneak one past the All Blacks. If the Blacks show any sign of weakness, it would be complacency.
As we nearly saw last November in the Aviva, having won seventeen on the trot, they run the risk of getting ahead of themselves and the run has to be broken some time.
Hansen and his men need to keep their eyes firmly on the task at hand and their talent should prove enough to bring this one home.
Ones to Watch:
It would be remiss of us not to mention Richie McCaw, a fearless leader and all round incredible player. McCaw inspires belief in all his team mates.
Keiran Read is the best 8 in world rugby. World Player of the year in 2013 and a power house with quick feet and silky smooth ball skills. Read can often be the undoing of teams by himself.
Julian Savea, the Hurricanes 11, who operates solely in beast mode will be the All Blacks’ player we look forward most to this season. He’s Built like an 8, hits like a train and has gas to burn. We predict many tries from the big man.
Young Ones:
Two players worth keeping an eye on would be Beauden Barrett and Malakai Fekitoa. Barrett operates as both a 10 and a fullback. This could be his opportunity to prove himself as Dan Carter’s replacement instead of Cruden. He has great vision for space and glides with ease while making great time for himself. He was detrimental to Ireland in the Aviva last year when introduced as a fullback and will push Israel Dagg.
Fekitoa is a 13 who has penetrated back lines this year in the Super 15 with ease. He brings an attacking prowess to the game that will test Conrad Smith for the outside centre birth at training and we are excited to see what he can do.
