The unbeatable Kiwis…..really?
When a team puts together a winning run they gain momentum through the very act of winning, confidence grows and opponents start to believe the myth. Certainly at the moment no one seems to be able to match New Zealand who seem to be head and shoulders above the other international teams. It’s not the fact of consistently winning, it is the manner of the victories and the ability to adjust their game to cope with anything the opposition can throw at them.
At present the discussion seems to be largely about how to play like New Zealand, they seem to have all the answers and the best coaching brains (at least in the Southern Hemisphere) seem to be unable to crack this conundrum. The longer they go unbeaten the greater that myth develops and this has an effect upon the opposition.
England, at least have an advantage over the other main challengers for the number one position, they don’t play New Zealand for another 12 months. This also gives them time to build their own momentum. A good Autumn Series and following that, Six Nations campaign will allow England to build up a head of steam ready for New Zealand. Equally, many of the England players will be on duty with the Lions and will hopefully have tested themselves against the men in black and seen them sweat and bleed.
But inevitably it is Eddie Jones who has set the agenda. He was recently quoted as musing why should England play like New Zealand, why not find their own style? This certainly was the case when England last had a world beating team. Woodward did not copy other teams. He took ideas yes, but he developed an England way and it seems Jones intends to do the same.
Most coaches will be aware of how to win rugby matches. You have to gain dominance up front in the first phases, this allows you to control possession of the ball. You then have to play with a precision that means when you do have the ball you don’t give it up easily. Make sure if the opposition are going to have some possession they have to work bloody hard to get it. You then play with a pace and intensity that you opponents can’t live with….for 80 plus minutes. Oh and having a world class goal kicker helps.
The best current exponents of this below international level are Saracens and it is no coincidence that they are well represented in the present England squad. With regard to the front five I reckon England can match New Zealand but can they dominate them? In other areas they are also a match but not all and that is where Jones needs to use to the next 12 months. Who are the world beaters?
These players will not necessarily be the most naturally talented, but they will be the ones who have the character and determination to make unbelievable sacrifices to be the best in the World. Woodward found a group of players prepared to do that and this is Jones’ challenge. England have unequalled resources and a legacy of 2 Junior World Cup winning teams. A generation who are not intimidated by New Zealand having beaten them before. New Zealand’s record in that tournament has been patchy in the past few years and suggests their system isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Most of all though, they have a coach who isn’t afraid to do the unconventional and more importantly, isn’t scared of New Zealand. Having long been England’s biggest critic he is now our best hope. The next 12 months will make fascinating watching.