Big Questions as the All Blacks close 2014 - Allblacks.com

This weekend the likes of England, the Springboks, Wales and the Wallabies wrap up the November window – but the All Blacks have already put away their boots.

While Sevens and Investec Super Rugby will whet the rugby appetite, the reality for the World Champions is a wee bit daunting with the countdown clock ticking louder than ever towards England.

New Zealand plays Samoa – their first test of next year – in July, and two months later they will begin their global title defence.

Can the All Blacks win their third?

So far Steve Hansen, the support team and administration are doing everything possible to guarantee success, even though there is no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to the quadrennial tournament.

Developed mental toughness, squad depth and a well spread spine of experience are components of previous winners – areas where the All Blacks would be happy with.

A dominant first five-eighth, a big part of some World Cup winners, isn’t so important for New Zealand based on the extraordinary events of 2011 where player after player fulfilled their role.

Kicking from the tee will be a priority with the high standards of the team’s snipers not met during the tour, not many sides that lift a Webb Ellis Cup miss strikes at goal.

Is McCaw still the man?

You would be hard pressed to find someone who could suggest the skipper's edge has dulled.

Richie McCaw’s season has been quite impressive for the fact that few All Blacks before him have been able to endure the long term punishment longer than a decade.

The fact that the centurion captain keeps performing with authority at the highest level defies most medical conventions, often he is moving faster than any other man in the dying minutes of a Test.

It is the mental balance and calm that McCaw brings that stands out, as does the fact that the veteran drives standards away from the field which creates an ethereal level that few teams have been able to match over time.

His leadership will be vital in the intensity of a European World Cup.

Why has Hansen locked in ’25’ players?

Experience cannot be underestimated in a World Cup environment, often winners have been among the most capped sides in their nation’s respective histories.

While some might debate the Springboks in 1995 didn’t boast immense experience, they are arguably the only country to claim a Webb Ellis trophy without several hundred caps at the selector’s disposal.

Many of the current All Blacks are among the most experienced in their particular positions in New Zealand rugby history – such men will be fundamental if back-to-back success is to become reality.

A World Cup is no place to experiment or blood new caps.

Is a shift to a tight game on the cards?

The All Blacks will be aware that many teams will try to pull them into trench warfare, while the World Champions will likely keep pushing their wide template on their rivals.

After all, their fitness allows them to move around all areas of the court, and rivals are often finding the final ten minutes a lung screaming affair as a consequence.

There was not a single Test in 2014 where New Zealand ran less metres than an opponent – and expect more of the same as the All Blacks look to run other sides out of the contest.

Will kicking be back in vogue?

The All Blacks kicked the ball 31 times in Cardiff, almost ten more by average in recent Tests, and a number near the level that the team executed throughout 2013 – a la the Perfect Season.

While the New Zealand midfield long ago discarded the notion of having a pure second five-eighth (i.e. literally a backup number ten positioned at 12), they still enjoy having multiple punters in the backline.

In this aspect, Colin Slade has pushed his stock value up immensely adding a tactical kicking option out wide, while Beauden Barrett’s insistence with the boot eventually paid off as the Welsh fretted being pinned back in their own half.

Are Nonu or Woodcock under threat?

Not a chance. You don’t become the most capped second five-eighth and loosehead prop in All Blacks history without ensuring you have some serious stock invested with the coaches and selectors.

While there is depth in both positions, no man was able to impose themselves over the last month in the way the Ma’a and Tony have many times in the past.

However, one suspects all veterans, while being pencilled in, will be heavily scrutinised. Experience still needs to be backed up by a performing body.
Is Dagg under scrutiny?

The fullback is something of a peculiar role when it comes to All Blacks' World Cup campaigns, when previous tournaments often saw two specialised 15s squeezed into the starting team.

This won’t happen bar some major change in philosophy next year, especially with a full platoon of specialist midfielders.

But Israel Dagg pushed Mils Muliaina out of the starting team in the last Webb Ellis championship, and ironically the man with the thunder boot may now be at risk himself.

Depth is abundant as always in the three quarter line, while Charles Piutau did his claims no harm during the tour. Ben Smith has stated custodian in his preferred role, while Slade’s versatility ensured that there were other kicking options available at the back.

Regardless, one or two very good All Blacks outside backs are going to be watching the World Cup from home.Final numbers

Played 14: Won 12, Draw 1, Lost 1
433 points for, 233 against – 52 tries for, 18 against
Aggregate: 31-17 (points) and 4-1 (tries)
2014 home record: 6-0
2014 touring record: 6-1-1

Key stat: The All Blacks average metre per gain with ball in hand was on average three times superior to opponents throughout the year.

Missing men: The follow 2011 World Cup squad members will not take part in next year’s tournament - Corey Flynn, Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson *, Piri Weepu, Richard Kahui, Zac Guildford, Mils Muliaina and Isaia Toeava (* Thomson is the only member of this group playing Investec Super Rugby next year but will be based in Queensland).

Last questions

Breakdown concerns or deliberate non-commitment to the ruck to put more numbers in the defensive and attacking line?

Who are the starting locks in a World Cup crunch match?

If all first five-eighths are fit, who? Or more to the point, do two start?

Slow starts or a strategy to let teams throw everything they can at the All Blacks initially?

If there was to be one new Test player in 2015, who would it be?

http://allblacks.com/News/26425/big-questions-as-the-all-blacks-close-2014

 I'll answer the Last Questions;
1. It's all relative and strategy
2. Retallick and S Whitelocck
3. If all tens are fit? Carter no questions. Barrett at Fullback
4. Strategy, but also other teams have caught up with the Abs. Its up to the abs to raise their game next year. And work on starting games better. 
5. Ardie Savea  

 3ku1
Being objectiv here are my commens:-
Can the AB's qin a Third World Cup?
I ahave watched the AB's carefully and has developed douts about it.   The AB's are still wining virtually all their games - but they are winning quite onconvncingly.   That bothers me.   If the WC was in Australia or New Zealand - they would have a much better chance of winning - but in Engaland and Wales - I have serious doubts.
The issue here is that the AB's made a very few changes to their starting line ups since 2011 and when changs were made - it was basically temporary and  only the result of injuries.   Of the older players are not performing on the same level as they did in 2011 and ven earlier - even Dan Carter is not what he used to be.   You will crucify me - but neither is McCaw.   There was a shortage of team renewal and replacement -of players. and that is normally a bad sign and a reason for teams not to win the WC twice in a row.
So - my answer is - a repeat win is very unlikely.
Will kicking be back in Vogue?
There is a myth that the AB's do not use the kicking game as much as other teams.  Since 2012 in games against the Springboks - the AB's kicked the ball more than the Springboks in the tests - statistically proven - but there is a huge difference.   The AB's kicks are purposeful, very precise in execution  and part of an attacking strategy.   The Springbok kicks were the precise opposite - inaccurate and aimless - only serving as a means to give away possession.   
In NH conditios I do not think the AB's will change their kicking strategy.  
Is Dagg under Scrutiny?
Dagg was magnificent in 2012 - but since then not up to the same standard.   His defense is at best iffy - so he should be under scrutiny.   Personally i think that Ben Smith is a better option for the AB's at 15.
Other Questions
1.  Not sure - but the AB's are not as effective at rucks as they used to be.  Risking more penalties then they did in the past.   They seem to need a strategy change and commiting less players to rucks can be seriously defective as well.   
2   Agree with your answer.
3   Carter - but will he have another injury before the WC?   I do not think that in tight games either Cruden or Barrett are very effective.  My second choice will be Slade - especially in NH conditions requiring a much calmer approach towards the game.   
4   No the AB's should be comeptitive from the start - another Twickenham test of 2012 could be problematic for them.
5   Since most newbies I would prefer - already played for the AB's - Piutau, Fekitoa etc - I would agree with Ardie Savea.    

 Well I respectively disagree Mike . I think NZ are very capable of retaining the world cup. They just have this mentle edge over the NH teams partic, and the SH teams . They have also prooved to be the fittest side in world rugby, and their skill set is on another level just in terms of the fundamentals of the game. Other teams may catch up with their fitness. But I do beleive NZ are holding back, they are not going to reveal everything a year out from the world cup. It's up to NZ to face the challenge. I am not saying it is a guarentee, but I woulden't say it is very unlikely. They should be the deserved favs. I still think it well be a NZ SA final. Ireland and Aussie the dark horses. England well choke .  

 3kul1
Ad another year to the ages of the "golden Oldies" - already showing marked  declining performances - will they eb good enough then?   The spirit may be willing - but will teh body be?  That is the main reason for my serious consideration. 
Another worrying factr was that in the last (2007) NH WC - New Zealand was the overwhelming favourites - but they went out early.   Beware of that.

 
Yes ... I think they have what it takes to win it easily.

Who in world rugby currently can prevent them?

From where I'm sitting, it's only the Irish that can present a challenge.

The English still have a way to go and so do the Ozzies. The Bokke are being lead by a moron who favours the old and tired.

France are as confused as ever.

Wales don't seem to have the ability to close out tight matches. 

All Blacks and Ireland in the final. 

 Yes Un-Clever Mikey ,like last year and the year before when you said Maccaw was almost washed up eh ? Something on yer chin mate ,looks like dried bum-nuts ...

 Not so true mike. Remember in 03 the average age of England was over 30. The average age of NZ is like 27-28. They have also fused the right balance of youth. So I think NZ are very prepared. But well see . I woulden't say NZ are declining. They are still winning, doesen't declining mean loosing? Abs are on the top of the world. So I don't think NZ are declining in anyway, I think other teams are catching up. But you could argue SA are on a serious decline, seeing they have far more oldies then NZ. Look at the last wc sides. 
QF againgst Oz:
1. J.Du Pleesi 2. B.Du Pleesi 3. John Smit 4. Rossouw 5. Matfield 6. Burger 7. Brossouw 8. Spies 9. Du Preez 10. M Steyn 11. Habana 12. De Villiars 13. Fourie 14. Pieterson 15. Lambie

Now players who are still starting in 2014 (possibly next wc) or in the team. Jannie is still their, Bismark is their. Matfeild is still their haha. Burger is still in the team. Du Preez well prob return for the wc. M Steyn seems to be on the outer, but you never know with Meyer. Habana still their, so is De Villiars. Fourie has retired, prob Serfointain well take his place or De Allende. Pieterson still their, and Lambie is the current ten. So that is about 60% of the 2011 team still in the 2014 side. So still alot of "golden oldies" as you put it in the Boks leading into 2015. 
Final Againgst France:
1. Tony Woodcock 2. Keven Mealamu 3. Owen Franks 4. Brad Thorn 5. Sam Whitelock 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Richie Mccaw 8. Kieran Read 9. Piri Weepu 10. Aaron Cruden 11. Richard Kahui 12. Ma'a Nonu 13. Conrad Smith 14. Cory Jane 15. Israel Dagg
Some of these players were young then and have matured into world class players. Like Owen Franks e.t.c. Nonu and Woodcock are still around, but have been prooven class. NZ have developed depth at hooker and lock since 2011. Mealamu is a bench player now, Coles is the incumbant imo. Brodie Retallick has become the best lock in world rugby, obviousley based on his IRB player of the year award. Kieran Read since has developed into arguably the best 8 in the world (That was Vermulen this year). Aaron Smith has been a find since 2011, he is now often regarded as the best scrum half in world rugby. NZ has also developed alot more quality depth a Ten too, opposed to only one Carter. Have Four capable tens of doing the job. Carter, Cruden, Barrett, Slade. So I think Hansen has done a better job then Meyer, in blooding youth in key positions, who are now prooven. Expereience is still key, so I don't think they are over the hill, they are still performing.