Jean's defensive lapses, and possible AB forward pass

Jean's penchant for shooting out of the line assisted in two tries on Saturday. First, Fekitoa's try, where Jean shot up, leaving a huge gap for Fek. In his defense, the All Blacks had a substantial overlap outside, so this was a desperation move to cut off the pass outside. Still, it was too early, they had too much space to maneuver around him and in the end it made the score simpler than it should have been.

Next, Ben Smith's try. At first look I was blaming Serfontein solely for missing Conrad Smith, but after looking at the try again I saw that Jean was defending in the 13 channel. Conrad was Jean's man, and Jean simply shot up too wide, like he was looking to intercept a possible quick release from Conrad, instead of staying on his man. Easy step on the inside for Conrad. This time there was no crisis outside. It was man on man. An unforced blunder. Serf should still have nailed "old man" Conrad though, who clearly isn't as "past it" as some would have us believe.

And then, in the same try, and interesting tidbit. The Barrett (A - position when passing) pass to Conrad (B - position when pass is fielded) appears to be a yard or two forward. I'm improvising angles, but it definitely looks suspicious. Just a little bite to chew on for the AB supporters whining about the last penalty. You may have gotten a RAT (ref-assisted try)

I had exactly the same reaction to the two tries.....Jean shot up too quickly in the first, but he had to do something to stop the overlap and trust the defence inside him would take care of the inside step. If the pass was made it was an easy overlap run in.

The second case was more of an issue......it almost seems like a nervous reaction these days when he shoots up. Jean defends 12 channel much better, and this swapping doesn't help. Remember when O Driscoll beat him to the outside during his Irish stint....13 is not his comfort zone.

That said your point on Steppie is right....he had enough time to make the tackle on Smith but was badly beaten through the outside gap. My guess is this is why Jean is at 13....pace and also the ability to bring up the defence. But the arrangement looks very vulnerable.

Never saw the forward pass, good spot.