The All Blacks' recent thrashing by the Springboks, with a shocking 43-10 scoreline in Wellington, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from devastated fans. Amidst calls for drastic changes, former All Blacks standout Israel Dagg steps forward with a pragmatic approach to uplift the beleaguered squad.
Speaking on Sport Nation's "Scotty and Izzy" show, Dagg refused to pile on the blame.
"Crazy but not surprising to see the reaction from some people post the All Blacks’ loss in Wellington,"
he commented, emphasizing the need to focus on constructive feedback rather than wholesale changes. He identified key areas needing attention, starting significantly with the team's aerial skills. "High ball, there is no doubt that high ball is the most important part of the game right now. Win the air, you win the game," Dagg stated, pointing out the recent struggles.
Dagg also highlighted the need for the All Blacks to revive their counter-attacking prowess, urging a return to "unstructured chaos" that exploits quick play and turnover opportunities to break defense lines. "Those first two or three seconds when the defence is not ready and has not been able to get into position, that is your chance for your outside backs to run some hard inside running lines," he explained.
Turning his attention to attack strategy, Dagg called for more dynamic running lines and instinctual play, which seem to have been stifled by overly structured game plans.
"We are so structured in this country and we have a plan, and when we get told to do something, we kind of lose sight of our instinctual play,"
Dagg critiqued, suggesting a need to blend planned plays with reactive, opportunistic rugby.
Lastly, Dagg addressed the kicking strategy, stressing the importance of timing and recognition in deploying kicks, citing Emoni Narawa’s try against the Springboks as a prime example of effective execution. "There’s a time and a place to put that chip-kick away, there’s a time and a place to kick that ball wide," he advised.
Through these focused improvements, Dagg offers a blueprint for recovery, steering clear of the reactionary overhaul that many might be clamoring for in the wake of such a heavy defeat.
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The All Blacks' recent thrashing by the Springboks, with a shocking 43-10 scoreline in Wellington, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from devastated fans. Amidst calls for drastic changes, former All Blacks standout Israel Dagg steps forward with a pragmatic approach to uplift the beleaguered squad.
Speaking on Sport Nation's "Scotty and Izzy" show, Dagg refused to pile on the blame.
"Crazy but not surprising to see the reaction from some people post the All Blacks’ loss in Wellington,"
he commented, emphasizing the need to focus on constructive feedback rather than wholesale changes. He identified key areas needing attention, starting significantly with the team's aerial skills. "High ball, there is no doubt that high ball is the most important part of the game right now. Win the air, you win the game," Dagg stated, pointing out the recent struggles.Dagg also highlighted the need for the All Blacks to revive their counter-attacking prowess, urging a return to "unstructured chaos" that exploits quick play and turnover opportunities to break defense lines. "Those first two or three seconds when the defence is not ready and has not been able to get into position, that is your chance for your outside backs to run some hard inside running lines," he explained.
Turning his attention to attack strategy, Dagg called for more dynamic running lines and instinctual play, which seem to have been stifled by overly structured game plans.
"We are so structured in this country and we have a plan, and when we get told to do something, we kind of lose sight of our instinctual play,"
Dagg critiqued, suggesting a need to blend planned plays with reactive, opportunistic rugby.Lastly, Dagg addressed the kicking strategy, stressing the importance of timing and recognition in deploying kicks, citing Emoni Narawa’s try against the Springboks as a prime example of effective execution. "There’s a time and a place to put that chip-kick away, there’s a time and a place to kick that ball wide," he advised.
Through these focused improvements, Dagg offers a blueprint for recovery, steering clear of the reactionary overhaul that many might be clamoring for in the wake of such a heavy defeat.