Mike Blair, the attack coach for the All Blacks, is urging his team to keep their offensive momentum rolling in the final showdown of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the Boks this Saturday in Baltimore. Despite trailing 2-1 in the series, the All Blacks have shown superior attacking prowess, leading in tries scored and linebreaks, even in their recent narrow 29-24 defeat.
Blair expressed satisfaction with their performance, noting,
"Twelve linebreaks is a great stat for us. Four tries against South Africa is not a bad stat – that’s 13 tries in three games."
Though content with their offensive stats, Blair remains fixated on the ultimate goal: winning. He acknowledges that while they are scoring and breaking lines, converting these moments into more points is crucial. Their focus isn't just on crossing the try line but also on strategic plays like goal kicking, an area less utilized with only one penalty goal recorded in the series so far.
Blair is also looking to tweak New Zealand’s approach in the critical zone. He stressed the importance of their execution within the opponent’s 22-yard line, aiming to maximize their scoring without turning the ball over, which plays into the Boks' strengths by slowing down the game.
"We’re aware that you can’t finish every opportunity, but we don’t want them to finish in a turnover. If it finishes in a turnover, what’s happening is it goes to a set-piece. This slows the game down a bit, and it feeds their strength."
Striking a balance between seizing opportunities and maintaining pressure through sustained phases of play is what Blair believes will counter South Africa’s tactical disruptions effectively. This strategic refinement is not just about enhancing their attack but also about diminishing the Boks' game plan.
The final test this weekend is not merely a game; it's a culmination of strategy, skill, and intensity, where the All Blacks aim to turn the tide in this thrilling series finale.
