VIDEO: NZ refuse to 'sugar-coat' big issue ahead of Cape Town Test
SPOTLIGHT: Producing a full 80-minute performance against the Springboks at Cape Town will be New Zealand’s main objective on Saturday.
The All Blacks were in a commanding position with a 10-point lead heading to the final 10 minutes of their Ellis Park showdown before the Springboks scored two late tries to win the encounter 31-27.
Losing momentum in the final stages of the game is something that has plagued the All Blacks in previous outings this year as well.
Argentina blew them away in the final quarter of the Wellington Test, which the All Blacks lost 30-38.
A week later in Auckland, Scott Robertson’s side recorded a 42-10 win, but they failed to score a point in the final 35 minutes.
Speaking on that final-quarter collapse in Johannesburg last weekend, All Black forwards coach Jason Ryan said it was something that has been addressed ahead of Saturday’s rematch.
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“We didn’t finish that game as well as we could’ve,” said Ryan.
“It’s something we talked about in our review.
“We’ve got some younger men starting their Test careers as well and we are honest with where we are with that, but by no means are we sugar-coating it and overlooking it.
“We are acknowledging it and we will look to improve it.”
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When asked if it was a tactical or selection issue, Ryan added: “It could be a little bit of both. You’ve got guys coming on who played a handful of Tests.
“It was some atmosphere at Ellis Park, especially against the best team in the world, but we are also confident that we are making progress in our game as well.
“There is always something to work on.”
All Black loose forward Ethan Blackadder acknowledged that they will need to be a bit more clinical if they want to upset the Boks.
“We just sort of fell into the trap, whether it was discipline or an error. That’s how they got back into the game,” he said.
“Rugby is a simple game and if you nullify that then a team can’t come back.”
@rugby365com
* Picture credit: Suresh Rajcoomar
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