By MARC HINTON - Stuff.co.nz
Last updated 19:25 19/09/2009
Emphatic victory to All Blacks
Crisis averted. Jobs safe. Vice-like grip on the Wallabies continued. All in a night's work for the suddenly awesome All Blacks.
But the big question we'll be asking ourselves as we digest this comprehensive 33-6 Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup victory over the Wallabies over our Sunday morning breakfast will be just what value do we place on it? Really, was it any great surprise?
The All Blacks have now won six of their last seven tests against the Wallabies over the last two seasons, since a certain Robbie Deans slunk across the Tasman to take charge of the Men in Gold.
And this latest instalment simply continued that trend. Graham Henry might not be able to buy a win over the Springboks right now; but he owns Deans.
And really as much as the All Blacks are tying themselves in knots over their inability to counter the South African game; they must feel pretty satisfied about the superiority they hold over their trans-Tasman rivals. They've now swept them 3-0 in the Tri-Nations and will surely make it a round four in Japan next month.
Really, if ever the Wallabies were going to redress the imbalance, you would have thought this match would have been it. But they simply weren't good enough as the All Blacks convincingly won the arm-wrestle through the first three quarters and then came home with a wet sail and two late tries to inflate the margin out close to embarrassing territory for the Wobberlies.
This was among the more convincing wins over the Australians over the last couple of years, too, with the All Blacks dominating most aspects of play, including that much talked-about lineout, and successfully suffocating everything and anything the visitors could throw at them on attack.
Yes, it was a performance to be proud of from the All Blacks who avoided the spectre of their first ever three home loss season, and answered their critics in fine style. This was how we expect them to play. This was how they should play.
Their set-piece work was excellent, their breakdown game top drawer and, possibly for the first time this season, the All Blacks got their attacking game going. It was a sweet response, and would have been manna from heaven for the under-siege New Zealand coaches.
Credit to them, too, to rally the troops after the defeat in Hamilton and come up with improvements in areas where they had to be made.
"I'm pretty proud of the guys, it's never easy coming off a loss and the belief among the whole group was outstanding and to put a performance out here tonight... very, very happy," said skipper Richie McCaw afterwards.
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He was rapt with the lineout response that saw the All Blacks hold firm on their own ball and even steal two straight Wallaby throws (both by supersub Jason Eaton) late in the piece.
"We kept the belief in ourselves," said McCaw. "We realised last week it was only minor things that went wrong, the boys worked hard all week and put that together which is vital to get your game going.
"It's great. When you're down it's a real test of what character you've got within the team."
Wow. What a difference a week - and a few harsh words from their critics - made. The All Blacks looked a different side in the first 40 minutes of this contest, playing with a purpose, precision and penetration that had not been there in Hamilton, nor for that matter in any of their opening salvos throughout this competition.
A strong, and accurate, opening half was punctuated by a magical period around the half-hour mark right about when it looked most ominous.
Centre Isaia Toeava had just been despatched to the sin-bin for a high tackle on young Wallaby fullback James O'Connor, and from the same play phase Berrick Barnes had just coolly slotted a dropped goal (under advantage) to close the Wallabies to within three, at 6-9.
Ten minutes, a man up, we all steeled for the Wallaby charge that would surely come.
Instead it was the numerically disadvantaged All Blacks who pounced. During a nice spell where they did extremely well to limit the Australian chances to expose them, wing Cory Jane snatched a try - quite literally - out of thin air.
It had looked distinctly unpromising when fullback Mils Muliaina received backtrack ball his side of halfway and sort of ran out of options for the pass. So instead he hoisted one of those middle-of-the-field high bombs that the Springboks specialise in, but are catching on like wildfire at the moment.
It could have - should have - been diffused with little discomfort by the Wallabies. Could have, schmould have. Instead Jane came flying through the air like, well, Tarzan, plucking the ball from right under the nose of startled Australian wunderkind James O'Connor and then dashing 35 metres or so for a superb try, and a 16-6 lead they would hold till the break.
Where has this man been all season? Oh, that's right, not required.
The Wallabies came out with plenty of purpose after the break, but they could still find no way through an All Black side that remained on its mettle on defence.
Carter slotted an early penalty to extend the margin to 13, the All Blacks battened down the hatches for a period of Wallaby dominance and then straight after Eaton had come in with his lineout thievery they finished with their flourish.
Ma'a Nonu had the second try six minutes from the end, with a trademark bullocking run that left a handful of Wallaby defenders looking like fools; and before it was over the All Blacks worked a couple of quick phases off a scrum before putting Josevata Rokocoko into enough space on the right to unleash one of those swan dives for his 45th test try.
And, with Carter slotting a second goal off the upright, the margin went out to 33-6, and the bleeding was well and truly stopped. The All Blacks were mostly all on top of their games. Jane was superb on the wing, and surely he's earned more starts on the back of this. Toeava had one of those tests that remind you why his coaches covet him so and there was also a much improved showing from Rokocoko. Also, wasn't it good to see Mils Muliaina playing with a lot more confidence?
Up front new chum Tom Donnelly had an excellent debut in the second row, Andrew Hore got his lineout stuff right, Adam Thomson added some much-needed mobility to a loose trio that outplayed their opposites and the set-piece stuff was, by and large, on the money. Richie McCaw was back to his best too as the All Blacks won the tackle ball area comprehensively.
The Wallabies? O'Connor had a match to forget, Giteau was again well contained by the All Blacks and the Australian backline in general found themselves running at a black wall all night.
The Wallaby forwards also could make little or no headway all night, and even failed to procure the supposedly failsafe method of possession via the All Black lineout. Pocock and Smith were non-factors.
For the All Blacks the questions were answered. For the Wallabies they start all over again across the Tasman. Deans should buckle down for another assault.
New Zealand 33 (Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko tries; Daniel Carter 4 pen, 3 con)
Australia 6 (Matt Giteau pen, Berrick Barnes dropped goal).
Halftime: 16-6.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Late flourish not enough for All Blacks
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - Stuff.co.nz
The All Blacks were gracious in defeat as they handed the Tri-Nations trophy over to South Africa last night with coach Graham Henry only lamenting a poor opening hour's work that cost his side the Hamilton test and any chance of staying in the title race.
The All Blacks came back strongly but ended up short, losing 29-32 for their third loss of the tournament. That left Henry offering no excuses.
"Congratulations to South Africa. I think they richly deserve to win the Tri-Nations, they have beaten the All Blacks three times ... that's pretty convincing.
"They played structured rugby. We played well for the last 20 minutes and didn't play well the first 60, that's the basic reason we lost the game."
Late tries to Sitiveni Sivivatu and Richie McCaw raised hopes of a win that would have kept the tournament alive.
But in the end there could be little argument with South Africa's stature as the best side in this championship.
The All Blacks play the Wallabies in Wellington next Saturday to wrap up the tournament.
There is nothing but pride to play for now and clearly the Boks dented the All Blacks with this win in New Zealand.
The All Blacks lineout fell apart from the outset and by the time it recovered late in the match it was too late.
"When the game looked lost we could have pulled it out of the fire. But we lacked that consistency. We turned over too much ball, there wasn't the structure in the set pieces," said Henry.
"We started to get that consistency, the lineout got better, we held on to ball and we looked a good side. We got a wee bit more adventurous as the game went on too."
Of the lineout woes specifically, Henry said: "I guess that's confidence. We didn't hit the jumpers early and that confidence waned."
Henry and backs coach Wayne Smith admitted the controversial move to play Dan Carter and Stephen Donald together had failed.
"I don't think it was as good as we hoped," said an honest Henry.
"We thought it was the right selection. But I though Daniel lacked a wee bit in giving the side direction when both were on the field."
He felt things had improved when Donald was subbed in the 50th minute, allowing Carter to concentrate on his No 10 duties after the pair had swapped positions regularly.
Added Smith: "I feel a bit sorry for Stephen because there weren't a lot of opportunities in that first half. It was a scrambling game and not how we wanted to play."
Henry said there were some simple lessons to be learnt from this campaign.
"You need quality first phase ball so that you have a foundation to work from and getting over the advantage line.
"I think it's a basic game --- get go forward ball and when you achieve those things then you are looking likely. We did that but it was too late in the game."
The All Blacks were gracious in defeat as they handed the Tri-Nations trophy over to South Africa last night with coach Graham Henry only lamenting a poor opening hour's work that cost his side the Hamilton test and any chance of staying in the title race.
The All Blacks came back strongly but ended up short, losing 29-32 for their third loss of the tournament. That left Henry offering no excuses.
"Congratulations to South Africa. I think they richly deserve to win the Tri-Nations, they have beaten the All Blacks three times ... that's pretty convincing.
"They played structured rugby. We played well for the last 20 minutes and didn't play well the first 60, that's the basic reason we lost the game."
Late tries to Sitiveni Sivivatu and Richie McCaw raised hopes of a win that would have kept the tournament alive.
But in the end there could be little argument with South Africa's stature as the best side in this championship.
The All Blacks play the Wallabies in Wellington next Saturday to wrap up the tournament.
There is nothing but pride to play for now and clearly the Boks dented the All Blacks with this win in New Zealand.
The All Blacks lineout fell apart from the outset and by the time it recovered late in the match it was too late.
"When the game looked lost we could have pulled it out of the fire. But we lacked that consistency. We turned over too much ball, there wasn't the structure in the set pieces," said Henry.
"We started to get that consistency, the lineout got better, we held on to ball and we looked a good side. We got a wee bit more adventurous as the game went on too."
Of the lineout woes specifically, Henry said: "I guess that's confidence. We didn't hit the jumpers early and that confidence waned."
Henry and backs coach Wayne Smith admitted the controversial move to play Dan Carter and Stephen Donald together had failed.
"I don't think it was as good as we hoped," said an honest Henry.
"We thought it was the right selection. But I though Daniel lacked a wee bit in giving the side direction when both were on the field."
He felt things had improved when Donald was subbed in the 50th minute, allowing Carter to concentrate on his No 10 duties after the pair had swapped positions regularly.
Added Smith: "I feel a bit sorry for Stephen because there weren't a lot of opportunities in that first half. It was a scrambling game and not how we wanted to play."
Henry said there were some simple lessons to be learnt from this campaign.
"You need quality first phase ball so that you have a foundation to work from and getting over the advantage line.
"I think it's a basic game --- get go forward ball and when you achieve those things then you are looking likely. We did that but it was too late in the game."
Tri-Nations analysis: Struggling All Blacks can still retain their crown
An in-depth look at how the times are changing for Graham Henry and his not-so-vintage New Zealand side.
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| by James Mortimer on 31 August 2009
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| The last word that comes to mind when describing the 2009 All Blacks is vintage, but they possess a fighting quality that has ensured they may still defend their Tri-Nations title. New Zealand are looking at recording an unprecedented fifth consecutive trophy that signifies supremacy in the Southern Hemisphere, and their ninth overall. However, back-to-back losses against the Springboks in South Africa have ensured that their destiny is not in their own hands. The All Blacks must rely on the Wallabies to beat the world champions in Brisbane. If this is achieved, then the clash on September 12 in Waikato could still be for the 14th Tri-Nations title. Irrespective of this, there would be a grim satisfaction residing with All Blacks coach Graham Henry, with the fact that he is now 5-1 against his Wallabies rival and fellow Kiwi Robbie Deans, well and truly putting to bed any concerns over whether or not the NZRU made the right decision in their then controversial decision to re-appoint the former headmaster of Kelston Boys. While there are still concerns moving forward for this All Blacks team, there are plenty of foundations to w |
As the Springboks themselves have proven in this year’s competition, you do not need the complete game plan, as long as the established pillars of your technique are strong enough to win matches.
In this we can sum up the All Black issues this year. Unlike the South Africans, they have not been clearly dominant in one aspect that has allowed them to build into match-winning control. But the manifesto laid in Sydney, if built upon, could well change this.
The most fundamental appears to be there, the bedrock on which All Blacks teams throughout history have relied on, an unwillingness to accept defeat and a pride in the silver fern embossed on their left chest.
Even in the face of a Springboks onslaught, this All Blacks team has not folded.
The second elementary aspect is there, even if it is evident against the Wallabies far more than against the South Africans.
Their pack is strong, with a solid scrum, but in Sydney they showed one of the most desired aspects of a forward platform; the ability to evolve. Their lineout improved and their tactical approach in the loose was alternated when it was required, vastly increasing their pick and drives and running off the pillars when evident that the Wallabies were struggling.
The challenge will be to achieve this against the Springboks. Against both the World Cup holders and France this year, New Zealand have laboured at times to dominate in the tackle area.
The cattle and technique are there but, as with their basic skills in all facets, it is more a question of accuracy and patience. This could sum up their attack, with the All Blacks showing neither quality in spades.
In this, the All Blacks are very much a diamond in the rough. They are showing a willingness to run with the ball and employ an offensive stratagem, far more than their opponents, but the execution is not there.
While the desire is clearly evident, the tenets of such attack are missing, which also form the backbone of historic All Black rugby. Hard direct running, close lines of support and exquisite short off-loading are just not coming together for Henry’s men.
In many respects, heaven help the opposition when they slot the final pieces of the grand jigsaw, for against both South Africa and Australia they have made numerous breaks and running metres (almost double that of their opponents in the competition so far) but unforced errors have derailed their phases.
In this the men on the pitch must be responsible, but here a recent strength of New Zealand rugby, already seen under Henry, needs to again come to the fore. Depth of players, and the resulting competition for places it ensures.
This was evidenced through the performances by both Ma’a Nonu and Rodney So’oialo in Sydney when coming off the bench. With the All Blacks having other options in their positions (Luke McAlister and Kieran Read), the two Hurricanes came on to the park and played as if their very lives depended on it.
Contrast this to Mils Muliaina, who despite being an excellent player, hasn’t quite delivered to his very high standards in 2009. Is he a little more relaxed knowing a certain Leon Macdonald isn’t challenging for his position?
This is where New Zealand’s jewel in the crown – the Air New Zealand Cup – is crucial. This year we have seen All Blacks filtering back into the competition, but non-performing Test players should be put on notice. Equally strong domestic performers should be rewarded.
Joe Rokocoko re-earned his Test spot with a winger’s master-class performance for Auckland at Kerikeri domain, but still his position should be on notice. Otherwise it is an affront to the battalions of New Zealand wingers, such as Hosea Gear, Rudi Wulf, Rene Ranger and Fetu’u Vainikolo who perform week in and week out.
Still, if anything the frustration felt by the All Blacks' public is symptomatic of their demands for success and reflective of the usual high standards of the most successful Test team (World Cups aside) in the modern game.
And beyond the above mentioned “platforms” to work with, 2009 has unveiled many positives.
Isaac Ross and Owen Franks have been unearthed as long-term options, crucial considering Ali Williams' absence and the struggle to fill the immense shoes of Carl Hayman.
The defensive ethos of the All Blacks is strong, employing a mixed strategy of rush, swarm and umbrella tackle systems.
But for all the lack of crispness in New Zealand’s game, it is clear beyond any pessimism that they are - despite struggling to implement – looking at an innovative attacking match-day strategy that could pay dividends come 2011.
As it was when they introduced a Randwick-style attack to their arsenal in 2004, the reality is that these new approaches take time.
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This was evidenced through the performances by both Ma’a Nonu and Rodney So’oialo in Sydney when coming off the bench. With the All Blacks having other options in their positions (Luke McAlister and Kieran Read), the two Hurricanes came on to the park and played as if their very lives depended on it.
Contrast this to Mils Muliaina, who despite being an excellent player, hasn’t quite delivered to his very high standards in 2009. Is he a little more relaxed knowing a certain Leon Macdonald isn’t challenging for his position?
This is where New Zealand’s jewel in the crown – the Air New Zealand Cup – is crucial. This year we have seen All Blacks filtering back into the competition, but non-performing Test players should be put on notice. Equally strong domestic performers should be rewarded.
Joe Rokocoko re-earned his Test spot with a winger’s master-class performance for Auckland at Kerikeri domain, but still his position should be on notice. Otherwise it is an affront to the battalions of New Zealand wingers, such as Hosea Gear, Rudi Wulf, Rene Ranger and Fetu’u Vainikolo who perform week in and week out.
Still, if anything the frustration felt by the All Blacks' public is symptomatic of their demands for success and reflective of the usual high standards of the most successful Test team (World Cups aside) in the modern game.
And beyond the above mentioned “platforms” to work with, 2009 has unveiled many positives.
Isaac Ross and Owen Franks have been unearthed as long-term options, crucial considering Ali Williams' absence and the struggle to fill the immense shoes of Carl Hayman.
The defensive ethos of the All Blacks is strong, employing a mixed strategy of rush, swarm and umbrella tackle systems.
But for all the lack of crispness in New Zealand’s game, it is clear beyond any pessimism that they are - despite struggling to implement – looking at an innovative attacking match-day strategy that could pay dividends come 2011.
As it was when they introduced a Randwick-style attack to their arsenal in 2004, the reality is that these new approaches take time.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Carter breaks Australian hearts at the bitter end
Black out … Brad Thorn celebrates New Zealand's epic Bledisloe Test win last night.
Photo: Dallas Kilponen
Wallabies 18 All Blacks 19
THE Wallabies' Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup campaigns ended in the most excruciating fashion when Dan Carter kicked a 78th-minute penalty goal to win the most dramatic of Tests 19-18 at ANZ Stadium last night.
The Wallabies appeared set to win 18-16 until Australian winger Lachie Turner was penalised for not releasing the ball, enabling Carter to kick the winning penalty.
The home team had their chances in the final minutes when they charged at the All Blacks line, but it all ended when replacement prop Ben Alexander dropped the ball near the line, ending the game.
This was the most demoralising of losses for the Wallabies, as they led for most of the game, showed great courage and an exceptional defensive effort, but fell just short.
It was a messy, disjointed first-half and the Wallabies survived on mere scraps, but somehow they were able to enjoy a 12-3 lead at the break.
This lead would have confounded many, especially as the All Blacks had the ball in hand far more often than the home team, the Wallabies scrum was extremely shaky prompting tight-head prop Al Baxter to be replaced after just 30 minutes. Australia often seemed uncertain what exactly they were doing.
There were high kicks, but also enough attacking play to revitalise the 80,228 crowd. However the erratic skills affected the spectacle.
Ultimately the first half all revolved around the rigid nature of the Wallabies defence which on endless occasions kept the All Blacks, who were mustered well by their five-eighth Daniel Carter, well away from their tryline. So effective was the midfield defensive line that the All Blacks eventually found themselves getting flustered, prompting errors and turnovers.
But this did not mean that the Wallabies often found relief at the other end of the field. They were constantly perched in the New Zealand half. Their first real attacking opportunity did not occur until the 28th minute, and it was soon thwarted.
Instead the Wallabies had to rely on their occasional moments when they got into the All Blacks half, and the New Zealanders' frustration at the breakdown, which saw the referee Jonathan Kaplan providing a glut of penalties in Australia's favour.
Kaplan was clearly onto All Black captain Richie McCaw, while his teammates were harshly dealt with when they talked back to the South African referee, prompting them to marched down the field.
While the All Blacks were often the guilty party, several of Kaplan's decisions in Australia's favour were questionable, and the Wallabies, who were roughly dealt with in the previous two Tests by the whistleblowers, suddenly discovered the benefits of home ground advantage.
While Matt Giteau's precise goalkicking boot gave the Wallabies the scoreboard advantage, his play at five-eighth was also constructive. Giteau and Carter were the first half standouts, both directing play well, but around them other players suffered from nerves and bed hands.
The scrums were, as expected, all over the place, with the All Blacks getting the early ascendency on Baxter's side of the scrum. After Baxter was penalised for dropping the scrum in the 30th minute, he was replaced by Ben Alexander - but the setpiece didn't exactly improve dramatically.
In the second half, the Wallabies had to rearrange their attack when Berrick Barnes had to be replaced because of a neck injury, which saw replacement Ryan Cross go to outside centre, and Adam Ashley-Cooper take over at No 12. Then Drew Mitchell found himself at fullback when James O'Connor had to be replaced because of a corked leg.
Ill-discipline also bobbed up for the Wallabies at the wrong time, with Richard Brown, for the second Test running, heading to the sinbin in the 43rd minute after a dangerous tackle on All Blacks prop Owen Franks.
But the Wallabies were able to survive this dangerous period as they conceded just three points, even though just before Brown returned to the field, the All Blacks had a Carter try disallowed because of a forward pass. Then minutes later, Jimmy Cowan had a try disallowed for obstruction.
But in the 64th minute replacement back Ma'a Nonu looped around several forwards to score the opening try.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Confident . . . The All Blacks' Daniel Carter says he's ready to take the field as he signs autographs in Sydney yesterday.
Photo: Getty Images
Carter set to slot straight in
If Dan Carter has any hidden fear about his Test comeback for the All Blacks on Saturday, he wasn't showing any when it was confirmed yesterday.
After being preferred to Stephen Donald as the All Blacks' starting five-eighth for the Test against the Wallabies in Sydney, Carter spoke as if time had stood still since he was sidelined six months ago with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Asked if he had any apprehension about returning after only three NPC clashes for Canterbury and one for his Southbridge club, Carter said: ''I'm just wanting to enjoy the week. Obviously, [after] not playing for so long, anxiety can tend to kick in, but we have a great bunch of guys working around me. I have a bit of experience so I know what works for me. So long as I concentrate on things I need to do everything will tend to take care of itself.''
Carter, for whom Saturday's Test will be his 59th, even dismissed any concern about having to fast-track his knowledge of the All Blacks' game plans.
''A lot of them are the same base moves we have had the last few years,'' Carter said. ''There are just a subtle few changes to a few things that I have picked up on the last few days. It is a matter of really nailing those early in the week so I have clarity in the mind for the second half of the week.''
Forget any butterflies about his head-to-head against Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau either. He is relishing the challenge of facing one of the best.
''He is extremely settled in that No.10 jersey now after being shifted around 12 and 9,'' Carter said. ''I think he is the best man for that position, and the way he has been playing the last 12 months has been awesome. He is definitely developing and getting better every time he gets out there.''
Carter's one worry though is for the wellbeing of Luke McAlister, who was named at No.12 and could not train yesterday due to a back spasm. However, the uncertainty of who will play outside him - McAlister or Ma'a Nonu - was not troubling Carter.
''I have played a lot with Ma'a also,'' he said. ''There are slight differences to how they play, but I am lucky enough to have played alongside both of them.''
Carter and McAlister might not have fond memories of the last time they played together. It was when France beat them in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final at Cardiff. But their selection also reflects the belief that the benched Nonu's game has slipped.
''Luke gives us an extra kicking game. So there is a right and left footer there,'' coach Graham Henry said.
ALL BLACKS: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Rodney So'oialo, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Ma'a Nonu.
Volatile mix has All Blacks fizzing
Desperation, excitement and impatience make for a volatile mix and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw knows his team are going to have to keep a lid on things in the leadup to Saturday's vital clash with the Wallabies.
New Zealand have to channel their emotions into the right areas as their Tri-Nations title goes on the line and the Bledisloe Cup beckons as well.
But McCaw also senses a bit of confidence surfacing in his camp and that might be the most crucial ingredient for a side eager to atone for their twin losses to the Springboks.
It's been a long two and a half weeks since then with McCaw's men brooding on things.
"We had some time away and it's nice to be able to get back and put in place the things we want to get right for Saturday. I think the guys are pretty excited about it," McCaw said, adding that there was also "a little bit" of impatience.
"We have to make sure that we don't play the game today or tomorrow. We just have to make sure that we leave it right for Saturday.
"I think the guys understand that. Certainly the guys are pretty excited about getting out there. We've just got to make sure we hold them back a wee bit. But that's a good thing."
McCaw said that adding to his team's challenge was the fact that the Wallabies were also smarting after getting their butts spanked twice in a row in a Tri-Nations tournament that has been upended by the Boks.
"We have to remember that we are up against a team that's in exactly the same boat so that's going to make for a pretty good test if you get two desperate teams," he said.
"The thing is you have to make sure that you don't let that get on top of you. You have to go out and execute what you are after. If you do that you give yourself a chance.
"It's not the nicest situation to be in but you will see how good guys are at being able to get themselves back up and performing."
From experience – the All Blacks have twice been on the end of two losses in a row under Graham Henry's reign – McCaw said there wasn't a massive need for motivation. The results tended to do that themselves.
"Last year the guys were pretty desperate to get it right and that's the same this year. You don't have to do a whole lot. Most of the guys understand that we didn't play as well we could have and they are pretty desperate to get that right. They are pretty proud sort of guys."
While the All Blacks might enjoy a mental edge over Robbie Deans' Wallabies, having won three tight encounters against them in their last tests, the New Zealanders had shown similar vulnerability against the Boks this year.
McCaw believed this weekend's test would be a lot about composure.
"We got under pressure in Bloemfontein and Durban and they (the Springboks) capitalised on that. We had an opportunity and we let it slip.
"It would be nice to take advantage of that but the way some games go, you get put under pressure and you make mistakes. That's what disappointed us and I'm sure the Wallabies will be the same.
"So you aim to make sure that when you get your critical periods - and there's probably a couple in each test match - you have to make the most of it or you come second."
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