All Blacks demolish Springboks again
By MARC HINTON - Stuff
Last updated 20:23 17/07/2010
Forget the great Party Central debate. The fun is to be had where the All Blacks are these days as Graham Henry's men play a brand of rugby that is as energising as it is entertaining.
For the second straight week the revitalised All Blacks have taken care of business against the world champion Springboks, on Saturday night securing their 11th test win on the trot with another outstanding display in Wellington, prevailing 31-17, four tries to two, in a near carbon copy from last week at Eden Park.
The Boks were much better this week, but it was telling that they were still second in this contest by some margin and once again could not prevent the New Zealanders running in four tries and taking the bonus point which puts them into a commanding spot on the Tri-Nations table.
It was not quite the complete All Black performance that we saw at Eden Park, but it was nonetheless another impressive one from Richie McCaw and his men as they continued their ruthless attacking form, again defended very well and had the standout individuals on the park for the second straight week.
Led by a couple of hometown heroes in Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu and another showcase performance from No 8 Kieran Read, the All Blacks were superior in most aspects against a more urgent Springboks outfit. McCaw also had a mighty match on defence and at the tackle where he engineered a succession of key turnovers.
There was also a nice little cameo from Israel Dagg off the bench, including a dazzling try late in the match that sealed the deal, another fine display from Mils Muliaina at the back and a continuation of Cory Jane's precision play on the wing.
The Boks forwards were more competitive this week and it was good to see Schalk Burger, in particular, becoming more visible with a much better performance. They even got amongst the home lineout in the second spell and either side of halftime managed to get some promising flow on that put the New Zealanders under real pressure.
But the All Blacks were superb mentally, punishing the Boks with two tries for some early ill-discipline and then closing the game down when they had to. They took their chances superbly and their defence was again brilliant as the South Africans struggled to convert their pressure into points at key times.
On a horrible old night in the capital the All Blacks burst out of the blocks with some beautiful rugby to go 10-0 up within a dozen minutes. And once again the New Zealanders punished the South Africans for yet more poor discipline.
The culprit this time was Danie Rossouw - Bakkies Botha's replacement, would you believe -- who was handed a yellow card for a niggly little nudge on Richie McCaw while he was on the deck, an offence that didn't just cost his team three points (a kickable penalty was reversed) but a further 10 as the All Blacks punished the under-manned South Africans with two quick strikes.
They were exhilarating scores, too, launched from deep with pace and precision, which is a good sign as this All Black attacking game rumbles into some pretty formidable form.
Nonu's try was set up by a fabulous raid down the right touchline that saw Read, Jane and McCaw all show their skills, and when Nonu finally entered the fray across field the powerhouse No 12 could not be stopped as he drove over like the bulldozer he is.
Then soon after Weepu - having a fabulous game - set up a try for Mils Muliaina with a great break down the middle and then a perfectly weighted pass for the fullback to steam on to and finish a 75m strike.
The Springboks didn't exactly roll over and play dead though and once Rossouw returned from his 10 minutes of purgatory, the visitors actually had the better of the next half-hour or so, getting the margin back to six by the break - thanks to an atoning try from the big second-rower.
The Boks also had their chances through the third quarter, but a nice finish by Rene Ranger out wide on the left - for his first test try in his first start - took the All Blacks out to an 18-10 lead that was soon extended by a further three when Weepu banged over a tricky penalty into the breeze.
From there the Boks were teetering on the brink and, a quarter of an hour out, when Dagg entered the fray and dazzled a succession of Boks defenders down the right touchline this baby was over. It was a superb piece of skill and footwork by the talented Hawke's Bay speedster and left the visitors playing for pride only over the final quarter of an hour.
Weepu had led the haka with as much gusto and passion as I've see from anyone and then the chunky little halfback proceeded to unleash a blinder in his first test start in 18 months. Judging by this effort, his days as Mr Impact off the bench could be at an end.
It was notable afterwards to hear Graham Henry label him the "player of the match" and wax decidedly lyrical about his halfback's contribution.
Read too made a powerful start to this match, causing all sort of problems with his mix of power and skilful offloads, and for the second straight week he played his highly rated opposite, Pierre Spies, off the park.
McCaw's contributions cannot be taken for granted either. He is at the heart of everything that is good for these All Blacks and his tireless play undoubtedly inspires his team-mates to go the extra yard.
Ranger also got through a busy night in his first test as a starter, his hands letting him down on a couple of occasions, but the Northlander doing well to finish the one clear chance that came his way. All told a promising night for the rookie 23-year-old.
With the win, the All Blacks extended their record at the Wellington venue to 11 wins from 13 since 2000, and also continue a fabulous rebuild from the ruins of last year's Springboks sweep. They've now won 11 in a row and though these deeds will mean nothing come next year's World Cup, valuable confidence, cohesion and character is being assimilated.
Afterwards McCaw reflected on another pretty satisfying night's work.
"I'm really proud of the boys," he said. "It's always easy to put one performance out there but to back it up tonight I'm very happy. The Boks certainly came to play and it was pretty physical out there."
McCaw said the message at halftime had been about urgency and the need to re-establish it, and it was refreshing to see his side soak up the pressure and then continue to build their lead.
"Defence can be a difference we had to defend pretty hard there and turn over the ball a couple of times and getting down the other end and score is what you've got to do in these games.
"When you're playing against the best in the world that's where you test yourself. To have two wins and two pretty good performances, we're very happy."
Let the partying begin. There's certainly plenty to celebrate for anyone who calls this All Blacks side their own.
All Blacks 31 (Ma'a Nonu, Mils Muliaina, Rene Ranger, Israel Dagg tries; Daniel Carter 2 pen, con, Piri Weepu pen)
South Africa 17 (Danie Rossouw, Schalk Burger tries; Morne Steyn pen, 2 con).
Halftime: 13-7.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
All Blacks close in on pointscoring record
NZPA
Last updated 13:59 14/07/2010
Barring a major reversal of fortune the All Blacks will become the most prolific pointscorers in test rugby history on Saturday night.
New Zealand have been steadily gaining on France as the all-time leading scorers and now need just seven points in the Tri-Nations test against South Africa here to climb to the top rung.
In 660 tests, France have scored 11,792 points while the All Blacks have reached 11,786 in just 462 tests.
Given the New Zealanders have racked up 169 points in the first four tests of the year, the record is sure to fall and they should open up a clear lead before France next play, in November.
The All Blacks need just seven tries to overtake France's 1561 in the all-time tryscoring stakes and three conversions to be the first team to land 1000 of them in tests.
Tests played Won Points for Tries Cons Pens
France 660 364 11,792 1561 907 909
New Zealand 462 345 11,786 1555 997 953
Australia 509 256 10,260 1315 766 959
Wales 612 316 9860 1325 755 905
England 629 332 9837 1351 767 955
Argentina 331 183 9513 1244 769 688
South Africa 386 246 8713 1093 699 747
Ireland 593 248 7924 1014 574 793
Scotland 592 251 7542 1019 563 776
New Zealand and Argentina are the only leading nations to have landed more conversions than penalties
Last updated 13:59 14/07/2010
Barring a major reversal of fortune the All Blacks will become the most prolific pointscorers in test rugby history on Saturday night.
New Zealand have been steadily gaining on France as the all-time leading scorers and now need just seven points in the Tri-Nations test against South Africa here to climb to the top rung.
In 660 tests, France have scored 11,792 points while the All Blacks have reached 11,786 in just 462 tests.
Given the New Zealanders have racked up 169 points in the first four tests of the year, the record is sure to fall and they should open up a clear lead before France next play, in November.
The All Blacks need just seven tries to overtake France's 1561 in the all-time tryscoring stakes and three conversions to be the first team to land 1000 of them in tests.
Tests played Won Points for Tries Cons Pens
France 660 364 11,792 1561 907 909
New Zealand 462 345 11,786 1555 997 953
Australia 509 256 10,260 1315 766 959
Wales 612 316 9860 1325 755 905
England 629 332 9837 1351 767 955
Argentina 331 183 9513 1244 769 688
South Africa 386 246 8713 1093 699 747
Ireland 593 248 7924 1014 574 793
Scotland 592 251 7542 1019 563 776
New Zealand and Argentina are the only leading nations to have landed more conversions than penalties
Aggression key to matching Tri Nations heavyweights
ADAM FREIER
July 11, 2010
What's not to like about New Zealand and South African Rugby at present? We are extremely lucky to be part of a Tri Nations to benchmark ourselves against the world's best. The South Africans are an extremely structured and predictable side, but even if you know what's happening next, it doesn't mean you can stop it.
They are clinical in set pieces and rely heavily on it being flawless, but last night showed that when their scrum and lineout are off, their performance suffers.
One of their strengths is the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking. It's not just the game plan that can look a little predictable, but the playing roster as well, in particular one B.Botha. Did anyone see the headbutt by Bakkies in the first 30seconds after being held back? How did the whole planet see that, but not one official?
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They even flashed to him during a penalty kick and he had a red mark on his head. Guilty. Surely he can't be playing for the next few weeks.
A trick has always been to "bully the bully" against the large Springbok packs. But it's not something the Wallabies should be strategically doing; it should be imbedded in them. Winning the physical battle is the most critical point of all when playing these two great rugby nations. South Africa are the world champions, but after the All Blacks emphatic 20-point victory last night, many would argue how much longer.
Why are the All Blacks are so difficult? They are almost the total opposite to the Springboks: unpredictable, elusive and very instinctive.
They have an ability to turn on points from any situation, and leave opponents thinking: "What just happened?" How do you predict Brad Thorn kicking a grubber?
An example was the break by Mils Muliaina, which then lead to the try set up by Richie McCaw to Conrad Smith. How do you prepare for that?
You can't. The only way you can is to ensure that your defensive line, off kicks, has no fractures.
Last night New Zealand showed immense purpose in everything they did - at the breakdown, and in counter rucking and ball carries. Every All Black ball-carry was with conviction. Keiran Read's try didn't come from anything special - he just ran hard and with purpose. They do the simple things extremely well.
A rugby result can be illustrated by the reaction of a coach at full-time.
Graham Henry is usually a wet blanket in showing emotion, but it was all smiles in the coach's box, and he left his seat clutching the air after every try was scored by his players. Even after the match the camera caught him strutting across the field with an "I told you so" look in his eye.
Last night demonstrated that the All Blacks are the real deal. The scrum was solid and lineout flawless.
Although gallant in defeat, the Springboks looked very predictable and flat when things didn't go their way. They did well to hang on and stay in the contest (with Victor Matfield and John Smit always pointing at the sticks), but I couldn't imagine any Australian fan being happy if the Wallabies came home with a similar result.
This is a massive line in the sand for the rest of the world to follow including the Wallabies.
How do we beat the All Blacks and Springboks? I don't have the answer, but after watching the Tri Nations opener in Auckland last night, it is clear that this isn't a competition of skill. It comes down to the contest of will. Skill is a trait that can be called upon, but the will and the intent of the warrior is what needs to come through. We don't need to just win the physical contest, we need to absolutely blow it apart. That trait must be etched in this very young and willing Wallabies side.
July 11, 2010
What's not to like about New Zealand and South African Rugby at present? We are extremely lucky to be part of a Tri Nations to benchmark ourselves against the world's best. The South Africans are an extremely structured and predictable side, but even if you know what's happening next, it doesn't mean you can stop it.
They are clinical in set pieces and rely heavily on it being flawless, but last night showed that when their scrum and lineout are off, their performance suffers.
One of their strengths is the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking. It's not just the game plan that can look a little predictable, but the playing roster as well, in particular one B.Botha. Did anyone see the headbutt by Bakkies in the first 30seconds after being held back? How did the whole planet see that, but not one official?
Advertisement: Story continues below
They even flashed to him during a penalty kick and he had a red mark on his head. Guilty. Surely he can't be playing for the next few weeks.
A trick has always been to "bully the bully" against the large Springbok packs. But it's not something the Wallabies should be strategically doing; it should be imbedded in them. Winning the physical battle is the most critical point of all when playing these two great rugby nations. South Africa are the world champions, but after the All Blacks emphatic 20-point victory last night, many would argue how much longer.
Why are the All Blacks are so difficult? They are almost the total opposite to the Springboks: unpredictable, elusive and very instinctive.
They have an ability to turn on points from any situation, and leave opponents thinking: "What just happened?" How do you predict Brad Thorn kicking a grubber?
An example was the break by Mils Muliaina, which then lead to the try set up by Richie McCaw to Conrad Smith. How do you prepare for that?
You can't. The only way you can is to ensure that your defensive line, off kicks, has no fractures.
Last night New Zealand showed immense purpose in everything they did - at the breakdown, and in counter rucking and ball carries. Every All Black ball-carry was with conviction. Keiran Read's try didn't come from anything special - he just ran hard and with purpose. They do the simple things extremely well.
A rugby result can be illustrated by the reaction of a coach at full-time.
Graham Henry is usually a wet blanket in showing emotion, but it was all smiles in the coach's box, and he left his seat clutching the air after every try was scored by his players. Even after the match the camera caught him strutting across the field with an "I told you so" look in his eye.
Last night demonstrated that the All Blacks are the real deal. The scrum was solid and lineout flawless.
Although gallant in defeat, the Springboks looked very predictable and flat when things didn't go their way. They did well to hang on and stay in the contest (with Victor Matfield and John Smit always pointing at the sticks), but I couldn't imagine any Australian fan being happy if the Wallabies came home with a similar result.
This is a massive line in the sand for the rest of the world to follow including the Wallabies.
How do we beat the All Blacks and Springboks? I don't have the answer, but after watching the Tri Nations opener in Auckland last night, it is clear that this isn't a competition of skill. It comes down to the contest of will. Skill is a trait that can be called upon, but the will and the intent of the warrior is what needs to come through. We don't need to just win the physical contest, we need to absolutely blow it apart. That trait must be etched in this very young and willing Wallabies side.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
All Blacks win first test of Tri-Nations
By GREG FORD - Stuff
Last updated 20:20 10/07/2010
If you are looking for a blueprint on how to beat the Springboks in next year's World Cup, the All Blacks presented one to the rugby world tonight during their emphatic win over the world champion South Africans.
Richie McCaw's All Blacks posted an emphatic four try bonus point 32-12 win at Eden Park to take an early upper hand in the Tri-Nations. But more importantly - smarting from last year's whitewash to South Africa - they managed to cook up a game-winning plan, which is sure to be repeated in Wellington on Saturday.
One play in particular is set to become the most studied of the year.
It came after just 18 minutes of play, off a South African set piece.
Morne Steyn booted the ball deep into All Black territory and what unfolded in the next six or seven seconds won the All Blacks the match. Mils Muliaina broke several tackles in his return before he offloaded to Richie McCaw who in turn found an unmarked Conrad Smith.
In one decisive sweeping counter attack the weapon South Africa used to such great effect against New Zealand last year was nullified.
As a rejoinder, it wasn't half bad. And what was to unfold in the next 60 minutes could be traced back to that moment; the moment when the All Blacks came up with a game plan to beat the Boks.
South Africa's tactics were the subject of considerable pre-match speculation.
Graham Henry had tipped we would see a more expansive Springboks.
But from the get-go they reverted to type and mounted an aerial assault.
Perhaps they were encouraged by an early fumble by Muliaina.
But the All Blacks back three were far better equipped to handle the predictable attack and were largely successful in defusing it. Muliaina had a fine attacking match and returned the ball with interest on most occasions. He opted to hand off to Cory Jane on several occasions.
While Jane didn't make as many line-breaks, he took intelligent options (safety first) and ensured the All Blacks retained possession, or re-directed play, to the right end of Eden Park.
For all the heroics on attack, the deciding factor for the All Blacks on the night was their defence.
It could be summed up in one word: angry.
Ever since the All Blacks were rolled last year by the Boks, they had stewed in their own rage. Their fury was there for all to see in the many punishing hits they unleashed. This gave them a decisive edge in the physical war and nullified any suggestion the big South African pack would bully McCaw's men.
The All Black front row had their pride severely dented against the Boks last year, when they were unceremoniously bullied.
But Saturday night featured a complete role reversal.
The hunter became the hunted, or should that be the shunted, and Owen Franks, the young All Blacks tight-head, came of age.
His work in the first three scrums (notably the third was sans Bakkies Botha while he was cooling his heels in the sinbin) was outstanding.
The South Africans were forced to abandon ship and stand up in the front row.
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The contest was more even in the second spell.
But the All Black lineout was also super solid and that gave the All Blacks enough quality possession to control the pace of the game.
Props who can play so effectively against South Africa, deserve instant hero status.
Franks isn't Kevin Skinner yet, but he packed a fair old punch in his 64 minutes and is well on his way to becoming a heavyweight of the game.
Ditto Kieran Read. The Crusaders No 8 was a complete and utter nuisance for South Africa on Saturday night.
He tackled like a lion and wore his spoilers' hat with aplomb. Few players are game to play this role for fear of giving away penalties.
Read may have erred a couple of times.
But the impact he made combined with his try played a defining role on the outcome of the match.
Brad Thorn was not far behind in terms of influence and McCaw also had a hand in most things. Tony Woodcock bagged the bonus point for the All Black which was a reward for the tight five who toiled so effectively.
New Zealand 32 (Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Tony Woodcock tries; Dan Carter 2 pen, 3 con)
South Africa 12 (Morne Steyn 4 pen).
Halftime: 20-3.
Last updated 20:20 10/07/2010
If you are looking for a blueprint on how to beat the Springboks in next year's World Cup, the All Blacks presented one to the rugby world tonight during their emphatic win over the world champion South Africans.
Richie McCaw's All Blacks posted an emphatic four try bonus point 32-12 win at Eden Park to take an early upper hand in the Tri-Nations. But more importantly - smarting from last year's whitewash to South Africa - they managed to cook up a game-winning plan, which is sure to be repeated in Wellington on Saturday.
One play in particular is set to become the most studied of the year.
It came after just 18 minutes of play, off a South African set piece.
Morne Steyn booted the ball deep into All Black territory and what unfolded in the next six or seven seconds won the All Blacks the match. Mils Muliaina broke several tackles in his return before he offloaded to Richie McCaw who in turn found an unmarked Conrad Smith.
In one decisive sweeping counter attack the weapon South Africa used to such great effect against New Zealand last year was nullified.
As a rejoinder, it wasn't half bad. And what was to unfold in the next 60 minutes could be traced back to that moment; the moment when the All Blacks came up with a game plan to beat the Boks.
South Africa's tactics were the subject of considerable pre-match speculation.
Graham Henry had tipped we would see a more expansive Springboks.
But from the get-go they reverted to type and mounted an aerial assault.
Perhaps they were encouraged by an early fumble by Muliaina.
But the All Blacks back three were far better equipped to handle the predictable attack and were largely successful in defusing it. Muliaina had a fine attacking match and returned the ball with interest on most occasions. He opted to hand off to Cory Jane on several occasions.
While Jane didn't make as many line-breaks, he took intelligent options (safety first) and ensured the All Blacks retained possession, or re-directed play, to the right end of Eden Park.
For all the heroics on attack, the deciding factor for the All Blacks on the night was their defence.
It could be summed up in one word: angry.
Ever since the All Blacks were rolled last year by the Boks, they had stewed in their own rage. Their fury was there for all to see in the many punishing hits they unleashed. This gave them a decisive edge in the physical war and nullified any suggestion the big South African pack would bully McCaw's men.
The All Black front row had their pride severely dented against the Boks last year, when they were unceremoniously bullied.
But Saturday night featured a complete role reversal.
The hunter became the hunted, or should that be the shunted, and Owen Franks, the young All Blacks tight-head, came of age.
His work in the first three scrums (notably the third was sans Bakkies Botha while he was cooling his heels in the sinbin) was outstanding.
The South Africans were forced to abandon ship and stand up in the front row.
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The contest was more even in the second spell.
But the All Black lineout was also super solid and that gave the All Blacks enough quality possession to control the pace of the game.
Props who can play so effectively against South Africa, deserve instant hero status.
Franks isn't Kevin Skinner yet, but he packed a fair old punch in his 64 minutes and is well on his way to becoming a heavyweight of the game.
Ditto Kieran Read. The Crusaders No 8 was a complete and utter nuisance for South Africa on Saturday night.
He tackled like a lion and wore his spoilers' hat with aplomb. Few players are game to play this role for fear of giving away penalties.
Read may have erred a couple of times.
But the impact he made combined with his try played a defining role on the outcome of the match.
Brad Thorn was not far behind in terms of influence and McCaw also had a hand in most things. Tony Woodcock bagged the bonus point for the All Black which was a reward for the tight five who toiled so effectively.
New Zealand 32 (Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Tony Woodcock tries; Dan Carter 2 pen, 3 con)
South Africa 12 (Morne Steyn 4 pen).
Halftime: 20-3.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
All Blacks looking to rub out Steyn
MARC HINTON
July 8, 2010 - 1:05PM
Stopping Steyn . . . The All Blacks have revealed they intend to put more pressure on Springboks five-eighth Morne Steyn in the opening Tri Nations Test in Auckland. Photo: Getty Images
Dan Carter doesn't normally give too much away in the leadup to a test, so it was interesting to hear the All Blacks playmaker practically paint a target on the back of his Springbok opposite this week.
If Carter is the king of five-eighths in world rugby, the acknowledged master in the most influential position on the field, then Morne Steyn is very much the young prince.
And Carter didn't mind raising the stakes ahead of Saturday's Tri Nations opener against the Springboks at Eden Park by painting his rival as the Bok who must be shackled.
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"He's been a valuable part of the South African side over the last couple years, and he's really grown as a player," said Carter.
"He's the kind of player that can turn a game with his accurate kicking game.
"So we need to put him under pressure. We've talked this week about shutting down his time and space and put his kicking under pressure. That can relieve the pressure on us a little bit.
"That's a big part of our game - stopping their game getting any flow. There's also the penalties. We've been punished in the past by giving away too many penalties with his goalkicking accuracy. We just can't afford to do that."
It's pretty standard stuff, but telling that Carter has chosen to highlight the game plan so vividly.
Perhaps the All Blacks feel that Steyn, into just his second season of test rugby, can be rattled. Not that they've managed it yet, with the Boks No 10 having guided his side to a sweep of the New Zealanders last year – and playing key roles each time.
He scored 53 points in the three test victories, including a record haul in Durban when he scored all of his side's points in a 31-18 win.
Carter believes tactics are going to be vital as the All Blacks look to haul in these runaway Boks and protect their outstanding test record on Eden Park. Right up there with that other crucial facet when you square off against the South Africans.
"You have to be very smart tactically and you also have to bring that physicality because that's what they're going to bring," added Carter.
"Tactically we have to work out the way they like to play and try to work out opportunities that provides for us. Hopefully we've nailed it."
Carter said the All Blacks had spent a lot of time over the past month studying the Boks game and had arrived at "a few ways we can exploit them".
He was also predicting a slightly more wide-ranging approach from them this time round.
"I think they'll be a bit more expansive than thy were last year, when obviously they put us under a lot of pressure with their kicking game. The way the game's gone with slight changes I guess there are more opportunities to keep ball in hand.
"The Bulls and Stormers did that extremely well this year, made the most of their opportunities, but also used their kicking game as a real weapon.
"I think they'll continue to do that this year because they put us under a lot of pressure in the past playing that style, but with a bit more balance between kicking and keeping the ball in hand."
Carter also shrugged off the delay in the Springboks team naming as having any sort of significance - "We know what to expect from them," he said – though did say they would miss master halfback Fourie du Preez who is out for the season.
He also hinted he's ready to take his own game up a level after missing the first tweo tests against the Boks last year.
"I've been pretty happy with the way I've played in June, but the Tri-Nations is another step up, we're up against the best teams in the world and I need to really deliver and step up to these challenges."
Sounds like Carter is up for the battle.
To that end don't be surprised if the Boks aren't putting the same sort of emphasis on the New Zealand No 10, that the All Blacks are on theirs.
July 8, 2010 - 1:05PM
Stopping Steyn . . . The All Blacks have revealed they intend to put more pressure on Springboks five-eighth Morne Steyn in the opening Tri Nations Test in Auckland. Photo: Getty Images
Dan Carter doesn't normally give too much away in the leadup to a test, so it was interesting to hear the All Blacks playmaker practically paint a target on the back of his Springbok opposite this week.
If Carter is the king of five-eighths in world rugby, the acknowledged master in the most influential position on the field, then Morne Steyn is very much the young prince.
And Carter didn't mind raising the stakes ahead of Saturday's Tri Nations opener against the Springboks at Eden Park by painting his rival as the Bok who must be shackled.
Advertisement: Story continues below
"He's been a valuable part of the South African side over the last couple years, and he's really grown as a player," said Carter.
"He's the kind of player that can turn a game with his accurate kicking game.
"So we need to put him under pressure. We've talked this week about shutting down his time and space and put his kicking under pressure. That can relieve the pressure on us a little bit.
"That's a big part of our game - stopping their game getting any flow. There's also the penalties. We've been punished in the past by giving away too many penalties with his goalkicking accuracy. We just can't afford to do that."
It's pretty standard stuff, but telling that Carter has chosen to highlight the game plan so vividly.
Perhaps the All Blacks feel that Steyn, into just his second season of test rugby, can be rattled. Not that they've managed it yet, with the Boks No 10 having guided his side to a sweep of the New Zealanders last year – and playing key roles each time.
He scored 53 points in the three test victories, including a record haul in Durban when he scored all of his side's points in a 31-18 win.
Carter believes tactics are going to be vital as the All Blacks look to haul in these runaway Boks and protect their outstanding test record on Eden Park. Right up there with that other crucial facet when you square off against the South Africans.
"You have to be very smart tactically and you also have to bring that physicality because that's what they're going to bring," added Carter.
"Tactically we have to work out the way they like to play and try to work out opportunities that provides for us. Hopefully we've nailed it."
Carter said the All Blacks had spent a lot of time over the past month studying the Boks game and had arrived at "a few ways we can exploit them".
He was also predicting a slightly more wide-ranging approach from them this time round.
"I think they'll be a bit more expansive than thy were last year, when obviously they put us under a lot of pressure with their kicking game. The way the game's gone with slight changes I guess there are more opportunities to keep ball in hand.
"The Bulls and Stormers did that extremely well this year, made the most of their opportunities, but also used their kicking game as a real weapon.
"I think they'll continue to do that this year because they put us under a lot of pressure in the past playing that style, but with a bit more balance between kicking and keeping the ball in hand."
Carter also shrugged off the delay in the Springboks team naming as having any sort of significance - "We know what to expect from them," he said – though did say they would miss master halfback Fourie du Preez who is out for the season.
He also hinted he's ready to take his own game up a level after missing the first tweo tests against the Boks last year.
"I've been pretty happy with the way I've played in June, but the Tri-Nations is another step up, we're up against the best teams in the world and I need to really deliver and step up to these challenges."
Sounds like Carter is up for the battle.
To that end don't be surprised if the Boks aren't putting the same sort of emphasis on the New Zealand No 10, that the All Blacks are on theirs.
All Blacks backline no longer run by one general
James Mortimer - (7/07/2010)
As always much focus coming into the first match of the Investec Tri Nations will be on the All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter, but the backline is rapidly losing its dependency on its mercurial conductor.
So a potential South African plan to shut down Carter may only free up other threats in the All Blacks backline.
The Springboks have quite possibly the most feared strategy when it comes to countering the influence of an opposition's number ten.
They possess arguably the world’s best kicking game, although while Morne Steyn is unchallenged as probably the finest kicking playmaker on the world stage, no doubt the Springboks potency will be lessened due to the absence of Fourie du Preez, and to a lesser degree Francois Steyn.
But the South Africans pressure system, especially defensively, is largely co-ordinated to shut down their opponent’s playmaker, and Carter will spend much of the game having formidable Springbok loose forwards charging at every opportunity.
A general truism with the All Blacks has been that if you can shut down Carter, you can shut down the black machine.
But to say that Carter is the only automatic selection in the back division is no longer accurate, and to claim that without him the three quarter line is impotent is equally false.
The All Blacks will roll out one of their most experienced back lines in history against the Springboks at Eden Park, with 346 caps from nine to 15.
More to the point, the backline is rapidly beginning to feel “first choice” but is also filling with options in the selection queue.
While there is no one to directly challenge Carter or perhaps Jimmy Cowan (despite a stacked line of quality scrumhalves in NZ rugby), every position now has a secondary option that if it is not quite world class, has the potential to be so.
A great reflection though on the quality of options around Carter is how understated it is that he is quickly found his Midas touch since again donning All Black colours.
Credit must be given to the man himself, but when looking at the youthful backline Carter operated with at the Crusaders, versus the division clad in black, a saying comes to mind – form is temporary, but class is permanent, yet such class will always shine when surrounded by those of comparable caste.
Cowan and Conrad Smith as it stands are embedded as the incumbents at the base of the scrum and at centre.
Smith’s influence in particular cannot be underestimated, considering that for so long the All Blacks struggled to find an automatic selection at 13.
His form so far this campaign in two outings has been nothing short of exemplary.
Ma’a Nonu returns and Graham Henry has indicated that his inclusion in the side, despite playing only 70 minutes of club rugby, is a recognition of the fact that he is effectively the nation’s first choice second five-eighth.
Question marks will always hang over the powerful line breaker for the fact that his style is inherent to occasional mistakes, but there is no doubting his growth into the role, cementing his position not only in the black jersey, but as one of the more intimidating backs in world rugby.
The Cowan, Nonu and Smith axis at 9, 12 and 13 represents well over 100 test matches and gives the All Blacks far more spine outside the previously thought “single vertebrae” that is Carter.
The outside three quarters are more interesting.
Cory Jane, playing in his 16th test match this weekend, seems to head what appears to be a verifiable squadron of All Blacks wingers. Joe Rokocoko is seemingly in a constant fight of late to retain his position, but his 62 tests add an appeal in experience, as does the still injured 43 test veteran Sitiveni Sivivatu.
Mils Muliaina, the most experienced All Black back in history, will be watched intensely as he now faces a real fight to hold his position thanks to the startling debut of Israel Dagg, not to mention the fact that Jane is generally regarded as a specialist custodian.
Either way Carter’s importance to the team is still immense, but alone his shoulders hardly bear the burden, considering the growth of the All Blacks backline.
As always much focus coming into the first match of the Investec Tri Nations will be on the All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter, but the backline is rapidly losing its dependency on its mercurial conductor.
So a potential South African plan to shut down Carter may only free up other threats in the All Blacks backline.
The Springboks have quite possibly the most feared strategy when it comes to countering the influence of an opposition's number ten.
They possess arguably the world’s best kicking game, although while Morne Steyn is unchallenged as probably the finest kicking playmaker on the world stage, no doubt the Springboks potency will be lessened due to the absence of Fourie du Preez, and to a lesser degree Francois Steyn.
But the South Africans pressure system, especially defensively, is largely co-ordinated to shut down their opponent’s playmaker, and Carter will spend much of the game having formidable Springbok loose forwards charging at every opportunity.
A general truism with the All Blacks has been that if you can shut down Carter, you can shut down the black machine.
But to say that Carter is the only automatic selection in the back division is no longer accurate, and to claim that without him the three quarter line is impotent is equally false.
The All Blacks will roll out one of their most experienced back lines in history against the Springboks at Eden Park, with 346 caps from nine to 15.
More to the point, the backline is rapidly beginning to feel “first choice” but is also filling with options in the selection queue.
While there is no one to directly challenge Carter or perhaps Jimmy Cowan (despite a stacked line of quality scrumhalves in NZ rugby), every position now has a secondary option that if it is not quite world class, has the potential to be so.
A great reflection though on the quality of options around Carter is how understated it is that he is quickly found his Midas touch since again donning All Black colours.
Credit must be given to the man himself, but when looking at the youthful backline Carter operated with at the Crusaders, versus the division clad in black, a saying comes to mind – form is temporary, but class is permanent, yet such class will always shine when surrounded by those of comparable caste.
Cowan and Conrad Smith as it stands are embedded as the incumbents at the base of the scrum and at centre.
Smith’s influence in particular cannot be underestimated, considering that for so long the All Blacks struggled to find an automatic selection at 13.
His form so far this campaign in two outings has been nothing short of exemplary.
Ma’a Nonu returns and Graham Henry has indicated that his inclusion in the side, despite playing only 70 minutes of club rugby, is a recognition of the fact that he is effectively the nation’s first choice second five-eighth.
Question marks will always hang over the powerful line breaker for the fact that his style is inherent to occasional mistakes, but there is no doubting his growth into the role, cementing his position not only in the black jersey, but as one of the more intimidating backs in world rugby.
The Cowan, Nonu and Smith axis at 9, 12 and 13 represents well over 100 test matches and gives the All Blacks far more spine outside the previously thought “single vertebrae” that is Carter.
The outside three quarters are more interesting.
Cory Jane, playing in his 16th test match this weekend, seems to head what appears to be a verifiable squadron of All Blacks wingers. Joe Rokocoko is seemingly in a constant fight of late to retain his position, but his 62 tests add an appeal in experience, as does the still injured 43 test veteran Sitiveni Sivivatu.
Mils Muliaina, the most experienced All Black back in history, will be watched intensely as he now faces a real fight to hold his position thanks to the startling debut of Israel Dagg, not to mention the fact that Jane is generally regarded as a specialist custodian.
Either way Carter’s importance to the team is still immense, but alone his shoulders hardly bear the burden, considering the growth of the All Blacks backline.
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