1
'Let's not sugarcoat it': All Blacks assistant on where the team is after losses to Boks
By Ben Smith
All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan says the team has reflected on their recent test series in South Africa, acknowledging both missed opportunities and the challenging environment against the world champions.
The held a commanding 27-17 lead in Johannesburg heading into the final quarter having put four tries on but saw it slip away with an ill-disciplined finish as the bench struggled to maintain control.
In Cape Town the side built a 12-3 lead before being overtaken by South Africa 13-12. The failure to convert kicks from goal into points hurt as the Springboks found another try late to seal the win.
"We sort of feel like we've missed the opportunities, and we just need to finish better in all honesty," Ryan said.
"And that's different areas of our game. It's not one thing in particular, but it's different parts of our own areas that we need to be honest about.
"But, you know, like full credit to the South Africans, the world champions, and they're right on top of their game, and it's where we want to get to."
The team has "had a hard look at themselves" over the break week and have come away with mixed feelings after suffering back-to-back defeats.
One the one hand, they are proud of their efforts in specific areas but the lingering disappointment of the end result hangs over the team.
"I think optimistic is a great word, to be honest. I think that, you know, we really are we," Ryan said.
"We are excited by how hard we pushed South Africa, but we're not satisfied by not getting across the line.
"But I don't know, in a weird way, you sort of, when you don't get the victories, you actually naturally look harder at yourselves.
"And that's what we've done, we've looked really hard at ourselves in our own areas. We've had to, you know, like, let's not sugarcoat it.
"We've just lost a couple of Tests in a row, so we have done that and but we are optimistic about where we're heading."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Wallaby reacts to the return of All Blacks enforcer Ethan de Groot
3
Martin Johnson's advice to Andy Farrell over Lions captaincy choice
4
Why South Africans are so sought after around the world
5
Latest Comments
Not sure the article has the date right for Roses' opening fixture
Go to commentsIt's good to see, as I expected, that you are inherently dishonest and won't answer three simple questions.
Your reflex is to react with abuse and vulgarity, highlighting your position's inherent weakness and ignorance. So feel free to abuse me all day because it does not take away the accuracy of my questions.
By refusing to address the questions and then answering with abuse, you confirm that they are accurate and truthful.
Again, refusing to answer the question allows you to avoid the fact that Ireland effectively brought its way to success, as everyone in the Southern Hemisphere understands.
I mean, the sad, simple fact is that in the recent QF loss to the ABs - Ireland scored one try, and all others were scored by Kiwis - including two by so-called "project players."
The amusing thing is—and I'm unsure if you realize how funny it is—when rolling out the abuse to all things Kiwi and Kiwi rugby, you are so blinded by your abuse that you haven't taken time to consider that you have multiple Kiwis running around in your national team and that your team's success is largely built off the Rugby IP of a Kiwi coach. I mean, a little self-reflection might assist here, I would imagine.
As I leave, let me leave you again with those three questions and the simple challenge of answering them: Are you honest enough to do so, or will you reply with abuse?
Agree or disagree:
1. The IRFU enacted a policy of "Project Players."
2. The policy targeted professional rugby players who they considered could, after the residency three-year residency period in existence at that time(now five years), play for Ireland.
3. None of the Southern Unions - RA, NZRFU, etc- have ever enacted any centralized policy and have ever had any "project player."
Go to comments