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Why the All Blacks have an 'opportunity' to 'ambush' this year's RWC
By Finn Morton
Don’t put it down to the luck of the Irish, the world’s No. 1 team are more than deserving of the ‘favourites’ tag ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
Ireland were the world's top ranked side for two weeks ahead of the sport's most prestigious event four years ago in Japan, but this feels different.
While their semi-final curse remains unbroken, Ireland’s convincing win over rivals France in the Six Nations weekend has reaffirmed the greatness this team possesses.
History beckons, should they be good enough to take it.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks will go into this year’s World Cup as one of the favourites, but certainly not the favourite.
It doesn’t happen often; in many ways it never has at a Rugby World Cup before, but the All Blacks will be playing without the pressure and expectation of being the best.
Following a lacklustre start to their 2022 season, which included two losses to Ireland, former Test halfback Justin Marshall believes the All Blacks are ready to “ambush” this year’s World Cup.
“When you look at the current state of the game at the moment, the All Blacks are by no means standing out as better than any of the other sides,” Marshall told The Platform.
“On any given day, probably the top four teams in the world could beat the All Blacks, and they’ve shown that in the last two years.
“There’s nothing secret about that, that’s just statistically has happened.
“In my mind, I feel that that pressure has been alleviated, now it’s just about the ambition to play.
“It’s just whether or not the All Blacks can come out of their shell and be the side we know they can be, and not worry about the fact that they’re a side that’s under pressure.
“I don’t feel that the pressure come September, October, will be on them; definitely gonna be on France, the home nation… and certainly it will be on Ireland.
“It’s an opportunity for the All Blacks to change the way they’re playing, to show the rest of the world something different, start playing to our strengths, and produce the type of rugby the rest of the world hasn’t seen then play in a couple of years.
“That’s their opportunity to ambush that Rugby World Cup.”
The All Blacks’ path to World Cup glory is far from straightforward.
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A along with World No. 2 France, who are hosting the tournament.
Ian Fosters team will have to overcome the vibrant home crowd in the tournaments opening match, as they search for a convincing building win over another genuine contender.
From there, should they make the quarterfinals, the All Blacks will probably have to face either South Africa, Ireland or Scotland.
This World Cup promises to be the most exciting and competitive tournament yet.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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