Razagenus Rugby Rave

Over the past three games the current squad of All Blacks have gone from determined, hard men to unsure, soft boys.

The loss to an impressive and improving Wallabies resembled a recently formed 2^nd-fifteen providing a hit-out session for a well drilled 1^st-fifteen.

 Equivalents in size and stature but dissimilar when it comes to class and structure.

This is not an observation on the metal of each individual member; it is a scrutiny of a team without direction.

There were exceptions, and I bet Robbie Deans wishes he could just call Dan Carter into the top team, along with Sivivatu and Hore.

But this was an international, and an important one at that. The tri-nations is all but over as a contest for the All Blacks, and they must now put all their efforts into retaining the Bledisloe.

I don’t agree with Laurie Mains comments about a need to replace Nonu in favour of a kicking option at second-five, a robust, experienced halfback with a strong kicking game would alleviate the excess pressure put on carter to clear.

Piri Weepu, not only has a quick and large box-kick from the base of the ruck, he has had first-five experience and can use his boot as an attacking weapon. He demonstrated this on Friday with a cross field kick to set up a try and the win for his Wellington Lions team against Canterbury.

It is clear we lost the battle and the war at the breakdown, although this will surely change in Auckland with the loss of Rocky Elsom and the possible return of Richie McCaw. However there is a case to be made for the young Maori and Waikato loosey Liam Messam to be given his chance sooner rather than later.

Liam Messam has to be the top supportive loose forward in the country, with his Jamaican like pace and sevens nous. Combine this with So’oialo’s workrate and McCaw’s superiority at the breakdown, and you have a well balanced back row.   

One of the most glaring deficiencies in the back row apart from the work at the ruck, was the lack of support play. After multiple breaks by Sivivatu and Carter, just one or two passes would have resulted in ties.

It is not just the role of loose forwards to be in support after breaks it is the any reputable 13 would be there in a flash, and the final pass should go to the other wing.

Here both of Graham Henry’s changes failed along with the tactics, I just hope the man can reflect on the test, be honest about his mistakes and rotate where necessary.  

Time to ‘man up’ Mr Henry and your ‘boyz’ will follow.