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Ian Smith: ‘Shaky’ All Blacks team a worrying trend on and off the field
Ian Smith • September 9th, 2024 10:00 am
Are you a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person? Mine's less than half empty after this weekend - it's dry.
The All Blacks’ performance in Cape Town was a repeat of the week before, this time losing 18-12 to the Springboks – no bench impact, no discipline, costly errors and question marks over a number of selections.
The Ranfurly Shield has gone to Tasman by a single point, the Hawke’s Bay cupboard is bare, and 37 Stableford points wasn't enough for me to get the job done yesterday either – it's been depressing, honestly.
Friday morning’s omelet full of expectation and promise has disappeared, to now be dished up cereal on Monday morning, it just doesn't taste as good.
Let’s be honest, this is not an All Blacks team that fills one full of confidence now, or going forward. When it's at its peak, it has quality everywhere, but specifically in the 7, 9 and 10 jerseys and the on-field leadership.
When it’s at its peak, the black jersey is settled and respected in all those areas.
All Black Test matches shouldn't be and aren't about the future – they're about the now – each its own entity, each its own significance.
Ian Foster was not allowed to be judged by the future, he was hammered for the now, just as every other All Blacks coach down the ages has been regarded. The day we are comfortable with a loss to protect the future, that - at best - will be a sad one.
This team has shaky leadership off the field: exit Leon MacDonald after five Test matches.
This team has shaky leadership on the field: repeat performances of ill-discipline plainly evident at very key moments.
The old Bledisloe Cup is looking a little bit lonely in that NZR cabinet, fellas. This trend is not very good.
Tune into Ian Smith on SENZ Mornings, 9am to midday every weekday except Thursday.
