New Zealand continued their march for the Quarter Finals with a comfortable win against Namibia even if they were kept under pressure by a good first half showing by Namibia. The taking of opportunities and the general efficiency of the All Blacks was key to success and bodes well for their future.
By half time they had left with points on 18% of their attacks. Yet, Namibia had kept them under pressure. Taking pints on 13% of their 22 opportunities. Whilst all these points came from 50m area, for a team of Namibia’s quality this is a high return. Meanwhile, they will hope to improve their progression to the NZ 22m area.
NZ’s efficient attack started at the beginning of the match.The image above shows the set up for their first try. By starting a maul New Zealand force Namibia to commit. This draws in all their forwards. Where normally you would set up guards and close quarter defenders using this forwards.
While this is not a fault on Namibia’s side, as they will have to stop the maul as it is the current and present danger, it forces 3 backs to anchor inside the 15m channel. This contracts the entire line as they have to be connected and prevent the close offloading game. A confrontational offloading game had worked to great effect v Canada but the All Blacks instead experimented and started to vary their game.
This wide angle shows New Zealand’s structure of first phase. Whilst it gives two options for Namibia to worry about, the move is predestined. This means that the inside centre (Positioned to the right of the 15m line) can immediately clear the ruck. This allows the All Blacks to realign with the strike play ready to be used.
The play has drawn Namibia in, having to defend a more confrontational play. This leaves the 15m channel undefended, and Tromp can’t get across. The limitations on Namibia mean the play is almost undefendable and clearly, New Zealand are preparing and running strike plays in preparation for harder tests.
Off this scrum New Zealand have another 2 phase move set up to go. This time rather than rely on forwards straight off, they instead play using Goodhue on the second run on a direct line. By running straight and aiming for the posts Goodhue keeps the All Blacks wide and prevents them getting drawn into an arm wrestle with Namibia close to the posts.
Namibia could not have really done much, and the pure talent of Aaron Smith finishes off the try. By firing the ball directly to Ben Smith it stops Namibia being able to realign and make an impact upon the NZ attack.
Look at the image above. The All Blacks have managed to clear the ruck with such efficiency they have prevented Namibia offering the threat they had earlier in the half. The wonder of the pass is that despite Namibia having a numerical advantage, the pass cuts out the defenders.
The scary thing for World RUgby is that New Zealand whilst showing some of their cards know the entire deck. They have been here before, they are beginning to perform at just a fraction of their performance and blowing, admittedly mainly amateur teams, out of the water. Even South Africa struggled with that extra gear that the All Blacks have. The periods pressure where New Zealand become unplayable will need to be restricted by any side otherwise there will only be one name inscribed on that trophy again.
The Analysis Guy 