Posted Mon 08 Aug 2011 09:47I was massively impressed by the All Blacks against the Boks lite. And even more impressed after Saturday night.
They had great structure against the Boks, but they added juggernaut intensity to their game on Saturday.
I have never been a big Henry fan, but I have to admit he is managing his selections, players, team and game tactics brilliantly this year. Even a few K1's on this forum would be eating their words about his selections after the game.
I don't know about the rest of you, but this side really live the All Blacks mantra - Dominate then penetrate. And that is the start and end of why they won so well on Saturday.
For Oz, I hope dingo doesn't throw the baby out with the bathwater. There were some good and not so good things to come out of Saturday.
The not so good really had to do with attitude, maturity and the vigour up front to compete at the top level. (Then you have to do this consistently like the Blacks).
The good was Higginbottom. He has to start next week. I'm not so sure about the fringe selections Dingo is toying with because I reckon there's a few players in the squad who deserve a run who haven't been given a look in. eg; Robinson over Hodgson and one or two positional changes like putting OBieber at 12.
In the back of his mind he knows he's got Polota Nau, Barnes, Palu, Robinson and a few others not far away so maybe that's why he is sticking with the current line up.
It wont get any easier this week for them. A quick turn around to face the men with the miraculous recuperative powers.
I reckon we should put the springboks in the next Boags ad.