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AUCKLAND. — England narrowly lost last Saturday’s first Test but their blitz defence has been causing New Zealanders to sit up and take notice.
If the visitors manage to bounce back to square the series in Auckland on Saturday it will be partly because their line speed has succeeded in reducing the time and space available to one of the world’s most skilled backlines.
While the All Blacks did create two first-half tries in their 16-15 victory in Dunedin and England could not nail all their tackles, the collective urgency and intent of the onrushing white-shirted defenders were more apparent then ever.
It is also here to stay as long as its choreographer, Felix Jones, remains involved with the England setup.
Jones, who represented Ireland as a player, was among the backroom staff who helped guide South Africa to Worlf Cup glory at New Zealand’s expense last year and has now brought his box of tools to Twickenham.
From his perspective, the game is not overly complicated.
“At some stage rugby still boils down to: ‘You are a ball carrier and I am a tackler so where is this thing going to end up?’
“Most defences, generally speaking, are trying to take away time and space. The limits of that are often determined by how well you can tackle.”
With Henry Slade leading the charge to put pressure on the All Black midfield, it is far from a risk-free tactic against dangerous ball-players such as Damian McKenzie and Rieko Ioane. Jones says New Zealand sides are among the hardest to subdue given their slick handling skills and ability to punish the slightest misjudgement.
“Any time you play against New Zealand you have to be right at your upper levels — tactically, execution-wise, physically and intensity — to be in the mix with it,” he said.
“They have a skill set that is on the top of the world. I’m talking handling, footwork and their identification of space. Their physical abilities, intensity and desperation to win is right at the upper level as well. That makes them very difficult.”
The key to wrong footing sides such as the All Blacks, he believes, is striking a consistent balance between risk and potential reward. “There is risk that comes with it but if you back off too much for fear of making an error they are going to punish you in any case,” he said. — The Guardian.
Online Reporter