New Zealand - Clinical

Could New Zealand’s game-plan in their demolition of France have been in greater contrast to South Africa’s narrow win over Wales?

While the Springboks carried the ball into contact and crashed and bashed to grind down Wales in a no-frills abrasive power display, the All Blacks ran into space, passing, supporting, off-loading, playing wide, with all 23 players showing a wide range of skill. The Boks one moment of creative skill gave them their solo, winning try while the All Blacks scored nine tries, more than a few of them spectacular.

Their contrasting styles notwithstanding, both teams won, and their semi-final clash at Twickenham on Saturday will provide an absorbing contest of polar opposites in strategic philosophies.

Most people expected New Zealand to beat France, but few expected the French to be so conclusively demolished, comprehensively outplayed from kick-off to final whistle.

Except for a first-half dumb penalty conceded by Brodie Retallick and then a weirdly idiotic penalty from Wyatt Crockett when his team were strongly on attack and had possession and momentum, this was a performance of wondrous class and sublime skill from the All Blacks.

Among the team highlights:

*     The clinical execution of skills on attack.
*     Clinically tight defence.
*     Running into space, with such intelligent support lines that the French defence couldn’t cope.
*     Showing that you don’t have to carry the ball repeatedly into contact to commit defenders.
*     Quick hands under pressure of time and space – from forwards and backs alike.
*     Breakdown efficiency.
*     Competing on opponents’ lineouts.
*     Most of all, showing that the players can step up their level of performance massively from the pool games to the knock-out games.

Among individual player highlights:

*     Julian Savea may make errors but he is lethal with ball in hand, with superlative power and skill.
*     Ben Smith’s skills level is sublime – and have you ever seen a fullback with higher workrate?
*     Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith showed again they are the outstanding 12-13 duo in world rugby.
*     Dan Carter showed more than glimpses of being back to his genius best.
*     Nehe Milner-Skudder beating defenders through elusive skill is one of the joys of RWC 2015.
*     Richie McCaw was vintage Richie McCaw.
*     Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read were potent on attack and defence.
*     Except for once abandoning his lineout 5m area to become an illegal second receiver, Dane Coles was again a star.
*     Sam Whitelock is hitting his peak at just the right time.
*     Brodie Retallick made up for his dumb penalty with his charge-down and try soon after.
*     Joe Moody and Charlie Faumuina can catch and pass like backs.
*     Beauden Barrett is an ideal utility backline sub.