All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod is expecting a different challenge from Australia after facing the more “confrontational” Argentina and South Africa.
New Zealand head into the Bledisloe Cup atop the Rugby Championship table, leading by one point over the remaining teams, with the title race wide open.
Running rugby
McLeod believes that his side has to be prepared for a lot more ball in hand from their opposition with less emphasis on kicking.
“The rain, and the way we’ve played against Argentina and South Africa over the last four weeks, is different to what we will experience with Australia,” McLeod said to the media.
“We’ve been working on seeing our space that hopefully Aussie is going to give us, but also getting our spacings right on defence.
“We got really compact against the Argies and we don’t want to be that tight against Australia.
“We’ve played two teams that are very confrontational, with skill and good kicking space so we’ve been able to adapt to that style of play.
“But again, Australia bring a lot more attacking threats. A lot more ball-in-hand, a higher skill level so we’ve had to get ready for that.”
McLeod outlined veteran Kurtley Beale as a threat after the 33-year-old was called up to the Wallabies squad by coach Dave Rennie. The All Blacks know his skillset and the threat he brings to their defensive line.
“Absolutely, he’s back for a reason. He’s got a brilliant skillset, he’s one of the best open field ball-running players in the world,” McLeod said.
“I’m sure that’s why they’ve picked him, so we are expecting that.”
Koroibete threat
Another concern of McLeod’s is wing Marika Koroibete, who has been tearing up the Test rugby scene in 2022 with hard carrying, massive tackles and electric pace.
McLeod hopes the ball does not get to the star wing that much as they look to nullify his impact in the Rugby Championship clash.
“Hopefully the ball doesn’t get to him, so we will look at that first and if it does, we just can’t give him time and space,” he added.
“He’s extremely strong, he’s got fantastic footwork and a great skillset. We are wanting to eliminate his time on the ball.”
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