Yes, going to Europe this year for the All Blacks may not be without any challenges, with unfinished business ahead in this Spring Tour. But so far, so good though with not one but two wins off the trot.
One was a close win last weekend v England (22-24) at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium’s when the home reserve 23 couldn’t get it converted via the post that hit the bar, and now the ABs notched a huge win over Ireland (13-23) earlier this morning – both on their respective opposition teams’ home fortresses.
At one point, the lead did belong to the English and later the Irish thanks to their own good headstarts ahead of the ABs, particularly earlier in the 2nd half that sent a strong message to the ABs that their good times may well be over by the North.
But at the end of the day, we all want to see a stunning contest of rugby and yet they’ve delivered both times with a phenomenal fightback, and they’re not done yet with their fight back towards being the world’s best ranked rugby team.
They have France to play for next weekend in Paris – which isn’t going to be an easy run much like their recent games – before the ABs will finish their year in in two weeks from now at a different Allianz Stadium this time v Italy in Torino – who currently hosts the home games for Serie A side Juventus FC in Soccer/Football.
There’s no need for an introduction there in none other than outstanding All Blacks and Crusaders full-back Will Jordan, who never disappoints while he keeps on scoring a TRY or two per game. Every time someone is looking out for numbers, he puts his hand, always knows what to do it & answers this with perfection – simply a world-class player both physically and mentally. He could even dominate in any other contest Will wishes to play as well.
The next best consistent ABs star is Wallace Sititi on the blindside 6 from the Chiefs & gotta say he’s been delivering the goods that coach Scott Robertson is putting faith in him so far. Not only he’s sound in defense, he’s also paramount when it comes to these offloads & through tackle busts – especially via the counter-which suits his game so perfectly. Again, he’s a superstar in the making now in Europe off the back of his break in 2024.
He and Will have been ticking off winning games as of late based on their consistency, the work isn’t done yet for the ABs to be on top of the world once again.
Meanwhile, the best Irish player on show belongs to Bundee Aki on the inside midfield pack at No.12 – he’s also originally from NZ too just like a bunch of other adopted Internationals. He did a brilliant job covering & clearing up in defense in the way he offers through all areas in attack as if he’s thrown into an arm wrestling contest with loads of experience. It’s just a shame that his team fell off the rails later on like being a touch isolated while being scrappy with the ball.
And the one English player the Wallabies need to watch out for is Marcus Smith at 10. He’s the one who usually loves to convert kicks inside the posts in any kind from penalty goals, conversion goals off tries & even drop goals – he should’ve been kept through the end anyway. Is there more he can do? Yes, he’s also quick on the counter like that intercept TRY last weekend and as long he continues to find support, then he will no doubt guide England home like it was before.
