England and Ireland win - what next for the Kiwis?
Ireland wins its first ever test series in New Zealand - but with the World Cup on the horizon, where do New Zealand go from here? Meanwhile, England wins in Australia - Mike Penistone looks at both series and asks what the impacts of each one will be.
New Zealand 22 v Ireland 32
Australia 17 v England 21
The aftermath
“There will be blood.” (D Day-Lewis)
Make no mistake this defeat of the All – Blacks will have repercussions globally. Kiwi players and coaches who have lived off the status of the All – Blacks will not find it quite so easy to walk into playing and coaching positions.
A rugby history and culture are now under threat, the haka less imposing? Where are the next generation of second row forwards?
Public scrutiny will be immediate and brutal. Interesting that the Kiwi post game panel insisted on changes but couldn’t come up with the fine detail.
The bloodletting may begin this week.
- The coach and coaching staff may go.
- The captain almost certainly will.
- The World cup could influence the issue or maybe they should just ignore it?
Redemption needs to be swift, winning immediate.
All – Blacks next 6 games are.
South Africa away twice.
Pumas at home twice
Australia home and away
Imagine if they lost to Australia at Eden Park in the final game???????????
The spring tour to Europe must be totally successful, no losses, and the world Cup a must win.
Given the current squad of players, especially the forwards, a tough ask. Who would have thought toughness would be an All – Black issue?
In two tests they have been comprehensively outplayed by an organised and exciting Irish team who could play at the advantage line and create space.
The All-Blacks dependent on individual effort and a piece of brilliance.
In the first half the Irish had belief- confidence – quality execution and a courageous. captain