Discipline and execution will be at the forefront for the All Blacks as they prepare for Saturday’s second Lipovitan D Rugby Championship Test against Argentina at Eden Park.
After Saturday’s 30-38 loss in Wellington, Beauden Barrett said the All Blacks had not played with determination, especially in their own half, and had problems clearing their kick-offs and applying pressure.
“That will be a focus next week, as will discipline. We can’t afford to give up that many penalties against any team. It’s super frustrating and disappointing at the same time.”
They had prepared for Argentina’s style of play and knew that everything had to be disciplined.
“Everything we’ve talked about has probably brought it to our attention at times, and we haven’t dealt with it as well as we would have liked.”
Argentina are a physical team and if they can control the clock and force penalties then it increases the pressure on set pieces. Games become arm wrestles and when they score their goals it’s a tough night.
“They are an emotional team. When that is fed, they are always tough, so we have to improve our game, it is as simple as that.”
The All Blacks will refocus and see next week as an opportunity to improve again as a lot of growth was needed.
“It’s about sticking with it, learning and being better next week because tonight just wasn’t up to our standards.
“When we got some momentum, the game turned in our favor and we had our moments. But then there were too many moments that we didn’t take advantage of in the decisive moments.”
Second five-eighth defender Jordie Barrett said the game was a choppy affair and when they had chances they probably tried to force their way through and forced things. They were also sloppy in the middle third of the field.
“We could have put them under a little more pressure, perhaps with our kicking game. It’s disappointing.”
Argentina’s style of play was exactly what the All Blacks wanted.
“They are a good team, strong in the breakdown, often gave us the ball and are a passionate team that doesn’t give up. We have to take this lightly and get better. And we will get better.”
“We felt like we maybe went a little bit overboard on the collision, especially in the first half. We talked about it at halftime and it got a little better after halftime. But once we started scoring points, we couldn’t get out (of the restarts) and compounded a few mistakes.
“We didn’t manage to capitalize on our opportunities. We’re going to go back, improve individually, look in the mirror first and check how we prepare for these guys next week.”
“They are a good team, you have to respect them and they are getting better every week.”
