The outcome of the upcoming Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and South Africa in Paris will heavily depend on the performance in the opening quarter of the match.
Both teams aim to establish an early advantage, either by making impactful offensive moves or by executing strong defensive strategies to thwart their opponent’s aspirations.
Scott McLeod, the All Blacks’ defense coach, emphasized the critical nature of the first 20 minutes of the game, acknowledging that both sides are well aware of its significance.
He stressed the importance of precision, displaying the desired skills, and simultaneously applying pressure during this initial phase. McLeod also acknowledged the challenge of combating mental fatigue, especially considering the extended duration of the tournament.
The challenge of maintaining mental and physical freshness is a multifaceted one, with McLeod pointing out that the team has 33 fit players, some of whom have recently recovered from injuries and are feeling relatively fresh. He emphasized that the belief derived from successful performances in the quarterfinals and semifinals contributes to this mental freshness and readiness for the final match.
McLeod expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts in refining specific aspects of their game, highlighting the successful application of their system in crucial moments during the quarter and semifinal matches. He emphasized the need to harness this progress for the final showdown.
Analyzing the semifinal against Argentina, McLeod noted the intense physicality displayed by the opposition, a trait expected from South Africa as well. He emphasized the need for precision in set-pieces and scrums, as the tournament has demonstrated the importance of being on point in these areas.
The 35-7 loss to South Africa in the All Blacks’ last warm-up match served as a reminder of their ability to adapt to different game scenarios rather than mere motivation. McLeod highlighted the lessons learned from playing with fewer players during that game and how they’ve applied those lessons throughout the tournament.
South Africa’s aerial game is a key aspect of their tactical approach, and the All Blacks will focus on addressing this in their preparations. McLeod recognized South Africa’s proficiency in winning the ball in the air and their ability to transition quickly to an attacking position. The All Blacks intend to develop strategies to counter South Africa’s aerial prowess and turn those moments into opportunities for themselves.
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