Breaking News: Defense Coach Provides Insight as All Blacks Set Record for Points Conceded

All Blacks Defense Coach Reviews Rugby Championship Campaign

The All Blacks set an unwanted record during their 2024 Rugby Championship campaign, conceding the most points ever in a single season. However, defense coach Hansen took a measured approach in evaluating the team’s overall performance.

Hansen praised the team for their victory against the Wallabies in Wellington, highlighting the improvements that enabled them to finish strong in the match. “In the last couple of weeks, our preparation has been solid,” he said during an interview with Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB. “Last night, we stacked together some better moments in our performance.”

He noted the team’s effective control of territory and the pressure they applied to Australia, stating, “The most encouraging aspect for us was how we managed territory and kept Australia pinned in their half. There were several instances where we demonstrated strong control.”

Defensively, Hansen commended the players for their effort, particularly in goal-line defense. “The boys showed confidence and courage while defending the line,” he said, emphasizing that such tenacity is expected in the All Blacks jersey. He also acknowledged the strengths of their opponents: “Australia is a very good attacking side. They displayed subtlety and adaptability in their game, challenging us from various areas.”

Hansen recognized the defensive contributions of Tamati Ellison and praised the leadership on the field. “It was great to see the composure exhibited by our leaders. With defense, sometimes it’s about enduring, and we did well in that aspect. We need to improve on the yellow card situation at the end, which is something we’ve been working on.”

On the leadership front, Scott “Scooter” Barrett received special commendation for his captaincy. “Scooter managed the game exceptionally well, making smart decisions about whether to corner Australia or take the points.”

Looking ahead to the Northern Tour, Hansen emphasized the need for a thorough analysis to determine focus areas for the upcoming matches. “The key for us will be to sit down as a group and identify three critical areas to concentrate on,” he said. “In many cases, less is more. We need to focus on controlling territory, maintaining composure when exiting our half, and applying pressure.”

Hansen noted that moments of possession showcased their dominance, but there were times when their attacking fluidity could have been better. “Understanding the conditions in Europe will be crucial. We’ll be facing very strong teams at home, and it’s a significant challenge we’ve already discussed as a group. We’re excited about what lies ahead.”