New Zealand’s decision-making will be key against France, says Cane
Kiwis aim to be clinical and physical in their final autumn international after loss against Ireland
16 November 2021 - 14:18
byNick Said
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Sam Cane of the All Blacks looks on during the 2020 Tri-Nations rugby match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Argentina Los Pumas at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Australia on November 14 2020 . Picture: GETTY IMAGES/CAMERON SPENCE
New Zealand loose-forward Sam Cane says his side will have to make better decisions in the heat of battle when they take on France in their final autumn international series clash in Paris on Saturday.
The usually ruthless New Zealanders were second best in their 29-20 loss to Ireland in Dublin last Saturday as they struggled to get into their attacking stride.
Cane did not play in that game but says the team review of the match revealed their shortcomings.
“There was some decision-making that got brought up in front of the team and it is never easy for individuals when that happens,” Cane said on Monday.
“But if you view it as moments of growth, those individuals can get better, and we can improve as a team.
“I think we can be proud of the way we defended; we just need to have that same intent on our attack. The best response [against France] would be a clinical and a physical one.”
New Zealand had no counter to Ireland once the home side were on a roll, which brought up the question of whether they have the ability to change their style of play away from the expansive game to something more like traditional Test rugby.
“We do have different styles of play. We showed that against Wales when we went through the forwards a lot. We do have those things in our toolbox,” Cane said.
“But on the weekend there were times when things like that were called and we just didn’t execute. Or the ball carrier didn’t get the dominance that is required against a quality defensive side. We ended up having to kick possession away because we were in no position to attack.
“When you are under pressure and things aren’t going your way, it is about the mental ability to stick to what the team is good at, and stick to your job and your role.”
France have the ability to stretch New Zealand as well. Cane says stopping playmaker Antoine Dupont and starving the scrumhalf of quick ball are key.
“A lot of their game revolves around Dupont. There will be a lot of work needed around the ruck this weekend to limit his abilities,” he said. “They have dynamic ball carriers with good footwork who can offload. And they have exciting attacking guys out wide too.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
New Zealand’s decision-making will be key against France, says Cane
Kiwis aim to be clinical and physical in their final autumn international after loss against Ireland
New Zealand loose-forward Sam Cane says his side will have to make better decisions in the heat of battle when they take on France in their final autumn international series clash in Paris on Saturday.
The usually ruthless New Zealanders were second best in their 29-20 loss to Ireland in Dublin last Saturday as they struggled to get into their attacking stride.
Cane did not play in that game but says the team review of the match revealed their shortcomings.
“There was some decision-making that got brought up in front of the team and it is never easy for individuals when that happens,” Cane said on Monday.
“But if you view it as moments of growth, those individuals can get better, and we can improve as a team.
“I think we can be proud of the way we defended; we just need to have that same intent on our attack. The best response [against France] would be a clinical and a physical one.”
New Zealand had no counter to Ireland once the home side were on a roll, which brought up the question of whether they have the ability to change their style of play away from the expansive game to something more like traditional Test rugby.
“We do have different styles of play. We showed that against Wales when we went through the forwards a lot. We do have those things in our toolbox,” Cane said.
“But on the weekend there were times when things like that were called and we just didn’t execute. Or the ball carrier didn’t get the dominance that is required against a quality defensive side. We ended up having to kick possession away because we were in no position to attack.
“When you are under pressure and things aren’t going your way, it is about the mental ability to stick to what the team is good at, and stick to your job and your role.”
France have the ability to stretch New Zealand as well. Cane says stopping playmaker Antoine Dupont and starving the scrumhalf of quick ball are key.
“A lot of their game revolves around Dupont. There will be a lot of work needed around the ruck this weekend to limit his abilities,” he said. “They have dynamic ball carriers with good footwork who can offload. And they have exciting attacking guys out wide too.”
Reuters
Boks must prepare well for England battle, says coach Nienaber
Mapimpi strikes at a rate of knots in Boks’ victory over Scotland
Springboks turn attention to England at Twickenham
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Springboks turn attention to England at Twickenham
GAVIN RICH: Ireland pop hubris bubble about All Blacks
Kitshoff says Boks have plenty left in the tank ahead of England Test
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.