New Zealand did not let a purely analytical approach to the match tape cloud their decision-making during their review of their Rugby Championship first-round loss to Argentina, according to defence coach Scott Henson.
Hanson, known for his outspokenness, was more direct than ever when he spoke to the media at the All Blacks team hotel on Monday, admitting “they’ve been underperforming and the team needs to find a new level physically”. and Mentally.
Throughout the week leading up to the Test, the Kiwis had consistently talked about starting strong in order to avoid a repeat of their historic 2021 defeat in Christchurch. But once the game got underway, Argentina held the All Blacks back with a strong defence, taking just two steps to get to the 22m line at the halfway mark after being knocked out.
They were full of attacking ambition when they had the ball, while in defence they showed their typical Argentine physicality. Despite conceding 10 penalties in the first half, the visitors were able to play in the right areas of the field.
“When you look at the facts and remove the emotions, the reality is that we were trapped in half of ourselves,” Hanson said. “Our effectiveness in getting out of there wasn’t good enough.
“Argentina were able to put pressure on us and we didn’t respond well enough in that regard.
“So what does that look like? Efficiency, understanding that we’re going to play better in our own half. When we go into Argentina’s half, the fact is that when we press, we get points.
“But our technology has also let us down at times in execution. So, that will be our focus.”
22m items
‘Execution’ became the buzzword after the game, with the Barrett brothers Bowden and Jordi and Ethan Blackladder quickly pointing out how the team had underperformed in that regard.
Jordi told the press that while the lack of execution could affect the players’ confidence, it is no excuse for the result. Hanson expanded on this on Monday, saying the players have to go through the emotions and come out on the other side.
“They’re men. You make them feel it, and you make them feel it because they care. So you give them time and space to feel it, and we still do. There’s hurt there, and that’s how it should be.
“As we go into this week, what started as a review this morning, is now a process of where we engage in opportunities to get better at that learning. What does that look like as a team? But more than anything, as individuals, it’s about where we are, where we’ve learned, and where we can get better.”
The team will need to find a balance between emotion and composure if they are to get a better result in the second round replay at Eden Park.
“Great athletes have both: the ability to use their skills when under pressure, and the ability to stay mentally connected to their skill set when they need to be resilient.
“Not everything in life goes as planned, but the next opportunity is a chance to check and reset quality control.
“So, the challenge for our group is that we used the word ‘finish’ today. We need to finish our skill set, so how we prepare this week will be centered around that.”
