New Zealand intends to find its compass against Namibia

“recovery” : That’s the motto this week for the New Zealand rugby team. After failing to take part in the Rugby World Cup by losing their opening match to France, the All Blacks no longer have any room to manoeuvre. They must win their remaining three group matches to reach the quarter-finals. An uncomfortable and unprecedented situation: it is the first time in their history that a team from the long white cloud country has lost a match in the group stage of a World Cup.

However, listening to the team’s players and coaches this week, the content of the second match, on Friday against Namibia (9pm, in Toulouse and on TF1), will be just as important as the final result. There are many questions regarding the game and strategy of the All Blacks. It was highlighted by the scenario of most of the first matches in this World Cup, where the ‘playful’ teams who kept possession of the ball struggled.

New Zealand, the more dangerous as they were able to wear down their opponents with their speed, possession and movement of the ball, were manhandled by the French kicking game. We also saw England beat Argentina without scoring a try, and Wales beat Fiji thanks to their tackles. Not a coincidence, according to Ian Foster. He added: “The first matches were affected by the weather conditions, especially the heat and humidity. There were an incredible number of kicks. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen international matches like this before.” He detailed the Kiwi technician during the week.

Its tank is weak

Choppy matches, interspersed with water breaks and wasting actual playing time: everything New Zealand hates, with ambitious animation. “These conditions make it difficult to double up and we saw a lot of loose balls in attack. The weather will cool down a bit and we will try to implement our strategy: we have a fairly clear idea of ​​what we want to do, and we will make sure it comes out., Ian Foster insisted again.

Despite the defeat, the latter largely rotated his team, relieving several executives. However, not all of them: in addition to Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett in particular, who have already lined up against the Blues, second-row Sam Whitlock will start on Friday and will, with 148 matches played, equal the record number of selections in the black jersey held by the famous former captain Richie McCaw. Brody Retallick, who is returning from injury, will play in 66 games^H Combined match, once again an absolute record.

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