Laurie Mains expressed optimism regarding the All Blacks’ recent victory over the Wallabies, despite concerns about nearly losing a substantial lead. While New Zealand successfully defended the Bledisloe Cup, there was evident frustration among coaches, players, and fans due to ongoing struggles in the second half.
Mains noted that these issues are relatively minor and emphasized the potential showcased by the All Blacks in the first half of the match. He believes that the coaching staff, led by Scott Robertson, is well-equipped to address the problems.
“The first half-hour was sublime, demonstrating the team’s capabilities,” Mains remarked. “I’d rather win like this than lose, and it’s reassuring to know we have such strong rugby in our arsenal. We just need to improve on the areas where we’re slipping.”
He also highlighted that the decline of Australian rugby has affected the All Blacks’ consistency in recent years, echoing sentiments from players like Mils Muliaina about the current state of Super Rugby. Mains emphasized the necessity of a strong Australian team for the overall health of international rugby.
Mains acknowledged that the All Blacks are currently in a transitional phase after losing several key players post-2023 Rugby World Cup. He pointed out that integrating new players and developing effective combinations under pressure takes time, which was evident in the recent match.
Moreover, he noted that many teams have caught up to the All Blacks, leading to a competitive landscape where the differences in quality among the top teams are minimal. Mains referenced a specific try by Australia as an example of the small margins that can influence games, indicating that lapses in coverage can allow opponents to capitalize.
He concluded that the presence of strong competitors like Argentina and England is beneficial for the sport, as it enhances the overall quality of rugby worldwide.
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