RoastedLinuxAll Black shade cast on European nations
November 27th 2008 21:49
As they look to close out a third European Grand Slam against England on Saturday, the All Blacks form at the moment is unrivalled, and once again, they have made the northern Hemisphere look ordinary, bar forty minutes against Wales last week.
New Zealand's performance against the Welsh at Millennium Stadium shows that the flavour of victory, flair and consistency still reigns on Graham Henry's team more than any other.
They have been the powerbrokers that generally make sides on form look very ordinary. Its something in New Zealand's arsenal that cannot be matched at the moment.
Last Saturday's match against Wales proved just how far ahead they are from, not just European nations, but fellow Southern giants Australia and South Africa.
Although the current Welsh team have the potential to get considerably better, (they took the Grand Slam in fine style earlier this year and should have beaten world champions South Africa earlier this month) New Zealand still beat them by 20 points against 70,000 roaring Welsh supporters baying for their blood.
One has to praise the All Blacks for that, and that's exactly how Wales coach Warren Gatland reacted.
He was proud of his Welsh troops, but also acknowledged that his test side
is still a work in progress, following their disastrous 2007 world cup campaign.
Most teams would have cracked under the Welsh pressure in the first half but the All Blacks never flinched for one minute.
This shows that New Zealand are still much fitter than their European counterparts. Admittedly they always look pretty lean in those famous black shirts, not to mention their depth is first class.
What other nation could lose the best part of a World Cup squad which transfers to the northern hemisphere in the last 12 months and bounce back like this?
It's their greatest strength. There is always somebody waiting in the wings.
It is almost a given that the All Blacks will beat England judging by their performances so far. They generally fire when it is not World Cup year and this looks to be the case when they battle the English.
No doubt New Zealand will have plenty to look forward to if England's performance against South Africa is repeated at Twickenham this weekend.
If so, another Grand Slam awaits them, and their ability to garner victories under pressure will continue to serve them well, until 2011 at least.
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