As the Super 14 season begins its final rounds, four of the five New Zealand teams are strong enough and in a position to mount a serious challenge for the title.

First, let’s look at a combined snapshot of the four teams in contention.  Otago, the only team from New Zealand not in the picture – are hardly an embarrassed team.  They contain only two international capped players.  Their worst loss was by 15 points to the Waikato Chiefs.  All of their other losses were by no more than eight points – three of them by four points or less.  They are a team in the first year of rebuilding, with 12 players debuting at Super 14 level – twice as much as any other team in the tournament.

The top four Kiwi teams currently hold a combined 21 wins and eight losses (with one draw), with 834 points scored against 577 conceded.  While some may argue that these ledgers are greatly favoured by the performance of the six-time champions, the Crusaders, the reality is that this team wields four of the central cogs to the All Black machine in Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ali Williams and Leon Macdonald.

'New Zealand teams are the best players of rugby on the planet. But when supremely challenged, they are wanting in the mental discipline of top competition'


The real threat of the New Zealand sides has been in attack.  They continue their historic strength of positive running rugby, coupled with authoritative ruck play, and variation to their strike power.  With the exception of the Hurricanes - who have lacked their traditional freewheeling attack patterns – the New Zealand teams are far and away the most successful offensive units in the competition. 

Like the All Blacks, they rarely play percentage rugby and keep the ball in hand, relying on a loose blueprint for their game plans.  The exception to this are the Crusaders, who incorporate both styles into their tried-and-tested style of play – incorporating lethal counter-attacking mentality with a rational kicking game.

All New Zealand teams, Otago included, utilise these attacking mentalities with a robust set piece.  All have improved markedly with their lin- outs, with key line-out options competing far more than previously seen. But, as seen over the last four years, the scrum - now with a more prominent role in the modern game under the ELVs – is a dominant weapon in the Kiwi game.

Defensively, the Kiwi teams have been firm – but have at times been brittle, with an attitude that the best defence is a good offence.  The two leaders in this category have been the Crusaders and the Hurricanes, with the first and third ranked defensive records respectively; although the two teams incorporate a very different style. 

The tournament’s top team rely on a patient set line of defence with a drift, with McCaw often hanging back off the first tackles to impose on the tackle area.  The Hurricanes rely on their All Black trio of loose forwards, and immense man-on-man tackling – almost an offensive defensive system.

But their team’s willingness to play loose football has led to strong teams capitalising on lack of structure.  Also, a deficiency of trust has led to players moving out of defensive lines.  But when teams decide to stand up to Kiwi physicality, they often draw them into playing away from their natural style, which can at times make them look ordinary.

Case in point the Blues and the Chiefs. who have lost games, especially at the contact area with physical South African packs.

The biggest concern is the weakness sometimes exhibited by the All Black team – and this is best exemplified by the Auckland Blues.  Confidence – which the Blues showed in droves in their first three games in the season, scoring 18 tries.  In five games since, they have scored only eight; and to be realistic, they look a fading unit, despite having nine past or present All Blacks in their XV. 

I will be bold and state that New Zealand teams are the best players of rugby on the planet. But when supremely challenged, they are wanting in the mental discipline of top competition.

This shows a simple lesson for Graham Henry when compiling the first All Black team of 2008. Continue the great traditional of attack minded rugby, but instal the necessary intelligence and percentage play to avoid the ensuing mental disintegration that has lost key games over New Zealanders' proud history.

Current New Zealand teams (courtesy of Rugby Heaven.co.nz)

1.
 Crusaders
 7
 7
 0
 0
 248
 73
 5
 33
3.
 Blues
 8
 5
 0
 3
 227
 171
 4
 24
4.
 Chiefs
 8
 5
 0
 3
 225
 222
 3
 23
7.
 Hurricanes
 7
 4
 1
 2
 134
 111
 3
 21
12.
 Highlanders
 7
 1
 0
 6
 135
 164
 6
 10