By WYNNE GRAY
Five from five - the All Blacks cannot do any better.
Midway through their international schedule for the new millennium, the All Blacks have yet to be defeated. However in the sporting phrasebook which is used after each test, there are still plenty of things to work on.
It was ever thus for the men in black and for such a pragmatic panel, led by low-key coach Wayne Smith, to say anything different would be a significant shock.
If coaching staff let New Zealand glimpse their real assessments, to hone in on a mythical whiteboard where they rated the team and season in a variety of categories, there would be a huge swag of ticks.
But it only gets more difficult. Presuming the Wallabies deal to the Springboks in Sydney tonight, the return Bledisloe Cup and Tri-nations test in Wellington next Saturday becomes a monumental match.
Victory would return the Bledisloe Cup to these shores, and depending on the bonus points, give the All Blacks a decent grip on the Tri-Nations title for the fourth year. Another result, and anything goes.
It is a delicate balance, perhaps make or break for the season at the new Wellington Stadium.
Forget any quibbles about the 27 who have been All Blacks this year. The selectors scanned the Super 12 with microscope, magnifying glass and computer and came up with the best.
They visited each franchise once, spoke about their selection and style criteria for the All Blacks, then stood back and watched who qualified.
Aware of some previous player dissatisfaction, the panel gathered the squad at the rugby institute in Palmerston North and between them worked out their ideas, objectives, desires, plans and collective responsibilities. One in, all in was the definite motto.
A woeful Tonga were smashed, an average Scotland dealt to twice, the most difficult challenge of beating the Wallabies in Sydney was accomplished, then the skill-impaired Boks countered in Christchurch.
Smith, a man who espouses traditional rugby values, challenged convention early.
After the side won 102-0 against Tonga he made seven changes for the Scotland match and has continued with that rotation pattern. He was accused of cheapening the jersey, giving soft caps and unsettling his troops.
Smith's defence came on many fronts. His squad accepted his plan, they were all equal and selected as test players, it created better internal competition, planned for possible injury and showed the real value of using the substitutes' bench.
Fortune has helped the All Blacks. They have had few significant injuries so Smith and Co can make calculated selection changes and also have meaningful training sessions.
Much has been made of the enthusiasm, the esprit de corps among the All Blacks this year when winning remains the best feel-good remedy.
Victories have come with some judicious coaching and selection choices.
A lack of top-class locks and the need for a new skipper opened the channels for Todd Blackadder, who has increased the brotherhood bond among the troops.
Christian Cullen went back to fullback, Ron Cribb emerged enough for Taine Randell to go to blindside, Pita Alatini has been given his chance, while the threequarters are being given width and chances.
And Smith's coaching style is apparent.
Defence is a cornerstone, though he wants a fluid attacking style with players encouraged to use their instincts.
That came with devastating early effect against the Wallabies before an overhaul in tactics against the Boks, where Andrew Mehrtens' kicking prowess, Cullen's genius and brutal tackling kept them at bay.
Patterns are appearing. Smith is coaching the team.
That is his brief. He does not want to be an orator or in the limelight, he has been signed up to coach.
And select. There are a few issues there. Halfback Justin Marshall has played strongly, but more as a fourth loose forward with the variety of decision-making not yet super sharp, the tight forwards still do not appear to have the physical edge or cohesion the Wallabies and Boks bring, while lineouts and kickoffs are variable.
The Highlanders front row have not imposed themselves, it is inconsistent and may get a change for the next stoush with the Wallabies.
As Smith says, his team have plenty to work on.
Inspecting that journey for the second half of this season should be as fascinating as the voyage in the first half.
Rugby: ABs still have work to do
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