ABs must find thirst to defend title: Smith

Rugby analyst·NZ Herald·

13 Jul, 2015 05:00 PM3 mins to read

The physical threat the All Blacks face this week will be equally intense as the one they encountered in Samoa, but of an entirely different nature says Kieran Read. The All Black No 8 - who declared himself delighted to be back in the frosty climes of Christchurch and breathing fresh air - spoke like a man who was determined to knock the carnival vibe of last week on the head and restore order with a more accurate, bullish All Black performance.

Bedding in combos and building form only half the battle for world champions.

As much as the next four tests will be about the All Blacks bedding in combinations and building form, Conrad Smith says they will also be about finding the desperation to make history at the World Cup.

Being physically right in England by September is only half the battle in the All Blacks' quest to become the first team to defend the title. Having the desire and hunger is the other factor that must be spot on.

The All Blacks were motivated last time round by multiple failures at previous campaigns and particularly at the way they imploded in 2007. Many of the players who were involved in the 2007 disaster signed long-term contracts shortly after to stay in New Zealand to make amends.

It was a significant factor in the All Blacks' success of 2011.

Coming into the 2015 event as champions means the team won't be able to lean on failure as a driver.

"In terms of us as a team and the challenge [of the World Cup] that is something we have talked about," says Smith. "We have got to be as desperate to win as we were back then [2011].

"But no one has won it back to back ... hopefully we can get to that level of desperation, that level of want, so we can get another result."

Having dealt with his disappointment over the Super Rugby final, Smith is ready to throw himself headlong into what will be his 12th and last season with the All Blacks and be one of the key leaders in preparing the side for what lies ahead.

The main aim will be to lift the Apia benchmark and to that end, Smith says, what will be on view in Christchurch will be the type of rugby both teams will take to the World Cup.

"You can't hold too many things back," he says. "You have to try things and you have to try things in the heat of competition otherwise it is too hard to introduce.

"By and large, the way teams play - and that goes for all the Rugby Championship sides - in the next month or two, will to a large extent be the way they play at the World Cup. There will be moves, set-piece plays that will change a little bit but we have got to practise the way we play. We are not good enough to hide it and then suddenly flick a switch come the quarter-final and try six new things. It just wouldn't work."

On a personal level, Smith says he's in a relatively good head space despite losing the Super Rugby final in his last act as a Hurricanes player.

He says the All Blacks are too big an entity and demand too much of each individual for him to be anything but fully absorbed and committed. He's also been invigorated by the return of former backs coach Wayne Smith as a technical adviser.

"He's already stamped his mark. It is great to have him back. He has obviously been one of the biggest influences in my career.

"I think he will add quite a bit to the team and his vision for taking the team forward is great.

"You put your heart and soul into something and for it to come to an end - not the end I wanted - it was tough to take. Coming back in ... [to the All Blacks] and have this challenge [is a good thing]. It is amazing how quickly things are forgotten."