Rugby World Cup 2015: Wallabies brace for All Blacks blitzkrieg

Name: All Blacks: Hansen 'we will see running rugby'
Uploaded: 2015-10-31T05:36:28+13:00
Duration: 132 s
Description: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen thinks the battle of the back rows will be won by the tight five's, and 'getting good front foot ball'. He is also hopeful that weather permitting 'we will see running rugby' but maybe the pressure will mean not too many tries.

By Jared Savage in London

Herald online·

30 Oct, 2015 05:39 PM3 mins to read

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen thinks the battle of the back rows will be won by the tight five's, and 'getting good front foot ball'. He is also hopeful that weather permitting 'we will see running rugby' but maybe the pressure will mean not too many tries.

The Wallabies are bracing themselves for an All Black blitzkrieg up front but coach Michael Cheika believes his team are ready - mentally and physically - for the challenge.

Speaking at a press conference the day before the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham, Cheika said there would be no surprises in how the All Blacks would approach the match.

"We know it's going to be extremely physical and we want to be able to last...I believe we've prepared accordingly," said Cheika, referring to resilience and not just fitness.

"It's pretty much their modus operandi. They know how to play the game physically, they've got great leg drive and great intent around the way they want to play the game physically.

"I love that style of play as well, so we know we want to bring that too."

Size was not the only factor in winning the collision zone, Cheika said, but also technical expertise and desire.

"What's inside you, what's your drive, why do you want to do it?.. So that should be an interesting part of the game."

Cheika, who has overseen a transformation of the Wallabies since taking over late last year, did not believe the 27-19 victory over the All Blacks in Sydney counted for much.

"They say if you look backwards, you're only going to get a sore neck aren't you? I think for us, it's there, but it means nothing really.

"It's what happens in the next day or so...the 80 minutes ahead of us tomorrow and being able to play those out to the maximum of your potential...then, see where the cards fall."

The All Blacks were outmuscled up front and beaten at the breakdown in the August test by the combined talents of 'Pooper' - David Pocock and Michael Hooper. But the following week at Eden Park, a ruthless All Black pack paved the way in the 41-13 win to send off Richie McCaw in style in his final test match on New Zealand soil.

Speaking shortly after the Australian press conference ended, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen agreed that the Australian loose forward trio had enjoyed a tremendous season, while reminding everyone that Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino were impressive too.

"But back rows can only operate if your front five do the job. The game is won in the tight five. If they go forward, the loosies go forward and the backs go forward," Hansen said.

"Whoever does that tomorrow will probably have the easier ride."