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Rieko Ioane of the All Blacks advances during the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at Sky Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand.
the All the black people Y Wallabies were sweating from fitness issues on Saturday, the eve of their second Bledisloe Cup clash, as both sides spoke of a very physical battle.
Aussie loose forward Harry Wilson was knocked down by an apparent stomach error and failed to make it to Saturday’s “captain’s run” while All Blacks replacement Rieko Ioane was recovering from a nagging thigh injury.
Wilson, who debuted in last week’s dramatic 16-16 draw, was an influential figure for the Wallabies as a strong ball carrier and bruises on defense, qualities Captain Michael Hooper called for in the rematch.
The physical side of the game “will go up another level,” said Hooper, who also expects a bit of difficulty, and said it was “part of most test matches.”
It is not uncommon for Australia to perform well in the first round of a Bledisloe series, only for New Zealand to improve their game in subsequent matches to retain the trophy they have held for the past 18 years.
To reverse the trend, Hooper said it was clear where the Wallabies needed to improve their performance in the first round stalemate.
“We delivered a little bit of the ball in the break, particularly when we were in his zone. We want to hold the ball more, recycle it and get it to our players who can make some dents and some serious plays.” he said.
“Everyone is going to level up, and the pace of work, I hope so, so it’s good, great, I can’t wait.”
All Blacks captain Sam Cane said his team was equally clear on where they needed to improve and started with forwards who needed to make their presence felt, particularly in the break.
“That is Test-match football, in a nutshell, physicality and intensity. As a forward group, that’s where we have to stop and deliver the eight forwards,” he said.
“In every test match the breakdown is fiercely focused and they were good in that area last week. I thought we were good in that area too, so let’s talk about physicality and intensity in the breakdown, they will be very important.
The All Blacks have uncapped Peter Umaga-Jensen to their squad as possible cover for Ioane if he can’t play.
If Wilson is confirmed to be belatedly retired, it is likely that Pete Samu, who was retired after the first test, will get a retreat.
