Rugby: All Blacks stars reveal possible new game plan with Ian Foster

By RugbyPass.com

Will Ian Foster try to fight fire with fire the next time the All Blacks face England?

At last year’s Rugby World Cup, England dominated breakdowns and collisions in their semi-final match with New Zealand and Foster likely learned from that match that there is simply no substitute for size and power.

Following the announcement of the All Blacks first team of the year, there is reason to believe that the new head coach might be trying to add some mass not just to the group, but to the team as a whole.

Men like Hoskins Sotutu and Caleb Clarke have physically dominated their opponent on more than a few occasions during the Super Rugby season and the national teams have rewarded that form with calls for the first time.

Speaking on Aotearoa’s rugby podcast, All Black Josh Ioane mused that Foster may well be hoping to counter the incredible power of the English by bringing in some of New Zealand’s most powerful players.

“I think, with those Blues guys, they just bring that real physical presence. With Hoskins, Patty [Tuipulotu], Akira [Ioane]Caleb, they have that real physical presence.

“Especially against teams like the Boks that are a real physical team, I think those guys will really adapt to those types of players.”

Brad Weber, who watched the World Cup semifinal from the touchline, was quick to point out that Foster won’t want to sacrifice the high-paced game the All Blacks are known for.

“Fozzie knows it’s great to pick the big boys, but you still need to play speed for 80 minutes in good physical condition,” Weber said.

“His form is rewarded, which is great, but I’m sure Fozzie will continue to want to play fast and paced and I’m sure he’s confident that the guys he’s chosen can execute that style of play, no matter what size they are. have. – It so happens that some of the guys we talked about before are quite big. “

While their size may be one of their greatest strengths, Ioane and Sotutu certainly showed their fitness and best skills in the North v South clash played over the weekend, including an exceptional link play that saw both players charge and download contact to turn on. the attack from the North.

However, Foster chooses to employ the newly added physical giants of the All Blacks, Ioane and Weber are simply excited to see the young players shine in the environment.

The selectors have opted for seven limitless players on the team, as well as two who have played midweek games for the All Blacks but without testing.

“I feel like [Foster’s] he left with some young children and that’s good for development in the next few years, potentially the next World Cup, “Ioane said.

“In terms of style of play, I don’t think it’s clear at this stage, but there is definitely a lot of potential and excitement there.”

“If it does [bode well for the future]”Weber said.

“There are probably a lot of guys who are still suffering from last year’s loss and they will be really motivated to participate in the waka and start getting some wins under our belt to build the next World Cup. There is probably nothing scarier for the teams. rugby internationals than a wounded side of the All Blacks. There is certainly a lot of motivation there. “

While nothing concrete has been confirmed, New Zealand is expected to play a handful of matches in the coming months, including a lengthy test series against Australia.

This article first appeared on RugbyPass.com and has been republished with permission.