'Abysmal': Buck Shelford slams All Blacks' skills

Sir Buck Shelford has slammed the All Blacks as they prepare for the deciding test with Ireland in Wellington delivering a withering verdict on the team’s 23-12 defeat in Dunedin that squared the series.

The manner of the defeat left one of the greatest ever All Blacks questioning the skills of the players and this will add to the pressure the team is facing as they head into the third test of a series that started with their 42-19 thumping win. However, Ireland bounced back in Dunedin aided by the All Blacks being reduced to 14 men following the red card for prop Angus Ta’avao.

Shelford was reported by Stuff saying: “We haven’t upped our game, in terms of our backs’ attack. Our catching and passing, at times, is horrific. For guys of this calibre, I just think it is abysmal.

Sam Cane talks to media ahead of third test against Ireland in Wellington | All Blacks press conference

Sam Cane talks to media ahead of third test against Ireland in Wellington | All Blacks press conference

“We didn’t lose by much but it was the way we lost. The turnover rate, the stupid penalties we gave away. Our discipline was terrible.”

The former captain has also been left unimpressed by the tactics and selections of head coach Ian Foster who has been given a contract to take the team to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The Irish defeat saw the All Blacks drop to fourth in the World rankings – their lowest ever position. He said: “It is a hell of a job but he put his name forward for it. One of the things I thought when Mr Foster got the job was ‘what are we going to see that we haven’t seen before?’ And, to me, not a lot has changed.”

Shelford also pointed out a tactic being used by Ireland he wants the officials to deal with.”They [Ireland] are playing quite smart. When they go in for the tackle they always roll out our side of the ruck, trying to slow the ball down.

“We need to tell the referee ‘they are rolling out on our side all the time’.”