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Dalton Papali'i confirms 'hot-headed' trainings 'just what the team needed'
The All Blacks appear to have made the most of their bye week on and off the training pitch, reinvigorating the side ahead of their potentially decisive Pool A clash with Italy.
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Away from the training pitch, wine was sampled and sights were seen as the players enjoyed their downtime in France.
On the training pitch, however, some hard truths appear to have been rammed home and choice words exchanged as players face the reality of being on the brink of elimination before the knockout stages have commenced.
Last week, winger Will Jordan and halfback Aaron Smith hinted at the intensity of training hitting boiling point for the under-pressure forward pack, who have faced criticism after recent historic losses to South Africa and France.
Defence coach Scott McLeod confirmed that the training had indeed seen players pushed more than what is typical for the team. The key areas were noted to be skill execution and discipline.
“So we pushed them quite hard in that space,” he said. “There might have been a couple of pushes and shoves going on, which was good. It was intense stuff – short transitions, physicality up and we’re running them a little bit more as well.”
Having had the weekend to digest the bye week’s events and turn the focus to a more familiar preparation week, All Blacks flanker Dalton Papali’i said the edge at training was just what the team needed.
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“Some of the boys got a bit hot-headed,” he told media. “But that’s the good thing about those weeks where you can practice and put that stuff to the test. We’ve all come out better for it. We needed a training week like that.”
With the week of training having “served its purpose”, attention has shifted to the Italy Test. Analysis of the trends of the World Cup has highlighted the importance of the breakdown. While that area is something of a strength for the Blues captain, Papali’i is still searching for his first turnover at the World Cup.
“We’re putting some extra work around that area so we can help the team in those areas on the field.”
Analysis of their opponent has also highlighted how important the breakdown will be, with Italy boasting some of the highest ruck efficiency statistics in the world.
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“The two main things are how quickly they recycle their ball, and also they’re good at engaging defenders and passing at the line late, opening up holes so players can go through.
“They’ve come a pretty good way. They always were good but now they’re a team where you’ve got to put your best foot forward against them because they’re playing some bloody good footy.”
Providing an example of elite breakdown work and discipline was the weekend’s marquee matchup between world No 1 ranked Ireland and defending champions South Africa.
The Test was colossal in every aspect and the All Blacks were clear that it had set the standard for the tournament.
“Two great teams going at it, and there were some moments in that game where you would hold your breath for longer than usual.
“As players, we try to watch those games and watch it as a player and get some detail and see what they’re doing, but it’s hard not turn into a spectator and be on the edge of your seat because that’s how rugby should be played – the game flowed so well.
“There were no calls around head-highs [tackles] or shoulders to heads. It was clean contact, and it was fast ball as well. I love watching those games, and everyone can agree on that.
“If you want to play with the best, you’ve got to play at that level. We’ve shown glimpses throughout the year, and this is where you need to do it because this is the tournament we all want to perform at.
“We know what the standard is now, and we’re pretty excited coming off that bye week to really show what we’ve got and the level we want to play at.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Let’s make them both Capt. I think we'd get the best of both of them and it would help alleviate some of the pressures of the role. They'd have to confer over on field decisions which should lead to “ learnings “ for both. They are our two best consistent performers.
16 Go to commentsOur best player by far..but not a good Captain..poor tactician cost the AB'S and Canes games by not taking the easy points and going for tries when the lineouts were a shambles..can he read a game? And his throat slitting gesture should disqualify him from the AB Captaincy..it is not the appropriate behaviour of an AB Captain.
16 Go to commentsForget what was said or how many players said it. TONY BROWN IS THE NEW ATTACK COACH. That’s the only story worth freaking out over. The springboks are going to grow their game an awful lot over the next cycle and it’s not just the 19 disgustingly arrogant Irish players who refused to shake Ebens hand and said “see you in the final if you can cheat your way past France” who will find that out first hand.
121 Go to commentsOn one hand I think it's a bit ridiculous that this gar into the season and with only 2 wins the Crusaders may make the finals. On the other hand if it was only top 4 or 5, then that last several weeks may be mainly dead rubbers. Nope, 8th place after round robin shouldn't be able to lift the trophy.
1 Go to commentsI do think the media in NZ treated him badly. Sam is a legend. He is humble, a great rugby mind and leader. What happened in the final could happen to anyone. The margins is so fine these days. I lay blame at the feet of the coaching staff and NZ rugby. The stats tell’s all. The AB’s was the worst disciplined side in the WC with more red and yellow cards than anyone else. Problem is NZ rugby is not training their players to play safer. And thats the danger a fast game brings. More yellow and red cards. But Sam Cane in my eye was and still is a great ambassador for the game, that just had a stroke of bad luck.
5 Go to commentsI hope Jim and co. Add this to their list of icebreaker questions they can ask all their guests going forward. So we can eventually hear what everyone thinks about this subject. “What do you think Ireland meant…”
121 Go to commentsHe’s a dominant personality. That might be both a good and bad thing in team dynamics. Certainly it ruined Smith’s first crack at 10 with Owen at 12. BTW, Bristol flatter to deceive. When things really matter, they tend to deliver less rather than more. Farrell would have been good for them
36 Go to commentsGot a lot of over the top abuse from Crusader fans, in particular, who thought every 7 they had was miles better. Now we will see if anyone is better? Laid his body on the line every game so finishing early makes sense. A lot of life left after rugby.
5 Go to commentsA poor decision to appoint Carley as not only is Pearce a better referee but also importantly speaks French.
2 Go to commentsHe is 100 % on the mark. Malicious arrogance with a lack of respect for the other teams mostly the south. they must learn from True rugby nations like the Boks and Kiwis
121 Go to commentsThis Outiniqua boy has played sublime rugby and deserves a spot in BI LIONS team. Well played son
4 Go to commentsI don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
36 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
36 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
16 Go to comments