'They modelled how the game was evolving': What the All Blacks learnt from Ireland series

The 2022 Steinlager Series was a paradigm shift for rugby, the All Blacks lost a series at the hands of a northern hemisphere side on home soil for the first time since 1994, just the second time in history.

While the opening match of the series went the hosts’ way at Eden Park, the following two matches were resounding wins for the visitors.

Andy Farrell’s men had the brute force up front and the game management out back to steer the team around the park, while nullifying the All Blacks’ attacking threats before they could touch the ball.

Dominating the breakdown was a major advantage for the Irish, who were incredibly efficient with the attacking clearouts and disruptive on defence.

“Their breakdown was huge,” Rieko Ioane told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod. “They were getting two-second ball every ruck, if not quicker.

“The ability for their bigger boys, their tight forwards to ball play flat at the line with the backs they have, they came really well prepared and I think they modelled how the game was evolving, and now you see the likes of our big boys being able to do the same.”

With the exception of their most recent outing where they were demolished by the Springboks pack, the All Blacks had begun to find some dominance in the physical areas of the game, something that was sorely missing in and prior to the Steinlager Series.

Given this particular interview with Ioane took place six weeks ago, following the All Blacks’ win over the Springboks in the Rugby Championship, the narrative has evolved somewhat since the messages were delivered.

Forwards guru Jason Ryan was brought into the team following the Ireland series and the team’s results quickly started to turn around.

Ryan delivered simplified messages and along with strength and conditioning personnel, had the New Zealand forwards firing.

“We’re fitter, faster and I feel we’re in a place where we’re more physical, especially around that breakdown. You look at our forwards and the work they’re doing, as a back it’s easy to play off. You get to unleash the backs you have with the forwards doing that.”

While all the progress made wasn’t enough to overcome the reigning world champion Springboks at Twickenham, the team has clearly gathered confidence from their growth.