Australia’s Super teams must change one thing to match Kiwis

When they play each other, they know intimately how New Zealand teams play and their dynamic is based around that. They get used to that style. So when the tempo of the game changes and the style of play changes, I don’t necessarily think you can say that one is vastly more effective than the other.

We’ve had All Blacks teams who have struggled at World Cups – think from 1999 to 2007 – when the match wasn’t a quintessential New Zealand style. There is a danger to playing against your own style too often.

The Kiwi game is based on quick turnover and quick rucks. When the dynamic changes and you’re facing a team willing to slow the ball down at rucks and not buy into that style of play, it can pose serious challenges if you’re used to playing against the same system.

Granted, since 2011, the All Blacks have become a lot better at changing their style when required.

There is, however, something that has stood out when comparing the two competitions, and Australian teams should take note.

I’ve been surprised by the disparity in passing accuracy. The All Blacks have developed a blueprint during the past 10 years or so where they do the basics incredibly well.

Australian teams currently throw too many passes that just go to players’ shoulders. Sometimes it comes back to the patience of the receiver as well.

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The Brumbies showed against the Waratahs the difference crisp, accurate passing can make and how it’s a basic of the game. Is there enough focus on these basics? I’d argue they need work. When a team creates an opportunity – when chances are usually limited – I don’t think we capitalise enough on them in Australia.

Meanwhile, it would be fantastic if Australia could host Super Rugby Trans-Tasman here. The other option is to have half the competition in Australia and then send all the teams to New Zealand.

Having the Tri Nations all in one country last year was refreshing. I think it is something worth re-examining when we get out of this bizarre COVID-19 world.

Every effort should go to making sure Super Rugby Trans-Tasman occurs, for the good of the game, and so there can be a few bragging rights regarding who really is the superior provincial team in this part of the world.

Andrew Mehrtens is a New Zealand rugby legend who scored 967 points for the All Blacks in 70 Tests. He is part of Nine and Stan Sport’s commentary team.