The All Blacks have been making waves with their innovative attacking strategies, drawing inspiration from the National Rugby League (NRL) to create a more dynamic and unpredictable style of play. With the series against the French looming, the team is aiming to deliver a decisive 3-0 victory, leveraging the lessons learned from rugby league tactics.

Fit-again wing Sevu Reece is expected to play a key role in this new attacking shape. After recovering from a concussion sustained in the opening test in Dunedin, Reece is set to make his return for the third and final test in Hamilton. His presence could shift the team's focus, with coach Scott Robertson considering a reshuffled backline that may see him replace Emoni Narawa on the right wing.

Narawa, a late call-up due to an injury to Caleb Clarke, was initially brought in as cover for injured midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown. However, his inclusion in the Wellington test allowed Rieko Ioane to move to the No. 11 jersey, creating a new dynamic in the backline. This flexibility in personnel has allowed the All Blacks to experiment with different attacking structures, particularly in the Wellington test.

Instead of relying on the traditional wide approach seen in Dunedin, the All Blacks have been focusing on a more central attack, with midfielder Jordie Barrett often acting as the first receiver. This shift has created new opportunities for the team, allowing them to exploit gaps in the French defense more effectively.

Sevu Reece highlighted the evolution of rugby tactics, noting that the All Blacks are looking to incorporate elements from European rugby styles. "You see those teams over in Europe in their style of rugby, and obviously that’s something we are wanting to grow as well," he said. "We see opportunities there if we get our layers in, like that. We can create opportunities there."

Beauden Barrett, the team’s playmaker, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the importance of the "layers of attack" that have been influenced by the NRL. "I guess we watch a bit of rugby league and we see that that often," he said. "Teams have pressed quite hard in recent times, with line speed, so I guess you've got to create depth to the attack, but at the same time have good short-passing front-door options."

Coach Scott Robertson has long been an advocate for learning from rugby league tactics. During his time coaching the Crusaders, he visited clubs like the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters to study their defensive strategies. "You sort of follow league defence and to beat league defence you need league attack," he said. "There is a little bit of shape (from league). (In international rugby) you need all those options."

Robertson emphasized the importance of adapting to the fast-paced nature of modern rugby. "Depth is one way to get around teams that line speed you, and you've got to play flat as well. We're concentrating on both to do everything and adapt in-game."

With the French struggling to keep up with the All Blacks’ evolving tactics, the stage is set for a decisive final test. The team’s ability to blend rugby league strategies with their traditional strengths has made them a formidable force, and fans are eager to see how they will continue to innovate in the coming matches.