All Blacks' Laboured Victory Over France Raises Questions on Depth and Strategy

Hamilton, New Zealand — The All Blacks secured a hard-fought 29-19 victory over France in Hamilton on Saturday, completing a clean sweep of the three-test series. However, the win was anything but a statement of dominance. The match, played in cold conditions, was a long, slow, and at times painful grind for New Zealand, who struggled to find their rhythm or establish a deep connection with one another on the field.

Despite admirable effort, commitment, and a passionate fight, the All Blacks' performance lacked direction and accuracy. The game was marked by graft and tenacity, but not much else. Captain Ardie Savea delivered a heroic performance, while the tight five showed strength in the scrum, and Jordie Barrett made a strong impact off the bench. Yet, these moments were not enough to mask the overall lack of fluidity in the team’s attack.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson had made several selection changes in an attempt to build depth within the squad. However, these changes may have contributed to the team’s struggle to find their footing. Damian McKenzie, the fly-half, still needs to prove his ability to manage the game effectively, and the attack’s best moments came from opportunism rather than a well-structured, prolonged set-up.

France, despite being well-cooked by the second half, showed remarkable resilience. They defended for an extended period, scrambling and scrapping against an All Blacks side that lacked the potency and accuracy needed to break them down. This lack of offensive sharpness is a concern for the All Blacks, as it suggests the team has not yet developed the deep understanding of attack patterns that define the best teams.

Robertson acknowledged the challenges faced during the match, particularly the need for the team to find a better balance in their kicking strategy and back-field work. He also emphasized the importance of the set piece, which remained strong throughout the match, helping the All Blacks to secure crucial penalties.

While the victory is a testament to the All Blacks’ resilience and depth, it also highlights the need for the team to refine their game management and attack structure. The changes made by Robertson are a calculated risk aimed at developing a more sustainable squad for the future. However, the results so far have not been as polished or emphatic as expected.

Looking ahead, the All Blacks face tougher tests that will provide a better gauge of their progress. If the team is to maintain their historic win rate of 75%, they must trust McKenzie to lead the game and develop young talents like Quinn Tupaea and Du’Plessis Kirifi, who showed promise in this match.

Ultimately, the victory in Hamilton is a step forward, but it is clear that the All Blacks have a long road ahead to ensure they can consistently perform at the highest level.