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All Blacks, all wins New Zealand to defend unbeaten record against Scotland
Posted: Thursday June 29, 2000 02:44 PM
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (Reuters) -- New Zealand will defend an unbeaten record of 22 tests when they face Scotland in the second test at Eden Park on Saturday. After the drubbing the All Blacks dished out to Scotland's tourists last week in the first test at Carisbrook, Dunedin, few would bet on New Zealand's unbroken run being halted. That seemed to be Scotland coach Ian McGeechan's tone today when he placed New Zealand as favorites to win the Tri-Series. “Over the last two years Australia have been the leading side tactically, but under Wayne Smith the All Blacks are equally innovative,” said McGeechan. Scotland have made five changes in an attempt to sharpen both attack and defense, while New Zealand have made six alterations to give other players in their quality squad a chance to prove themselves ahead of the Tri-Series. All Black coach Smith is still cautious of Scotland despite his side's overwhelming victory by 69-20 at Carisbrook. “We are still wary of the Scots given what they did to England in the Six Nations after some poor results earlier in the championship. Their coach Ian McGeechan is a smart cookie and a good motivator,” Smith said. “We think that they will have a physical approach to the game. I'm sure they won't take the result last week lying down. “We have to step up a gear and, in particular, improve on our ball retention and ball presentation.” History has shown Scotland always do better in the second test -- they narrowly lost 21-18 in 1990 and four years later recovered from a 62-31 loss at Carisbrook to narrow the gap considerably at Eden Park. But few would bet on the All Blacks suffering their first defeat by the Scots. The key to the latest All Black success is the speed with which their back line counter attacks using handling skills of the highest order. Add to that the immense strike power of the back three -- Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga and Jonah Lomu -- and the ingredients for a big scoreline are already there. Scotland know a more competitive performance will be achieved only with a huge improvement in ball retention in contact situations and much better organization in defense. Last week at Carisbrook Scotland looked permanently vulnerable against the pacy All Blacks. Whether they can find what it takes to achieve a turnaround only the scoreline after 80 minutes will reveal. Scotland need to be more threatening in attack after a disappointing display in Dunedin in which their backs never looked incisive. To that end, the selection of Graham Shiel may do much to bring out the offensive skills of the enigmatic Gregor Townsend, who needs an inspired performance on Saturday to restore his prestige in world rugby.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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