‘We’re grumpy and that’s a good thing’ – Retallick
Brodie Retallick figures the All Blacks might be up for a big one in Dublin this weekend, with the grump factor at training telling him all he needs to know about the edge in the camp.
The All Blacks are nearing the end of a historic stretch of 10 tests in 12 weeks on the road, and the finish of Ireland tomorrow and then France next weekend shapes as a challenging conclusion to the longest road trip of the modern era.
Ireland have won two of their last four against the New Zealanders, are always tough to roll at their Dublin fortress and are fresh off a nine-try thumping of Japan seven days ago.
The All Blacks have played down the recent defeats (in 2016 in Chicago and 2018 in Dublin) as providing any particular motivation this week, but Retallick said there was an edge among the forwards at training this week as the well-rested top XV stepped up the intensity.
‘‘I’m not sure if it’s because we’re 12 weeks in or if it’s the test at the weekend, but there are a few grumpy front rowers and a few loose elbows flying around in maul training. I think we’re in a good spot,’’ the 90-test forward said.
Retallick, who teams with Sam Whitelock in a second row boasting a collective 220 caps, said the defeat last time they were in Dublin had not been referenced heavily through the week. The chat has instead focused more on the nature of the contest in store.
‘‘It’s more been touched on how difficult it is to come up to Europe and play these Six Nations teams in their own backyard,’’ he said. ‘‘We saw how difficult it was playing Italy in Rome, compared to
what we would get in New Zealand.’’
Retallick was confident there would be no fatigue factor in play, with the top XV having only had one collective hitout since the Rugby Championship finale on October 2 – against Wales a fortnight back.
‘‘It’s been a long time [on tour], we know that. I thought the players might be more fatigued than they are but with what the coaches have done around game-time and resting people, it’s put the group in a great space. We’ve had an awesome week here, there’s been plenty of edge around training, and energy levels are high. Everyone knows we’re two games from heading home, but we want to head home with two wins.’’
All Blacks coach Ian Foster is predicting a more expansive approach from the Irish, if their recent form is anything to go by.
‘‘Ireland have got some characteristics as a team over the last five or six years that haven’t changed,’’ he said. ‘‘They’re well organised, they’re
physical and they clearly understand their roles and play accordingly. That aspect hasn’t changed. They’ve been a quality team this year, and getting better.
‘‘What we are seeing is probably an expansion, an ambition of what they want to do with the ball. They seem to be more at ease with taking opportunities wider. It means you’ve got to open your eyes and be aware they’ve got more threats on attack than perhaps they would have had 24 months ago.’’
Foster reinforced his expectation on a potential expansive approach from his opponents based on what he’d seen from them against Japan.
‘‘I’m assuming Ireland were pretty motivated against Japan after what happened in the World Cup. What we saw was a motivated team who had a great intention to play. There’s no denying they look a little more comfortable with the ball and have the intention to move it a bit more.
‘‘We haven’t put too much emphasis on last week’s game but when you combine that with the growth we saw in the Six Nations it shows they’re a team well prepared. But so are we. We’re slowly getting like that too.
‘‘It’s going be a great battle of test match rugby, and for everyone who feels tests need some other competition to motivate teams to play, you’re going to see two very motivated teams on Saturday.’’