Former All Blacks scrumhalf Justin Marshall claims New Zealand are no longer “world leaders” in being able to innovate or tactically outclass opponents.
Speaking to Martin Devlin on DSPN, the 81-Test Marshall said that All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson will be closely analysing the Six Nations as the Kiwis look to evolve their strategic approach.
The ex-Crusaders halfback highlighted how Ireland, France and Scotland effectively used cross-kicks to counter aggressive blitz defences, and is convinced Robertson will be paying attention.
“I know Scott Robertson would have been sitting down watching the Six Nations,” Marshall said. “Tactically, I kept an eye on how much cross-kicking was used to get outside this blitz-style defence.
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“Every team was doing it. Even Antoine [Dupont] put in a cross-kick for a try.”
Marshall noted that the All Blacks have used the tactic occasionally but insists they must integrate it more effectively. “We saw Damian [McKenzie] do that against England in Dunedin, but it’s something Robertson could look at more regularly.”
He also claimed New Zealand can no longer rely on their traditional ability to outthink opponents. “We are now not world leaders in being able to tactically outclass everybody,” he said. “We’ve got to think, ‘if they’re doing that, how can we use it as a real weapon?’”
Marshall reckons the All Blacks must embrace external influences to stay ahead: “It was clear watching those games that this was a deliberate approach to break down defences teams have struggled with recently.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
