500th test brings out noteworthy performance

This was by no means a very convincing performance by NZ in their 500th test. That may seem strange when the final score is 30 - 0. But in the context of last week's lackluster performance, it was a marked improvement. Where NZ were clearly dominant were their tactics. They didn't black out France so much in their attack but in their gameplan. 

They used their attack with width to commit French backs to the line. That created space in behind and NZ brought a very effective kicking game and pinned France down in their own territory where their lineout in the first half malfunctioned. In contrast, when France kicked the ball, particularly in attack, their tactics were well-advised. Israel Dagg is a rock under the high ball and he has a very good punt on him. His running form has been off and yet France's tactics seemed hell bent on making Dagg feel comfortable out there and you saw how that confidence spilled over into his running game.

I can't help but feel Dagg's inclusion in the squad is based on the fact it's looking increasingly unlikely Ranger will be able to get out of his contract with Montpellier. Ben Smith at fullback and Ranger at wing would've been the logical selection given the players' form. But tonight's test seemed like a charity match designed to raise Israel Dagg's confidence. France look so menacing with ball in hand. If you want to test Dagg, start running at him with players in space and commit him to the tackle. Not put up kick after kick with poor chasing and make a player feel comfortable out there doing what he's not been struggling at.

The French tactics in the second half were much better. Their lineout started working again and it seemed the forwards made a conscious decision to keep the ball in hand but among the pack. They made inroads and should've scored. But when the ball perhaps should've been passed out wide, it seemed they lacked confidence in the backs to finish off the job. I can only think Michalak was at the core of such thinking. Every time France looked on a roll with a drop goal or the wrong option he not only snuffed out any France attack, his poor option taking often led to a NZ try to compound French misery.

NZ looked at their most dangerous in the counter attack. They created the space by shifting the point of attack and searching for width. Too often, however, they got caught bunched up in the midfield and the wingers with space out wide. Picamoles and Dusatoir are monsters at the turnover and hurt us. The NZ backrow seems lacking a physical presence in terms of the clean out. The bigger units like Franks take a little longer to get to the breakdown. I really do hope we give a look at McCaw at 6 and someone like Vito at 7 (not at 6 or 8 where he's played most of the times).

Hansen asked for an improvement in the kicking game and at the breakdown and he got that. The gameplan was simple but executed well. We had chances to score and poor passes like Savea, or not passing like Hore and Dagg left points go begging. When the score is like today's match, you have to be happy. Shutting a team out is not easy and the defence on the line was extremely pleasing. That said, the attack hasn't quite clicked yet and we looked sharpest on the counter attack. Still plenty of improvement for the third test.

It'll be interesting to see what PSA does in terms of selections for the final test. Michalak must be dropped. That was a truly awful performance by him today. Machenaud had a poor kicking game as well so it could be argued Michalak could start at 9. But I'd rather see a player dropped completely after a test performance like that to tell him that is simply not good enough. Fofana is France's most threatening back so he must start and Basteraud shouldn't oust him. What France need to do is keep the ball in hand more. When you kick, and kick poorly, you relieve all the pressure. You have to test the defence more and make inroads in the defensive line. By all means kick but after assessing your options and having other options to consider. It seemed tonight they were kicking, particularly in the first half, with already that option in their mind. They were schooled tonight in terms of tactics and PSA must take the brunt of the blame for that in terms of tactics and selections.

Whitelock's return was timely. His presence was felt tonight and we are struggling in terms of depth if Thrush is on the bench. That is of concern. Cole had a better game tonight and his inside pass to Savea was a great option contributing to that counter attack try. Smith and Cruden's kicking game was largely spot on tonight but the NZ attack still hasn't gelled yet. Overall, it was a very satisfying performance after last week but the pleasing thing for me is that there is still plenty of room for improvement. The defensive effort to hold out France in a way was the standout for me rather than the NZ attack. A great way to bring up your 500th test with a black out.

Vito looked better than messam in his short stint again.

Kaino and SBW are possibilities in 2015 to come back. I don't think players coming back from overseas have performed all that well but these could be welcome additions. Another lock would be good and if Retallick is back from injury it'll be interesting to see who Hansen goes for as the locking partner of Whitelock or whether he'll protect Whitelock and put him on the bench.

Michalak is injured so wont start anywhere. Problem is that Picamoles also caught an injury...

Luatua has to be given a go this year and I agree Kaino is the only option there thats equal to or better than 2011. Whether theres time to develop Luatua I don't know but he's the only other with the potential to fill the role. He has the size, pace and skillset...he jusy needs to realise it at the test level.

That's a good option Taylorman. Cane doesn't inspire much confidence from me in terms of the tight stuff. He's more destructive in the open spaces and linking up. 

That's a shame about Michalak whocares in that PSA has been let off the hook in that regard. Picamoles' injury though is devastating for France. He's outplayed Read and has continued on from his immense form for France in the 6N.

Luatua most definitely be given a go, this is hopeless an All Black pack with no Aucklanders in it.

Some good points Kia, I thought our committment to contest so much French lineout affected their calls to the point that they got virtually no quality 6/7 ball which is the lineout ball that puts the mid field on the gainline.

But the ABs could cover those down the centre of the field kicks all day.

It was our superior kicking and lineout dominance that laid the platform for the win. And our defence was majestic

Defense definitely won the game for us - and almost no defensive penalties given away too - that to me was the most impressive thing.

Vito is an 8 not a 6 or 7 I reckon. So for 6 they need to be looking at Luatua or Shields. I thought Cane and Messam were too lightweight and neither of them made their mark on the game.