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Armistice Day inspires All Blacks ahead of French clash

Armistice Day inspires All Blacks ahead of French clash

All BlacksNovember 11, 2024

Ensuring the All Blacks' continuity and tapping into the emotion and commemoration of Armistice Day in 1918 will be part of coach Scott Robertson's build-up to Sunday's [NZT] Test with France in Paris.

Two-up with wins over England (24-22) and Ireland (23-13), the All Blacks face the third big hurdle of their tour against Fabian Galthie's side.

Robertson said they will tap into the historical connection of the Armistice, reflected in the red poppy they are wearing on the jersey, and that they are competing for the Dave Gallaher Trophy, the 1905-06 All Blacks captain who later died during the First World War.

"You're representing the people that served us and, as a country, protected us."

When he played for the All Blacks in France, coach Wayne Smith made the side understand the importance of their performance, and Robertson said he would call on that this week.

Robertson said Galthie is clear about the structure his side plays. They have a great kicking game, keep the ball alive, and have a big forward pack.

"It's a well-balanced side and when they get rolling, they're as tough as any team."

Robertson felt the All Blacks prepared well during a short week before the Dublin Test, and despite the drizzle, after a week of fine weather, they coped with the greasy ball.

The All Blacks performed well in the lineouts to pressure Ireland, while the scrum and breakdown were good, and the kicking was accurate.


"There were a couple of big momentum swings and we took our opportunities."

That momentum helped things go their way, rather than what happened during the Rugby Championship when they hadn't capitalised on the opportunities they created.

"Now that's happening especially up north [Northern Hemisphere] when the stakes are so high. We play the majority of our Test matches away, and you've got to get used to winning away.

"The last couple of weeks, or three weeks, has been just putting it all."

Consecutive wins over England and Ireland confirmed the All Blacks' belief in their game plan and how they play.

But, whether flanker Sam Cane will be fit to play France is in doubt after he needed to have a deep cut to his head stitched. He also has to go through HIA protocols. Sam Darry is out and has returned home after suffering a knee injury in training.

He confirmed that hooker Codie Taylor and first five-eighths Beauden Barrett should be available for France after they had met all their requirements of the HIA protocols.

Robertson said hooker Asafo Aumua and first five-eighths Damian McKenzie responded to the opportunities they were given earlier in the season.

"When you get a game like this at the end of the year, you've got to give guys time, give them an opportunity and trust them.

"And the most important thing is they trust themselves and their skill set.

"Asafo, in that last lineout in our 22m, absolutely nailed it. After missing the not-straight in the first half, he could have questioned himself, but he didn't.

"And DMac [McKenzie] was mercurial as normal. He trusted his instincts, and it was a hell of a night for him."

Captain and lock Scott Barrett said the forwards would work on how Ireland attacked at breakdowns.

"Our body height was a little high, and they were able to disrupt and we gave Cortez [Ratima-halfback] some messy ball. That was on us and is probably the first thing to address."

Robertson said Ratima was learning quickly, and it was good experience for him. With Cam Roigard now having three or four games back after his injury, Robertson said he had all the attributes to succeed.

"We're pleased to bring someone like Cortez and Cam through. We've got some great competition at halfback."

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