Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

10:00 AM-01:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Rugby

All Black management unconcerned about Lions' defence

The New Zealand management have played down the defensive conundrum they are facing as the test s...



All Black management unconcern...
Rugby

All Black management unconcerned about Lions' defence

The New Zealand management have played down the defensive conundrum they are facing as the test series against the Lions approaches.

While struggling to form a cohesive attack on tour, Warren Gatland's side have smothered the New Zealand sides defensively and stifled their attacking play.

The Lions even ended the 14 match winning streak of the Crusaders while keeping them down to three points.  

Speaking ahead of the first test this weekend, All Black Assistant Coach Ian Foster has suggested the World Champions will adapt to the northern hemisphere style.

 

Chiefs' Stephen Donald tackled by James Haskell and CJ Stander of the Lions. Image: ©INPHO/Photosport/Bruce Lim

"It's not like it's new," he said, adding: "There're a lot of teams defending like this in Super Rugby now. Quite frankly, we defend very quickly now so they've probably got the same issues – how do they attack against our line speed?

"It's not like it's one team's issue to try to unravel. The reason they do it is they think they can get an advantage from it and with every method there's always some areas you can attack through it. We've just got to make sure we're smart and patient as the game unfolds."

Both New Zealand and the Lions are due to name their teams for the first test on Wednesday.  

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Rugby