I’m a little sad that the All Blacks’ season is gone for one of the few times in recent memory that I feel this way.
In fact, as the team developed a clear playing style and were less prone to glaring mistakes, I had started to enjoy it towards the end.
Overall, despite the small 10-4 record for 2024, I’m more inspired than deterred by what I witnessed.
We might as well take a moment to analyse the positive, negative, and in-between aspects of this optimistic atmosphere.
Top Performance
I doubt I can go past the 23–13 victory over Ireland in Dublin, especially as hooker Codie Taylor and first five-eighth Beauden Barrett were not present.
With relentless pressure at the breakdown and forceful hits in contact, Ireland sought to intimidate the All Blacks. New Zealand took it all in, gave a little back, and watched as the hosts’ mental state collapsed.
I should also bring up the 30-29 defeat against France. Although the All Blacks did not win, they will almost certainly end up on the right side of the ledger if they can consistently play with that kind of intensity and discipline.
The worst performance
It’s tempting to mention the team’s 38-30 loss to Argentina, but nothing comes close to the chaos that characterised the last 40 minutes of their 31-28 victory over Australia. I watched that with a sizable group of people who, by the end, were all rooting for the Wallabies.
The Most Vital Match
For the team, that match at Accor Stadium marked a sea change. Damian McKenzie left the first five-eighth position, and a much simpler and straightforward strategy took his place. Overall, it went really well and demonstrated that the All Blacks can win without playing spectacular, outstanding rugby.
Top Performer
Ardie Savea, who was consistently outstanding as a flanker and No. 8, is my choice. Additionally, I want to congratulate Sam Cane on a fantastic last season.
The Best
Along with his natural ball abilities and aerial ability, Tupou Vaa’i had a pleasing physicality and took great pride in the responsibility he was given.
Additionally deserving of recognition is Asafo Aumua, who shown in crucial test matches that he can be counted on to punch out significant minutes and reach his targeted lineout aim.
When Samisoni Taukei’aho rejoins the battle, I’ll be interested to watch how the gametime is handled. He, Taylor, and Aumua are three men who would begin as hooker in the majority of nations.
Forwards versus Backs
Although it’s not quite accurate, I won’t go so far as to declare that the All Blacks’ backs stink. The midfield rotation of Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, and Anton Lienert-Brown has provided very little, McKenzie was awful for the first half of the season, and for reasons I don’t understand, Sevu Reece continues to play on the flank.
On the other hand, the forwards have been terrific and will only improve once Samipeni Finau learns more about how to contribute at the Test level and Ethan Blackadder is able to return to the mix.
The scrum is now a true weapon, and the lineout has significantly improved. Bravo to everyone.
The New Skipper
Scott Barrett strikes me as a kind, good, and modest individual. He is courageous and generally plays well. Barrett leads about as well as any captain can in a time when so many decisions on the pitch are made from above.
The Coach
I applaud Scott Robertson for recognising that it would be too risky to put all of his money on McKenzie.
I was a little disappointed otherwise.
He probably speaks incoherently in an effort to give the media and public nothing.
It’s okay. However, you actually need to win more often than he did this year when you treat people with contempt or disparage their intelligence.
The Public Image
It’s been years since I’ve seen or heard a coach or player interview. Their personal life, political views, team culture, or anything else doesn’t matter to me.
For work-related purposes, I occasionally scan quotes from the printed press, but other than that, I don’t wish to know anything more about these athletes.
I evaluate them based on their play and whether they are quoted saying anything ridiculous either before or after a game.
Cane and TJ Perenara’s fuss during the team’s Wellington match against the Wallabies was offensive, especially in light of the latter’s actions and remarks in Turin.
Only hearts and minds are won by victories.
A Grade of 2024
After considering C at first, I’ve decided to go with B- because of the adjustments and enhancements done over the season. I genuinely hope the team doesn’t revert to the dreck they played in the first half of this year.
When the team plays well or there is a noticeable feeling of overall growth, fans will accept defeats, like the one in Paris. By the end of this season, it seemed as though the All Blacks had a planned strategy rather than winging it.
