The 30-year Eden Park streak of New Zealand is in risk due to their vulnerability against England’s blitz defense.
WELLINGTON, ANZAC PARIS – If New Zealand wants to maintain its 30-year unbeaten streak at Eden Park against England in the second test on Saturday, it will need to face and conquer its worst enemy, the rush defense.
The long-standing issue of the All Blacks’ incapacity to counter the rush, or blitz defense, resurfaced this weekend in the first test as England mostly controlled the New Zealand offense.
Both of New Zealand’s first-half tries demonstrated individual strategies that can be effective in containing the blitz. The first was the result of a kick pass, and the second was the result of a failed initial tackle.
However, in the second half, New Zealand was unable to score a try and had to rely on two penalty goals to defeat England 16–15 at Dunedin, in the South Island of New Zealand.
As teams’ awareness of New Zealand’s vulnerability in the rush defense grew, a number of All Blacks playmakers attempted—and failed—to break through it.
Beauden Barrett attempted a chip kick behind the defense as well as a cut-out pass, but both moves were foreseeable and easily repelled. The incredibly powerful Richie Mo´unga in space was often agitated and gave bad kicks when under duress.
The All Blacks’ attempt to beat the defense in the second test will largely depend on Damian McKenzie, who has assumed the No. 10 jersey after being smothered by it in the first.
The All Blacks’ impressive winning streak at Eden Park in Auckland is in jeopardy; their previous defeat there came against France in July 1994, 23-20.
Defense coach Felix Jones stated that England has taken note of the success of the blitz in the first test and intends to use it again on Saturday. “Anytime you play against New Zealand you have to be right at your upper levels – tactically, execution-wise, physically and intensity – to be in the mix with it,” Jones said. “They have a skill set that is on the top of the world.” Ben Earl’s missed tackle on Stephen Perofeta provided the All Blacks with their second try.