Sean Fitzpatrick praises Steve Hansen's All Blacks development
Friday 10 June 2016 10:00, UK
Sean Fitzpatrick says the All Blacks will survive the loss of big players thanks to development driven by Steve Hansen.
New Zealand host Wales in a three-Test series starting on Saturday, with a host of familiar faces named in Hansen's matchday 23.
With the international retirement of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Ma'a Nonu among others last year, there was a line of thought that the All Blacks would be ripe for the taking in 2016, but the players who have replaced them have a wealth of international experience already.
New Zealand certainly have plenty of skill at their disposal, but former All Black Fitzpatrick says it's the management of the players' development that has been key as they build on back-to-back World Cup titles, as he singled out coach Hansen for praise.
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"It's amazing how quickly New Zealand move on," said Fitzpatrick. "The likes of Aaron Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa, Sam Cane and Kieran Read as captain all come into the fold and they bring with them new skills as well as Test experience.
"The fact that they have had some exposure at the top level already is a reflection on the work that Steve Hansen and his coaching staff have done to develop this team.
"Once again you have to give credit to Hansen, who identified his capabilities a number of years ago and gave him senior leadership roles within the squad."
"With the exception of Seta Tamanivalu, most of those players have been in or around the All Black team for some time.
"It is a team of form players who look like they will kick on quite comfortably from the World Cup."
McCaw was not just one of the best flankers in world rugby when he retired, but also arguably one of the greatest captains of the game.
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Though Read will not have that experience to lean on this weekend, Fitzpatrick does not think the No 8 will have to adapt to the role as captain of the best side in the world.
"I think he will want to put his stamp on the leadership, but he doesn't need to do much more than he's doing.
"He's had nine games as captain already but now he's the big boss. He hasn't got Richie there, which may be a good thing for him, maybe he can grow even more.
"He's a good person and a good leader of men, and he's the nest No 8 in the world at the moment. You couldn't ask for much more!
"Once again you have to give credit to Hansen, who identified his capabilities a number of years ago and gave him senior leadership roles within the squad."
The former All Black hooker says the world champions will not be caught cold in their first outing of the season, as has been known to happen in the past.
"Traditionally New Zealand have been slow starters, but I can't see that happening this time.
"I think Wales will have a proper crack at the All Blacks, they've said as much themselves, but it's easier said than done.
New Zealand clash with Warren Gatland's men at Eden Park this Saturday, and the 92-Test veteran is looking forward to the tussle up front.
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"The interesting battle for me will be watching Samson Lee up against Joe Moody. Moody was one of the big movers for me at the end of last year.
"He came into the World Cup in 2015 after not paying for a few weeks and he performed brilliantly off the bench against France in the quarter-final, then started in the semi-final against the Springboks and the final against the Wallabies.
Though victory will be the number one priority for those in black this weekend, the Sky Sports pundit says there are some players who need to shine through individual performance in Auckland to stake their claim for the jersey.
"Cruden has played pretty well in Super Rugby, but his kicking success rate is 52% so he's got something to prove in that department.
"Cane will have to play well because they're looking pretty hard at Ardie Savea. Given enough time on the field he could impress.
"Naholo didn't quite have the expected impact at the World Cup so he will be looking to show what he has to offer.
"It's an exciting Test match and I can't wait to see what they produce."
