The All Blacks say they have adopted a ”we’re second, they’re first” mentality to avoid over-confidence going into the second rugby Test against the British and Irish Lions here on Saturday.
After demolishing the Lions 21-3 in the first Test, the All Blacks have every reason to feel confident of wrapping up the three-Test series in the second match, forcing coach Graham Henry to say complacency was the the biggest enemy.
When surprisingly making three changes to his victorious first Test combination, Henry said he was replacing players of similar ability, but he also left the distinct impression he was giving his squad the message that no one’s place was safe.
”Graham Henry’s on us to say ‘don’t kiss yourself goodnight’ because a game of rugby is different every week,” said Ali Williams, whose outstanding lineout performance with Chris Jack ensured a glut of possession for the All Blacks in the first Test.
”We’ve still got a chance of losing and that’s in the back of everyone’s mind.
”We’re not going to sit on our laurels — I’ve made that mistake [before]. Mentally, I think ‘I’m second and they’re first’ and I’ve got to beat them. A loss hurts, the drive not to lose is huge.”
He added: ”To win is the be all and end all really.”
Williams, once the villain of New Zealand rugby, was set to be targeted by the Lions aware of his reputation of having a short fuse, but in the first Test he showed a meaner but cleaner approach to his rugby.
The 2,2m Auckland Blues lock stole lineout ball almost at will, one steal seeing him charge five metres over the line for the first try of the match, and he was a standout performer in an All Blacks tight five which outmuscled the Lions in the rucks and mauls.
Such was the dominance of the All Blacks forwards that Lions coach has brought in five new faces for the second Test, dumping four and replacing the injured Richard Hill.
And the Lions forwards found that not only could they not out-play Williams, nor could they tempt him into responding to any niggle.
Williams, who describes himself as an ”excitable character” who needs to concentrate, has always had the hallmarks of an outstanding player, and with a history of reckless off-the-ball offences against his name the New Zealand rugby hierarchy has made every effort to tidy up his game.
From current All Blacks coach Graham Henry to former Test stars Andy Haden, Robin Brooke and Brian Lochore ”I’ve had alot of people help me,” the 24-year-old said of his new-found maturity.
”I dont regret anything I have done, [but] if I had the chance not to do it again I probably wouldn’t.
”I would have rather have played the whole Super 12 than watch it,” he added, referring to his most recent suspension, a six-week ban this year for the injudicious rucking of Crusaders and All Blacks loose forward Richie McCaw. – Sapa-AFP