mens
international
When All black people assistant coach Neil Barnes said Sport Nation’s Mark Stafford ahead of the fourth Test match they can’t afford to give DAPS (dumb ass penalties) against South Africa, the message was loud and clear.
“We’re challenging ourselves by not issuing DAPS – stupid penalties,” Barnes said Sport Nation Afternoons.
“It’s not very good to get into positions where we allow them access to our area where they can get it.”
Unfortunately for head coach Dave Rennie and Barnes, the All Blacks were guilty of just that, giving the Springboks back possession in threatening positions in Baltimore.
All Blacks No.6 Tupou Vaa’i was the culprit against the Springboks in the fourth Test, pinged by England referee Karl Dickson for holding on to Cameron Hanekom’s leg after a breakdown.
Speaking to reporters in Baltimore, Rennie was candid when asked about his side’s inaccuracies in the breakdown.
“Yeah, it’s not good enough. Yeah, it just doesn’t even affect the game. But it’s stupid,” Rennie said after the game following their 43-28 loss.
“So we have to get things like this out of our game.”
The 62-year-old main presenter explained that despite the set being much improved, there were a number of other problem areas.
“I mean, the high ball put us under a little bit more heat again tonight, we couldn’t grab a lot.
“I thought the set was great. You know, the scrum and the lineout, so I thought that was really positive, and you know we showed again when we can continue our continuity, we’re going to score tries.”
“I think our line breaks were even tonight. I thought.” South Africa are very good, electric and really clinical when given the chance. That was probably the key point tonight.”
The All Blacks’ captain and tour captain that night, Codie Taylor, joked he wished there were more Kiwi fans in the crowd, but said he was overall happy with the experience in Baltimore.
“It’s been amazing to come here and just soak up what America has to offer. They obviously love their sport, and they’re right behind rugby.”
“I’d like to see a few more black jerseys, but obviously there are a lot of South Africans here, which I wasn’t aware of until I saw them in the lift every time you go up and down our hotel.
“So that was great. I loved coming here. It was a nice way to kind of end the tour, and yeah, I’m looking forward to getting home now and getting back to the families and reconnecting with them before we go into the Aussies.”
