All Blacks have peaked but are still favourites

Eddie Jones, speaking to Radio Sport, says the All Blacks may have peaked but they are still good enough to win this year’s World Cup.

“I think they’re still the favourites,” said Jones.

”What the problem has been, if you look at New Zealand in 2004, 2005 and 2006, they were probably 5-6% better than everyone else. Now they’re probably 1-2% better than anyone else.

“That difference has decreased, not dissimilar to England in 2003 when they probably hit a peak in June and then were just able to hang on.

“New Zealand, as Bob Dwyer made the point in May, have already hit their peak but they’ve still got enough left to be rated the best side in the world and an outstanding chance of winning the World Cup.

“They’ve been idling a little bit. Graham Henry is a bit like a racehorse trainer returning a stayer for the Melbourne Cup. He doesn’t want him peaking a month before, he wants them peaking at the World Cup.

“I think you’ll find the All Blacks, when it comes to the World Cup, will be a much more cohesive unit than they’ve been over the last couple of months.

Jones, currently working with the Boks, believes that the South African side is the biggest threat to the All Blacks’ title hopes.

“I don’t think South Africa are going to go anywhere away from their natural game. All we’re trying to do is add something that makes the opposition think a little bit more. I’m just trying to add value.

“The difference between the top four sides in the world is probably anywhere between 2% and down to half a percent. So if you can add that quarter of a percent here or there it can make a difference,” said Jones