Categories: Rugby World CupRWC

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

Rob

Share
Published by
Rob

Recent Posts

Rugby Hall of Fame

See who has been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. (more…)

18 years ago

Video – JP Nel KO’s Rocky

Video of JP Nel knocking Rocky Elsom lightsout! (more…)

18 years ago

Video – Habana smashes Tuiali’i

Bryan Habana puts in a big hit on Mose Tuiali'i in the Super14 semifinal against…

18 years ago

Video – Fleck punches Cohen

Robbie Fleck takes a swipe at Ben Cohen - and connects. (more…)

18 years ago

Video – Corne elbows Jonno

Corne Krige, after nearly being strangled to death on the deck, lashes out at Martin…

18 years ago

Video – Monster Drop from Steyn

Francois Steyn kicks a monster drop goal against the Western Force (more…)

18 years ago