Fiji forwards coach Jason Ryan has promised the All Blacks another fiery reception in the breakdowns during the second test in Hamilton on Saturday night.
Although the All Blacks were 57-23 winners over Fiji last weekend, they received a rude awakening at the breakdowns as Fiji, led by the impressive No 6 Johnny Dyer, made the world’s No 2 team look second rate in this facet of their game.
Dyer snared five turnovers as the All Blacks struggled to shift the strong Fijian players out of the rucks, stifling their momentum on attack; it wasn’t until reserve hooker Dane Coles took the field in the second half and scored four tries that the hosts were able to put their opponents away.
Ryan, who also mentors the Crusaders’ forwards under the watchful eye of head coach Scott Robertson, must have been rapt with the attitude of the Fijian fetchers as they repeatedly pounced on the All Blacks ball carriers on to force turnovers off the deck.
Speaking on Sky Sport on Monday night, Ryan hinted he wasn’t surprised the Fijians, ranked 11th in the world, were able to exploit the All Blacks’ ability to treasure possession.
Fiji will play the All Blacks at 7.05pm Saturday in Hamilton.
[ Source: Stuff.Co]
