Four tries might be what the All Blacks need to stay in the hunt to win the Tri-Nations, but they won't go chasing them according to coach Graham Henry.
With South Africa unable to secure the single point they needed in their 21-6 loss to the Wallabies in Brisbane
on Saturday, the All Blacks are two bonus point victories away from retaining the trophy.
However, Henry says they will not be changing their style too much for Saturday's test against the Springboks in Hamilton. He says if they go out trying to score four tries they will come unstuck.
Henry says if they focus on playing well hopefully the four tries will come.
The All Blacks have had a miserable year with the ball in hand and must discover their attacking mojo if they are to sneak a fifth successive Tri-Nations title.
Victory is needed over the Springboks in Hamilton followed by the same outcome against Australia in Wellington a week later.
The All Blacks must snare a bonus point for scoring four tries in at least one of those tests to have any chance of winning the championship. That would require a major leap from the one try they have managed in each of their four Tri-Nations tests so far.
Two winning bonus points would hand them the title - as long as they can deny the Springboks a bonus point for finishing within seven points at Hamilton.
In that scenario, or if the All Blacks manage just one bonus, then it will come down to points differential.
The Springboks have a points differential of plus 25, compared to New Zealand's minus 14.
Meanwhile, injuries to midfield backs continue to plague the All Blacks with Isaia Toeava the latest concern.
Henry says Toeava has an irritating gluteal injury and with four midfield backs out already they do not need anymore.
There is better news for No 8 Kieran Read whose knee is expected to be 100 per cent by the weekend.
The All Blacks train in Hamilton today and name their side tomorrow. The Springboks remain on the Gold Coast until Thursday.
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA
The All Blacks are two bonus-point victories away from retaining the Tri-Nations title. Photo / Getty Images
Four tries might be what the All Blacks need to stay in the hunt to win the Tri-Nations, but they won't go chasing them according to coach Graham Henry.
With South Africa unable to secure the single point they needed in their 21-6 loss to the Wallabies in Brisbane
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.