Beware 'whispering death' at Carisbrook

By DANIEL GILHOOOLY

The All Blacks may yet screw up the accepted script for a wintry night at Carisbrook and play expansive rugby in tomorrow's first test against England.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith said it was dew - which he dubbed the "whispering death" - more than wet weather that would prevent a game plan of keeping the ball in hand and bringing their potent outside backs into play against the world champions in Dunedin.

Most predictions are for a forward-dominated test, where keeping errors to a minimum will be paramount.

That has been the case in the last two tests in Dunedin, low-scoring affairs in which the All Blacks beat Ireland and South Africa.

And it was the same under lights at Wellington a year ago when England outgrafted the All Blacks 15-13, the last time they met.

Smith said night rugby did not completely rule out the possibility of open, attractive back play.

"It just means it's more difficult," he said. "If skill levels are good and well-honed you can play with the backs. But you have to have good go-forward and you have to have space.

"I would suggest we're not going to get a lot of space against England. Their front four defenders really rush up and try to cut that down. It's going to be interesting."

Smith, a former All Black coach, is specifically overseeing New Zealand's attack. He was delighted to be working with some "extraordinary young backs".

Because he had so little time to impart his wider vision on them this week, they were focused on producing a tight, simple performance.

England boast superior size and experience up front, but one area where the All Blacks could have an edge is out wide.

Smith was resigned to the fact that may not be seen tomorrow because of the scheduling.

Night rugby had become a reality of the modern game because of broadcasting rights, he said. It did not mean he or the players were in favour of it.

"Clearly, there are disadvantages that people can't see," he said.

"Dew on the ground is worse than a downpour, it's a whispering death. It makes the ball difficult to handle, which changes the game.

"The players would rather be playing afternoon rugby. Not only because of the conditions, but because you don't have to wait around as long. It reduces the stress factor of preparing for a game and you play better."

Both teams will have a final light run under lights at Carisbrook tonight.

Apart from a brief lineout session for the forwards, yesterday was the first day off training since the All Blacks gathered in Dunedin on Sunday.

All the physical preparation was completed and tactical planning for the test was virtually ready before the week began.

Meanwhile, Smith said he had enjoyed returning to the All Black environment he left late in 2001 when he suggested applications should be called for his coaching position.

The job was given to John Mitchell and Smith left to coach English club Northampton.

"It was a big decision to make at the time because I never thought I'd get involved in international rugby again," he said.

"You could have knocked me over with a feather when Graham Henry asked me [to come back]."

Smith said he had a lump in his throat last week when Henry announced his squad of 26.

"The hair stood up on the back of my neck and that's when it really hit me that I'm back where I want to be.

"I always felt really excited being in this environment. It's something I worked for as a player and now as a coach. It means a lot to me and a lot to my family.

"I cherished the time that I had away. I think I'm a better coach, definitely. I've been involved in a lot of experiences in the last few years which will help me as a coach."

- NZPA