Richard Loe: A work in progress but attitude ensures success

Part of the feedback from Britain during this All Black tour is the criticism - or should that be hope? - that the All Blacks are doing their usual trick and peaking before the World Cup. Wishful thinking.

For a start, this All Black coaching panel are playing it smarter than we have seen anyone play it before. In addition, if you look around the rugby world, there are precious few threats to the All Blacks right now. Peaking? I'd call it superiority - and the others are running to catch up. The challenge, of course, is to maintain that superiority through to 2007 but this coaching panel are too smart to leave things where they are now.

Rugby is a funny old game. Things change - and they can change very quickly. Only a short time ago we were watching a game where the scrum was just a part of proceedings. But now the wheel has turned and the power scrum has become a key weapon again.

The other funny thing about rugby is that there are always things to work on. People get tired of hearing players and coaches say that but it's nearly always true. I mean, if you look at this All Black side, good as they are, they are not the finished article.

I think they have work to do on their driving play - driving from the ruck and maul and from lineouts. It was OK against England but more is needed.

They also have work to do in the front row. Carl Hayman and Tony Woodcock have been excellent but there is a big gap between them and Saimone Taumoepeau and John Afoa. If we had to play South Africa and had to pitch Afoa and Taumoepeau against Os du Randt and his mates, well, I wouldn't be betting a case of beer on that result.

Some have suggested they need more tightness to their game so they counter the English forwards better, or other sides that want to play that physical, forward-dominated game. But I think all they need is a bit of tweaking, a bit of fine tuning and that will come. They are very close to being dominant now, as we all saw against England.

But Graham Henry and Co will still be looking to move the All Blacks' game on. They'll be looking at positions like lock - Chris Jack and Ali Williams have done well but there is still a big gap to the next two. When Jason Eaton came on against England, he looked as green as grass. Peaking? He's got a way to go yet but this tour has showed he has potential.

It's how they build on it that counts. I bet, too, they'll be looking at centre. In spite of all the depth-building, I still wonder what we'll do now it seems we have lost Tana.

They will be looking at Rodney So'oialo and saying: 'Right, you're the No 1, No 8 but there are a few guys pushing you hard, even though you can cover all three loosie positions'.

That's the key to it for me - they are managing the players well. They are not just ensuring they don't burn out, they have also built a superb attitude in this team. That's how I know this team are not yet peaking. Their attitude is great - they are looking forwards, not back and there is no room for anyone to rest in any armchairs yet.

And they know it.