Nehe Milner-Skudder scores in the corner against Namibia. Photo / Brett Phibbs
We know the All Blacks are one of the most analysed teams in world rugby and that they have to keep evolving their game to stay ahead of the pack, and for me their use of their wings at this World Cup is a very interesting development.
So far Julian
Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder have been used close to the ruck - not as first receivers but to pick and go, using their pace and power to get in behind the opposition.
It was evident during their matches against Argentina and Namibia that it's something they are working hard at. Rather than a forward or a halfback, you have the pace and power of a wing around the breakdown who can catch defenders by surprise or at the very least commands attention. Defenders don't normally see that picture - a halfback and a wing hovering - and they're not sure who is going to get the ball.
It changes the defensive mindset, and after their pick and go they're not racing back to the wing, they are staying in that area to further make things difficult for defenders. We have seen that with Savea that he stays in-field and by doing so scored two tries against Namibia. Milner-Skudder has too.
I like the tactic for the above reasons and the fact that they are further changing the picture by having a hooker or loose forward holding their width to compensate for their wings being elsewhere. Having a Dane Coles or a Jerome Kaino or Kieran Read there is another challenge for a wing on defence.
