The All Blacks young guns exceeded all expectations last weekend with a landslide victory over Ireland in New Plymouth. Despite a comfortable 66-28 demolition of Brian O’Driscoll’s men, the New Zealand side, boasting six newcomers, roared to victory in a nine-try rout.
Assistant coach Wayne Smith predicts Wales will provide a stiff Test on Saturday in a match which sees the favourites making just one change with flanker Victor Vito coming into a side brimming with confidence.
“It’s about consistently stepping up at this level. It’s not like Super 14 where you can lose four games and still make the playoffs,” explained Smith.
“That’s not life in the All Blacks; which is about winning every single game. You’ve got to be at your best to do that so that’s the challenge for the guys coming in.”
Smith was keeping his cards close to his chest when asked just how good could the rookies become but he conceded that in Dagg, New Zealand could have unveiled the new Christian Cullen.
Dagg, inside centre Benson Stanley and loosehead prop Ben Franks all impressed on debut while Vito, Sam Whitelock and Aaron Cruden stood out after entering the fray from the bench.
“We can say they’ve got good character; are composed enough to play at this level. There are going to be sterner tests down the track and as an All Black you’ve got to step up to them. A few more games and we can make a bit more of an assessment.”
Smith added Dagg in particular now has to back up his brilliant debut with another eye catching performance against Wales.
“That’s a challenge for any young All Black. They come in and do well and we’ve seen a lot drop off the scene because they couldn’t keep their feet on the ground or couldn’t consistently replicate their performances,” Smith added.
“We’ve seen others like Christian Cullen who came in and lit up the stage and went on to be one of the great attacking players I’ve ever seen.You’ve got to be built for it and it’s hard to know who is and who isn’t until you stick them in that environment.
“My gut feeling is that Israel is made for the national team and that he’ll cope with it and go on from here.”
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