Marshall played 81 times for the All Blacks, and his comments will be therefore respected. Final quarter performances suggest Marshall may be right. The collective spirit and drive have been missing, leading to a vulnerability in performance. National teams are no longer afraid of playing the once universally-feared All Blacks.
The global search for a new coach has spread far and wide after the recent departure of Scott Robertson. Almost every Kiwi coach overseas is being scrutinised – even Ronan O’Gara, a non-Kiwi! Can you imagine the All Blacks being coached by someone who isn’t Kiwi?
The clock is ticking and the frustration is beginning to surface. Then, of course, the anointed one will come under the most intensive scrutiny. A four-test tour of South Africa awaits. A four-nil drought and we may go back to another selection process.
Meanwhile, “Up North” the Investec Champions Cup is through to the last sixteen and there are some intriguing ties that lie ahead. The final pool games have raised some credibility issues. Winning scores of over 70 points have tarnished the competition. Clubs sending weakened teams, not through injury, but resting players for bigger games ahead, show little respect for spectators, already coping with rising ticket prices and the cost of European travel.
The last 16 draw is as follows: Harlequins vs Sale; Leinster vs Edinburgh; Toulon vs Stormers; Glasgow vs Bulls; Bath vs Saracens; Bordeaux vs Leicester; Toulouse vs Bristol; and Northampton vs Castres.
Although my outsider tip is Glasgow, the winner will more than likely come from Northampton, Toulouse or Bordeaux.
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.