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All Black outside backs will be better tomorrow

Media Release – October 16

All Black outside backs will be better tomorrow night

The All Black backs will play better as the tournament goes on, All Blacks’ 1987 World Cup winning star Craig Green said today.

Speaking from Italy where he is coaching club rugby, Green said the exciting All Blacks will improve as the tournament progress.

``It is refreshing to see the All Blacks really exploit the width of the field and their show their strength on the wings.

``They also looked like they needed the run and will be a lot better for it.

``There is still some problems in the lineouts but this is normal nowadays for most teams.’’

Green, who set a World Cup record of four tries against Fiji in the first World Cup, said he was worried about the number of mistakes made in playing the style of game the All Blacks had adopted.

``We risk having error-ridden games because they are mostly being played at night and with the dew on the ball this will be a problem.

``I thought the Italians played well to their strengths in beating Tonga 36-12 last night. They need to work on their ball retention and be more aggressive on defence. Their discipline was good even though the Tongans tried to intimidate them.’’

Green said there was too much difference between the top sides and the lower teams but the second round was producing tight finishes with USA and Fiji and Italy v Tonga.

This confirmed the need to have these teams at the World Cup. The surprise so far must be Japan and their fantastic game against Scotland which could have easily been the upset of the year.

``The refereeing so far has been generally very good. I am looking forward to the first of the real big games: England v South Africa on Saturday.’’

Ends

Media advisory: For further information contact Kip Brook at Word of Mouth Media NZ 03 374 5426 or 021 033 8455

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