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The gap is not as big as New Zealanders like to think A Set the default text size A Set large text size
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After a tough start to the Trans-Tasman competition, most Australians are conceding the next World Cup already.
The record of 18 defeats over four rounds has led many to conclude that Australian rugby has no hope against the best, but the gap isn’t as big as it seems.
There has been a clear improvement from Australian sides as the Trans-Tasman tournament progresses and a few young stars have been unearthed.
The evolution of attack and defence A Set the default text size A Set large text size
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Attack and defence in rugby are inextricably linked, and they evolve in cycles.
As attacking structures evolve, so do the defensive structures to counter them. At the turn of the millennium, attacking structures started to turn professional and it took some time for the defensive systems to adequately respond.
As attacking structures continued to evolve, so did the defensive systems and this has led to the current stalemate, which many supporters are calling a boring kick fest, especially in the northern hemisphere.