Rugby World Cup: after the defeat against the Blues, the All Blacks have changed (almost) nothing

Facing children from a rugby school in Île de France, the All Blacks Beauden and Jordie Barrett, Damian Mckenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown were heckled. In accordance with the rules of the art, obviously. During a four-star event organized by the Adidas brand, three-quarters of New Zealand were discussed about possible transfers after the World Cup but also about a possible final and revenge against the French XV.

Also in the presence of the famous Hugo Décrypte and Fey The Wolf, French designer behind the current All Blacks jersey, the four players then spoke for Le Figaro about the defeat against the French team and are ready to face the Ireland on Saturday in the quarter-final (9 p.m.).

And, they assure us, even if this inaugural defeat undoubtedly destroyed the chances of finishing first, Ian Foster's players have changed nothing. “Obviously, during our training, we modified and discussed a few small details. But this defeat did not necessarily hurt us. We stick to what we said and we move forward little by little,” said the smiling Damian Mckenzie. Same story for three-quarter center Anton Lienert-Brown. “When you lose, that’s when you learn the most. We learned a lot of lessons from this defeat..."

Even if New Zealand seems to have lost its splendor due, in particular, to the generational dip after the career stops of Mealamu, McCaw, Kaino, Read, Carter, Conrad and Ben Smith or even Ma'a Nonu, it does not nonetheless remains a team to be wary of. Proof of this is the cards inflicted on the poor Namibians (71-3), Italians (96-0) then Uruguayans (96-17).

But Beauden Barrett knows, every match is different. “Our rugby can also evolve. Tactically, we always adapt to the conditions. We are always looking to improve. We know what we are capable of. It’s up to us to do the work now.” Even if the New Zealanders dream of a revenge in the final against the French XV, they will first have to get rid of Ireland. And that, at the same time, Antoine Dupont's teammates beat the Springboks. Not done...