All Blacks ready for battle after phoney war

TOULOUSE – Now that the phoney war of the pool phase is over, New Zealand can finally concentrate on the real business of winning that elusive second World Cup.

As predicted, the All Blacks romped through the group phase, racking up 309 points, 46 tries and a maximum four bonus points in the process. Coach Graham Henry and his assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have stuck to their strategy of using all 30 players in the squad, keeping them fresh and game hungry ahead of the key knockout matches.The players have responded by playing some of the best running rugby in the tournament, setting new standards of excellence as they have put each of their pool opponents to the sword.New Zealand has been synonymous with rugby ever since the game has been played, but this team appears determined not just to win the Webb Ellis trophy but to win it in style.Unlike 2003 when they shut themselves away from prying eyes in their bolthole in Australia, this All Blacks side has got out, mingled with the fans, been at ease with the media and clearly had fun the World Cup.The players are enjoying their rugby too.Mentally they appear more able to handle the pressure All Black sides have to endure before any World Cup and the team spirit is second to none.Nampa-ReutersCoach Graham Henry and his assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have stuck to their strategy of using all 30 players in the squad, keeping them fresh and game hungry ahead of the key knockout matches.The players have responded by playing some of the best running rugby in the tournament, setting new standards of excellence as they have put each of their pool opponents to the sword.New Zealand has been synonymous with rugby ever since the game has been played, but this team appears determined not just to win the Webb Ellis trophy but to win it in style.Unlike 2003 when they shut themselves away from prying eyes in their bolthole in Australia, this All Blacks side has got out, mingled with the fans, been at ease with the media and clearly had fun the World Cup.The players are enjoying their rugby too.Mentally they appear more able to handle the pressure All Black sides have to endure before any World Cup and the team spirit is second to none.Nampa-Reuters