New Zealand working hard at all levels

Busy man: Byrne at work with Stephen Donald

As the Tri-Nations roadshow continues this weekend in Cape Town there is plenty of work going on in New Zealand to improve the standard of rugby away from the international stage.

The two main areas of concern are the general all-round kicking game and defusing of aerial attacks, both being worked on by All Black kicking and catching coach Mick Byrne.

Byrne is working on increasing these skill sets with players from both Air New Zealand Cup and Super 14 sides, both areas the All Black coaches feel their players do not naturally excel in.

In contrast Australia, who have a high number of Rugby League converts, use the aerial kicking game as a weapon in their attacking armoury.

Backs coach Wayne Smith, a former Test fly-half, said more improvement was needed in both areas for the All Blacks' long-term benefit.

"Ironically we have probably got the best man in the world there, Daniel Carter, but in general we haven't played a huge kicking game," Smith told NZPA.

"We have known for some years that we haven't been the best at kick-receive under pressure, so have done a hell of a lot of work.

"Mick Byrne, who I think is the best in the world as a kicking coach and catching coach, he is getting around the country and doing a lot of work with the Air New Zealand Cup teams, and with the Super 14.

"It is a process that is working with our players at the elite level. But it is also making sure that the ones coming through are going to be able to play this game."

Australia had three converts, Ryan Cross, Timana Tahu and Lote Tuqiri, on show at various stages in the 34-19 victory over New Zealand in Sydney.

Smith said the kicking game in League meant its top players were generally superb under the high ball.

"Tuqiri is very good, Cross looks like he is very good under the high ball," he said.

"It is something that we have to come up to the mark with. It hasn't been a big part of our game in the country.

"I would say 80 per cent of League tries come either directly or indirectly off kicks.

"And I think it is going to become more prevalent in rugby."

Steve Hansen, the All Blacks Forwards Coach, said improving aerial attack and defence was an area that was being worked on constantly.

He admitted New Zealand rugby still had some way before it came up to the standard currently being set from across the Tasman.

"If you look at Australia, what is their number one sport? AFL," he said.

"And that is all about aerial catching. And NRL (Rugby League) skills have come from ARL.

"It is something that they do in their own background as kids, it is a natural skill they develop over time.

"It is not something that we play. Therefore it is not one of our strengths."