All Blacks look for more tries against France

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 6:04p.m.

By Jim Kayes

The All Blacks were out scored four tries to three by the French in their two tests back in June, setting the scene for a season that has seen them struggling to get over the try line.

But they are planning on getting a few more ticks in the try column against France on Sunday in Marseilles.

This is a question that has been bugging the All Blacks: why can't they score more tries?

Winger Cory Jane gave one answer.

"There have been a few opportunities that we've witnessed and seen out there, I think we just need to talk a bit more.

“We've seen a hole or something like that but we haven't talked or we haven't commanded the ball and then it goes away on us. Yeah, it's a mystery."

What is not a mystery is that the All Blacks have scored only 20 tries in 13 tests this year, just one in each of their last three tests – a very un-All Blacks tally.

Ma’a Nonu says the All Blacks pride themselves on scoring tries.

"That hasn't happened in the last few games and I guess trying to make things click hasn't happened, so we're kind of like one step away in scoring more tries.”

To be fair to the All Blacks they have not had much luck of late.

A couple of tight TMO calls went against them in Cardiff, while at Twickenham Mils Muliaina was over for the try, but had a toe in touch.

"Our attacking game on the weekend was as good as it's been for a long time we just didn't get any reward,” Steve Hansen says.

“We haven't had many rewards on the whole tour really to be honest, that'll come though if you keep knocking on the door someone's eventually going to have to let you in."

Cory Jane hopes that if the door opens on Sunday, he will be there to waltz through having watched from the stand at Twickenham.

"It would be good to get an opportunity. Having not played it wasn't too bad during the beginning of the week and then as soon as the boys ran out there for the game I was pretty gutted," he says.

That is a feeling he may not experience this week, with the team named on Thursday.

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