Complacency biggest enemy for All Blacks

THE All Blacks have adopted a “we’re second, they’re first” mentality to avoid over-confidence going into the second Test against the Lions tomorrow.

After demolishing the tourists 21-3 in the first Test, the All Blacks have every reason to feel confident of wrapping up the series, forcing coach Graham Henry to say complacency was the biggest enemy.

After surprisingly making three changes, Henry said he was replacing players of similar ability, but he also left the distinct impression he was giving his squad the message that no one’s place was safe.

“Graham Henry’s on us to say ‘don’t kiss yourself goodnight’ because a game of rugby is different every week,” said Ali Williams, whose outstanding lineout performance with Chris Jack ensured a glut of possession in the first Test.

“We’ve still got a chance of losing and that’s in the back of everyone’s mind. We’re not going to sit on our laurels - I’ve made that mistake before. Mentally, I think ‘I’m second and they’re first’ and I’ve got to beat them. A loss hurts, the drive not to lose is huge.”

He added: “To win is the be-all and end-all really.”

Williams, once the villain of New Zealand rugby, was set to be targeted by the Lions, aware of his reputation of having a short fuse, but in the first Test he showed a meaner but cleaner approach to his rugby.

The Auckland Blues lock stole lineout ball almost at will in Christchurch, one steal seeing him charge five metres over the line for the first try of the match, and he was a standout performer in a tight five which outmuscled the Lions in the rucks and mauls.

Such was the dominance of the All Blacks forwards that Clive Woodward has brought in five new faces for the second Test, dumping four and replacing the injured Richard Hill.

And the Lions forwards found that not only could they not outplay Williams, they could not tempt him into responding to any niggle.

Williams, who describes himself as an “excitable character who needs to concentrate”, has always had the hallmarks of an outstanding player, but, with a history of reckless off-the-ball offences against his name, the New Zealand rugby hierarchy has made every effort to tidy up his game.

From current coach Graham Henry to former Test stars Andy Haden, Robin Brooke and Brian Lochore “I’ve had a lot of people help me,” the 24-year-old.

“I don’t regret anything I have done, (but) if I had the chance not to do it again I probably wouldn’t.

“I would have rather have played the whole Super 12 than watch it,” he added, referring to his six-week ban for the injudicious rucking of Crusaders and All Blacks loose forward Richie McCaw.