Time to dispense with the juggling act

THE intensity, or lack of it, en route to the World Cup quarter-finals has created interesting comparisons between the eight remaining nations.

It has long been argued that the basis of any good team performance demands that the tight five fulfil their primary ball-winning function. But as the top teams have met weaker opposition, some of them have abandoned the desire to produce structured forward play.

With the selection of an extremely fast and free-spirited back three and a running out-half in Carlos Spencer, the All Blacks have been committed to an open style of play throughout this season.