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Search forOsprey Bowe: Hit 'em hard
Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:00
The Liberty Stadium utility back featured in the Ireland side who were beaten 22-3 by the All Blacks at Croke Park last weekend.
Ireland had gone into the game with confidence, but the Kiwis broke them at forward, relentlessly pressured Ronan O'Gara and settled the issue with three tries midway through the game.
Yet while the home players were left shaking their heads in disbelief after the match, New Zealand can get frustrated by a team that gives away nothing in defence, such as France at the Millennium Stadium at the last World Cup, and Bowe believes it is up to Shaun Edwards and his players to make sure their rearguard is of the never-say-die variety.
''If you want to make a game of it against the All Blacks, you have to tackle as if your lives depend on it,'' said Bowe.
''France did that at the last World Cup and Munster did it the other night.
''Of course in the modern game there are so many variables, but it is surprising how far passion and the right attitude can take you.
''Munster really got stuck into New Zealand. They had 65 per cent of the possession in the first half and gave a great account of themselves.
''I know a lot of the Welsh boys and there are some good players there. They will know the importance of keeping the ball in hand, playing rugby and doing the basics well.''
Despite their 19-point margin of victory in Dublin, the All Blacks were widely felt not to have engaged top gear against Brian O'Driscoll and Co.
But Bowe, a candidate for the Lions tour of South Africa next year, was hugely impressed.
''We felt we could beat them, but they showed us why they are the top team in world,'' he said.
''Not only are they massively physical, they also force you into mistakes and are clinical in everything they do. And their core skills are first class.
''They just have an air of supremacy about them and they want opponents to feel scared about facing them.
''Dan Carter showed his class but he was operating behind a dominant pack, so he always has that extra second to make decisions and execute his plays, while Richie McCaw doesn't stop.
''For sure, they are an excellent team, the complete package.''
A final decision on whether James Hook will take his place on the Wales bench was expected today.
The Osprey, who picked up a knee injury against Canada, trained yesterday evening, but Warren Gatland was waiting to see whether he experienced any reaction.
MARK ORDERS
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