Go Easy Says Mitchell

The Welsh public are too hard on their national rugby team, says All Black coach John Mitchell.

Mitchell and his troops arrived in Cardiff on Sunday, and trained in front of hundreds of schoolchildren at the Arms Park on Monday.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Welsh rugby – having lived in England I know from almost first-hand experience what it’s all about,” Mitchell said.

“Wales and New Zealand are very similar countries in that there are high expectations from the public for the team to perform and do well.

“To be honest, I think the Welsh public are a bit harsh on the Welsh side.”

Mitchell said he would be working his young side hard in the buildup to Saturday’s Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium – the All Blacks’ last chance to record a win on their three-match tour.

“We will be working on all of our game this week,” he said. “There is a lot of improvement to be made in many areas of our game but we will stick to our usual training routines.

“This series of matches is giving immense experience to the individuals involved in the side. To be playing in such massive venues as Twickenham, the Stade de France and the Millennium Stadium with a lot of pressure on their backs is hugely beneficial to the development of these players’ careers.”

Captain Taine Randell is looking forward to Saturday’s match.
“The All Blacks have a lot to prove at every game, and that will be the case on Saturday.

“We wanted to win all our games in this series. That hasn’t happened but we will carry on working as we prepare to play Wales.

“Wales and Welsh rugby are respected very highly by New Zealand and I think the feeling’s mutual.
“I’m sure we can look forward to a heck of a game at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.”