Rugby World Cup 2023 – Scott McLeod (New Zealand): “We are working but we must do better”

What is the news regarding the red card received by Ethan de Groot, your pillar?

Nothing new since last night. We’re looking at that and putting together our elements and our information based on what we’ve seen. We’re waiting to see what World Rugby tells us about the appeal process and deadlines (the player’s hearing will take place this Monday, September 18Editor’s note)

The fact that the tackle was made “shoulder to shoulder” can he plead in his favor ?

We think we have enough arguments to defend this position. We are in the process of gathering our elements and our information.

At the start of the World Cup, these tackling situations are among those which provoke the most sanctions. What are your feelings on the matter?

We work on it every day, we integrate it into the technical background and our players work hard in this area. Sometimes they make mistakes in the heat of the moment, but we have to do better in this area.

Preventing Namibia from scoring a try does it make you particularly satisfied with your performance?

Their three points came from a penalty where the tackler did not clear the zone. We identified that and we must do better there too. The referees are very attentive in the ruck zones and we cannot afford to concede penalties in dangerous zones or penalties at all. Afterwards, it’s positive, the guys are really proud not to have taken a test. The most encouraging thing is that we were able to recover balloons. We must perform well in this area for the rest of the competition.

Are we talking about a possible return of players like Jordie Barrett and Tyrel Lomax against Italy?

Tyrel Lomax and Shannon Frizell participate in group training, but not 100%. Jordie Barrett participates in sequences when he can. We really can’t wait for them to be available again. We hope they will be back for the match against Italy.