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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Nick Evans

New Zealand are under the radar and with Aaron Smith that makes them dangerous

Aaron Smith in action against Italy
Aaron Smith led New Zealand to their thrashing of Italy. Photograph: Paul Harding/Getty

As difficult as it might be to score 96 points and still fly under the radar, New Zealand are doing just that at the World Cup. It strikes me that while France, South Africa and Ireland are all talked about as potential winners, the All Blacks are not in that conversation as much at the moment and that makes them dangerous.

There is pressure on Ireland as the world No 1 nation but one who have never made it beyond the quarter-finals; there is pressure on France as the host nation and there is a bit of pressure on South Africa as the defending champions and question marks over their goal kicking. New Zealand, on the other hand, have been ticking along nicely since their opening defeat by France.

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