'Positive outlook' – All Blacks hint at new attacking style

All Blacks players have hinted at a more expansive attacking approach heading into the opening Test of the campaign, describing a 'positive outlook' in camp as the new coaching group settles on how it wants the side to play.

Shifts in attacking philosophy rarely arrive fully formed. Early Tests tend to show intent more than execution, with the clearest markers being how quickly the side plays from ruck ball and how willing it is to keep the ball alive from deeper positions.

For the players, the change is as much about decision-making licence as structure. A team encouraged to back its instincts will make more errors early, and the coaching group has signalled tolerance for that while the pattern beds in.

The real test will come against opposition able to slow possession and squeeze space. Until then, the attacking talk is a statement of ambition — and a signal to supporters of the brand of rugby the new era intends to deliver.