Rugby Championship: All Blacks aiming to play with the ‘shackles off’ against Australia says Caleb Clarke

Colin Newboult

November 14, 2020, Sydney, NSW, USA: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: Caleb Clarke of the All Blacks is tackled by Pablo Matera of the Pumas during the Tri-Nations round 3 rugby match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Argentina Pumas at Bankwest Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire) (Credit Image: © Speed Media/Icon SMI via ZUMA Press)

New Zealand wing Caleb Clarke believes that it is vital their minds are unburdened by the negativity which has engulfed the set-up this season.

Ian Foster’s men go into Thursday’s crucial Bledisloe Cup encounter against Australia knowing that they need to win to keep themselves in the driving seat for the Rugby Championship title.

The All Blacks have endured a miserable campaign by their high standards, which has included a series loss to Ireland and two defeats out of four in the annual southern hemisphere competition.

One of those was a first-ever reversal on home soil to Argentina, but they followed that up with a much-needed 53-3 thrashing of the same side.

Clarke noted how the mindset switched between the two Pumas matches in Christchurch and Hamilton, and the wing is hoping that the more positive mental approach can remain in Melbourne.

Playing free

“I think back then I just felt free to play and shackles off was kind of the mindset,” he told reporters.

“When I reflect on Hamilton, our mindset there was play freely and shackles off, so that’s what we’re all going to try and do – play freely and have fun, because it’s always a great matchup against the Aussies.

“I read something in the media they’re going to bring their brutality, so that’s what we’ll expect.

“I’ve had a look at their team and we saw big ball-runners, so it’s going to be a lot of running rugby under the roof.”

Clarke has had his struggles with injury and form, which meant he missed the entirety of the All Blacks’ 2021 Test season, but he is now back to his best.

“I’m just focused on each day, and not looking too far ahead,” he said.

“Reflecting on last year, I just wanted to put on that black jersey even though I was still playing for the Blues. Or I was already thinking about sevens and hadn’t played a Super Rugby game yet.

“The biggest lesson I’ve taken out is being grateful for each day and just having fun.

“You don’t want to let the jersey down, you don’t want to let the boys down. I’m just happy I get to play because I had to come out of injury to put this black jersey back on.”

Impressive wing combination

New Zealand arguably have the Rugby Championship’s deadliest wing pairing, with Crusaders star Will Jordan out on the right.

They have impressed, even when the All Blacks have faltered, and Jordan is pleased to see Clarke enjoying his rugby once again.

“Caleb brings a lot of energy to our group, and it shows where we’re at when he’s able to express himself freely,” Jordan said. “That’s what it’s all about.

“Over the last couple of years that’s been something [Ian Foster] and the leaders have driven around being ourselves.”

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