The All Blacks put into practice the lessons they learned from facing the Springboks in defeating Scotland, according to Nick Mallett.

New Zealand overcame a difficult first half at Murrayfield, where they were only 24-21 ahead, to keep the hosts scoreless after the break.

They went to the power and kick-chase game in the second period as the visitors dominated the Scots up front, winning scrum penalties and controlling the contact area.

It was almost reminiscent of what the Boks did to the All Blacks during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, which was instructive for Mallett.

Focus on set-piece and physicality

“They have learned from playing us for four games, they have become more direct. I thought some of their carries were very physical, they are a very physical side on defence as well,” he said on the Talking Boks podcast.

“Their lines of running are always excellent but their driving maul was good and with their scrum, they did manage to get a defensive penalty on their put-in.

“They’re taking it a little bit more seriously which is a good thing, as well as being very good at scoring tries.”

With one major obstacle out of the All Blacks’ way as they attempt to finish top of their Nations Championship group, they have an easier game on paper this weekend when they take on Wales.

Despite some improvement over the course of the Six Nations and during the July Tests, Steve Tandy’s men struggled against Japan on Saturday.

The Welsh were tested throughout by the Brave Blossoms and only came away with a 28-21 triumph at the Principality Stadium.

Mallett therefore believes that it could get ugly for the hosts if some of those failings are repeated when New Zealand come to town.

The ex-Springboks boss was particularly surprised by their lack of urgency at times with an understrength Japanese outfit running them close.

Mallett ‘worried’

“I’m very worried about the Wales-All Blacks game. If the All Blacks are on song, the lack of intensity in that Wales side was remarkable,” he added.

“I watched a period of play for about 30 seconds, about eight of the Welsh players never broke into a jog while the ball was being played; counter-attack and a kick ahead, and then the opposition caught it and there was a counter-attack and another kick ahead.

“The guys were hanging around on the halfway line but making no effort to get back in case there was a counter-attack opportunity or to press up high to make sure Japan couldn’t counter-attack.

“If they don’t do that against the All Blacks, they will collect 50 points with no problem whatsoever.”