The Dominion Post's Marc Hinton believes it is time for a reality check in the All Blacks' ranks.
"It was a glaring admission from classy All Blacks centre Conrad Smith in the wake of the shock Suncorp defeat to the Wallabies. Maybe, he shrugged, New Zealand fans should be worried.
Smith had been asked following the 25-20 defeat that handed the Wallabies their first Tri-Nations title in a decade why, less than a fortnight out from the World Cup kickoff, All Blacks fans should not be worried.
But the midfield marvel surprised with his answer after the All Blacks had wasted a stirring comeback from 3-20 down to level at 20-20 heading into the final quarter. Maybe, he figured, a second straight defeat to take into the global tournament should have a few alarm bells ringing.
"Maybe they should be [worried]," said the 29-year-old who scored one try and laid on the other in the second-half fightback. "I think they need to realise its going to be a good contest which isn't a bad thing. I'm sure there will be a bit of panic."
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