Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks battle heat in Kashiwa

The All Blacks are adamant conditions in Japan will suit the style of game they want to play at the World Cup, as they try to quickly acclimate to temperatures nearing 40 degrees.

The side have trained in sweltering conditions and despite having a team full of players that thrive on a fast, dry track, one senior player is warning that may not always be the best way to play.

At Wednesday's training, the All Blacks were doing anything they could to tackle the heat, including a late change in training schedule to combat the sun.

"It's based on 38 degrees in the morning and 32 in the afternoon," said assistant coach Ian Foster.

"We've got a pretty solid plan how we want to operate, but you've still got to adapt, and adjust to local conditions and things."

"But despite all the pre-tournament talk about the conditions, Brad Weber believes they're tailor-made for the way the All Blacks like to play.

"We like to play a fast game, up tempo," said Weber.  "So, I see these conditions suiting us perfectly."

Against Tonga, the All Blacks showed just how dangerous they could be in open space, with ball in hand.

And with a fast, dry surface expected in Yokohama for their opening pool match against the Springboks, Weber is confident they can make it work to their advantage.

"We've got some exciting talent and ability, so we're all pretty keen to get amongst these conditions."

But Sam Whitelock is warning his side not to get too carried away with open, running rugby, insisting they have to be careful about their situational awareness. 

Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks battle heat in Kashiwa

"Making sure you can control the tempo [is important]," said Whitelock. "You don't want to just go out there, and try and play fast the whole time, when it's actually smarter to try and slow it down." 

The All Blacks aren't the only ones feeling the heat though, with thousands of local fans to share it with in their training session.

The New Zealanders are no doubt hoping they'll have the crowd on their side in Yokohoma in just over a week.

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