Emerging nations boosted by new Rugby World Cup qualification process

Jordan hasn't had a game at 15!! He's just returning from injury, will be a while before we know if he's ever going to be the player he was again, let alone a fullback at the highest level.

We (you're not the only one saying this) just need to give the setup time, it's only they second ever squad theyve selected. We will see the others of the next few years.

They just make a few key unforced errors at the wrong time imo.

Codie is 33. He played great but he immediately needs replacing and given a rest if you want him to continue making those sorts of contributions up until 27' like Colesy did.

Ardie just didn't do enough. He might return to a hundy after a Super Rugby season. Savea was also an All Black apprentice at the age of 20, so he might have already had the demands of a 35 yo placed on his shoulders, it certainly feels like it when you hear him talk candidly about what makes him tick. It's non of the excitement of youth anymore thats for sure. I feel like now is the time to transition him into a less combative role as an AB 7 (in partner with DP, and at the expense of the careers or Blackadder and Jacobsen, who will see no future in the ABs with Sititi, Finau, Frizzel, Barrett at 6 and 8) or as the same explosive player but off the bench (my preferred). Ditto Cane who is obviously leaving and unliekly to return in 27'.

Agreed with the rest of pack required better preparation from Razor and co. I really do like Darry's picture and although of course early days I can see him being first choice lock by eoy.

If Robertson believes TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett are capable of capitalising on the fine work of the forwards

He doesn't. They are MacDonald leftovers. I can't believe as the coach of the Blues with BB in it he campaigned to start Beaudy (I know there wasn't much choice but they royally stuffed him), and I'm not sure he's recoverable as an AB now. He could have been such great value to the team a few more years. TJP I have some sympathy with as again Brace allowed SA to play the ball in the ruck and stop any threat of NZ winning the game at the death this week. When viewed in this context it was a cardable offense even though it was in their own half, TJ did all he could to ensure the refs got that decision correct and give the ABs a chance to win the game. Unfortunately Brace probably was in the refs ear ensuring he wasn't made to look bad. Dmac ofc is the lynchpin and soul to the taking the AB backline where it has never been before this year, beating the rush defence 4 games out of 4.

The difference in the backline has been stark for me. That is despite the wingers still not being taken advantage of by Razor, but it would appear to be improved on Leon's time (whether thats relevant or not nobody will ever know). We don't have the stats but I'd argue this last game would have been the highest run meters NZ has had, it was certainly the highest 'post contact' run meters the side has had in the 5 big games so far. The decisions made in back three selections have been all over the show, but I have sympathy as it's not easy. Perofeta got injured and allthough players like Narawa look now like they would have been the best to stick with, it would appear Reece might have been the best to drop rather than the new and unused guys. I'm happy for reece to have had a chance but certainly I'd like some decisiveness now. Finding out who is partnering Jordan at the back is not as important as finding a 12 for me (posted in the other article before this). I can see it going so many ways but I watched Argentina game from 21' the other day and Rieko showed he's got the hands to pass the ball if thats the direction the team is asking for (that means a much more physical/stronger Barrett at 12 is required), and also the footwork to find holes. I am a bit worried he has lost the footwork these last two years however, as he has seemed sluggish in space all year (would have been great if ALB had of popped him a ball in the late overlaps they had this weekend). Sotutu also showed to be of great value offensively in that game as well, if they can unlock his benefit to the team, with say Barrett/DP as workhorses on the flank, there is also potential there.

Very exciting few games coming up before a couple more liquid test at the eoyt!

TJ was victim to another Brace howler of a decision again this week. It's a problem with him but not one you're obviously able to solve, you arent likely to have such bad decisions cause him to lose the plot again this year though so he is still a valuable option until Roigards fitness has returned.

That, to go along with the positions of hooker and both props, and the loose forward depth once the find the right balance, they will be the best forward pack in the world. Ratima and Jordie Barrett would also beat Springbok bench for versatility as well, if they can just find a lynchpin at 12, thats the only spot this current teams needs to develop. Tupaea has the physical strength but neither the ball playing size of SBW or the giftedness of Nonu. The Umaga Jensen boys are just a bit too diverse in their style and it makes then brittle, we need someone who is solid first and is constantly able to play. Lam, Heem, Plummer maybe too old at this point? What about the players they have (hopefully) been keeping an eye on overseas like Leicester, Goodhue, Nankivell? Each SR side has at least one or two other All Black level 12 prospects. Surely one of all those, can turn into the required player if given a chance!