Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Ex-All Blacks share concerns over young forward pack

Kieran Read is one of many All Blacks labelled as "cheats" by a former Irish international. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Members of the 2011 World Cup winning All Blacks‘ side Stephen Donald, Kieran Read and Israel Dagg have all expressed their concerns for the All Blacks starting forward pack in the second Bledisloe test.

ADVERTISEMENT

A number of potential issues were discussed on SENZ radio, including experience, personnel and the line-out.

However, the flip side of every All Blacks coin is opportunity and there’s plenty of that going for the younger forwards this weekend, with starting spots moving forward still not “solidified” according to Read.

Video Spacer
Video Spacer

Stephen Donald’s primary concern was how the set piece would function with a younger pack.

“The Australian line-out will, I think, function better,” Donald said. “It will open up more options to them.

“They will be able to get more back ball if they want it, if that’s of interest … so that becomes a lot more of an option for them.”

Australia last week showed the attacking prowess of their forwards, with Pete Samu and Rob Valentini making dangerous runs with ball in hand and the former linking with in form winger Marika Koroibete for a try down the left hand sideline.

Prior to the first Bledisloe test, pundits were anticipating the Wallabies roaming wingers to play more of a role in the Australians’ attack, however both Koroibete and Tom Wright saw limited opportunities, something the Wallabies may be able to change with a stronger set piece.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read had a more broad view on the selections, but emphasised a lack of in-form players.

“It’s an interesting one actually, looking back, I don’t think it looks as good as what it was last week,” Read said.

“In saying that, I think there’s opportunities for guys (because) we’re just seeing in the All Blacks’ game at the moment … no one’s really solidified their spot, except for maybe Scott Barrett who’s not playing this week.”

Related

One player who fans have been calling for to get more minutes is Dalton Papali’i, who will start in his preferred position of open side flanker in the absence of captain Sam Cane.

ADVERTISEMENT

Israel Dagg was one of many singing the Aucklander’s praises during the Super Rugby season but acknowledged it’s difficult to maintain top form when you’re not on the field.

“He hasn’t had any continuity with his game time so he’s struggling to find his biggest impact,” Dagg said.

“Now he’s got that time to go out there … but our breakdown, we haven’t had anyone over the ball that’s a genuine jackler.

“That’s what we were hoping to see from Ardie if he was going to play at seven, we know how good he is over the ball.

“Dalton’s good; he’s good over the ball, but he needs to have a huge (impact).

“Akira has to have a big game too,” Dagg continued.

“After Frizell (was) injured, we are still trying to find that number six that’s going to take us forward and get the job done.

“So, this is an opportunity for Akira to really go out there and stamp his mark on this team.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Kubota Spears vs Saitama Wild Knights | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The gruelling reality behind one of the fastest sports in the world | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 40 | The Steven Kitshoff Special

Perry Baker in the house | HSBC Life on Tour | Los Angeles

O2 Inside Line: All In | Episode 6 | Le Crunch

The Unexpected Journey to USA 7s Glory | Aaron Cummings | Sevens Wonders

USA vs Japan | Full Match Replay

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Confidence knocks and finding your people | Flo Williams | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Tackling reasons for drop-out in sport | Zainab Alema | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

2 Comments
N
NV 960 days ago

This All Blacks side is not the Mighty All Blacks we knew.

D
DC 960 days ago

i have to agee with them sure foster had to make some changes but players are not in the right positions

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
TomCruise33 4 hours ago
'Well constructed': Vern Cotter on what led to a convincing win in Fiji

Contact Mighty Hacker Recovery 4 all hacking services 2025 Reach out on Whatsapp ++14042456415

Internet scams and cybercrime have surged to concerning heights, causing chaos in lives, depleting hard-earned funds, and incapacitating companies. F R A U Dsters work in multiple forms, such as counterfeit investment sites, binary options frauds, forex trading F R A U D, and cryptocurrency scams, all aimed at deceiving unsuspecting victims

These offenders are very cunning, utilizing psychological tactics and promising unrealistic high returns to attract individuals, only to disappear with their funds. I am recounting my experience as a caution to those who might encounter comparable circumstances. I used to be a target of a meticulously planned binary options scam, in which I lost an astonishing $898,300 in B I T C O I N to a F R A U Dulent broker. Initially, all appeared to be authentic. The platform seemed credible, and the offers of substantial returns were appealing. Nevertheless, after I put my money in, the fraudsters vanished completely, leaving me helpless and heartbroken. The emotional burden was overwhelming; I felt despondent, ensnared in a loop of sadness, and uncertain if I would ever regain my lost money

Luckily, I ultimately encountered MIGHTY HAC KER RECOVERY, a reliable and exceptionally talented investigative and recovery firm. Their group of cybersecurity professionals focuses on monitoring and retrieving money lost to internet fraud. Thanks to their assistance, I managed to recover my stolen funds and regain control of my life. Their determination and technical know-how were truly remarkable, offering me the assistance I urgently required during a difficult period

If you or someone you know has been a target of any type of online F R A U D, whether it’s a fraudulent investment plan or crypto theft, please seek assistance right away. In these situations, timing is essential, and the quicker you respond, the better the odds of recuperation. MIGHTY HAC KER RECOVERY has demonstrated itself as a dependable option for numerous victims, including me. They employ sophisticated methods to track stolen money, uncover scammers, and support legal proceedings when needed

Don’t allow shame or fear to silence you; con artists flourish when their victims stay silent. To all who see this: Remain alert, perform detailed research before investing, and avoid trusting offers that appear "too good to be real." If you’ve been S C A M M E D, don’t lose hope; contact a trustworthy recovery service such as MIGHTY HAC KER RECOVERY for help. Your journey to healing might be nearer than you realize.

0 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING An England 23 Borthwick could pick after the Lions squad announcement An England 23 Borthwick could pick after the Lions squad announcement
Search