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'That's what you want from your No 6': All Black Frizell receives glowing endorsement
By Ben Smith
All Blacks blindside flanker Shannon Frizell starred in the 35-20 win over the Springboks with a resounding performance that has perhaps established himself as the first choice No 6.
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The Highlanders flanker was recalled to the starting side last year against the Springboks for the second Test at Ellis Park replacing Akira Ioane from the Blues, and has remained the starting No 6 since.
He has started 2023 with two big performances to reward the selectors for their faith, but even they must have been surprised at how Frizell took apart South Africa early at Mt Smart.
With his first touch he burst up the middle after an electric Will Jordan kick return to put the All Blacks deep inside South Africa’s half. With another carry shortly after he tossed aside Kwagga Smith with incredible strength.
His big moment came when he bulldozed Springboks fullback Willie le Roux to send Mt Smart delirious as the All Blacks early onslaught left the visitors shellshocked.
Lock Brodie Retallick praised Frizell’s ‘impressive’ performance revealing he couldn’t resist a second look at the replay of Frizell’s barnstorming try.
“He was awesome, I popped my head up and had a quick look at the big screen when he ran over Le Roux there in the corner,” Retallick said.
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“That’s what you want from your No 6. It’s impressive, he played extremely well I thought.”
On whether Frizell reminded him of All Black legend Jerome Kaino, Retallick could see some similarities with the power game that Frizell brought to the table.
“It was a bit like that. It’s great to see and it’s awesome for him.”
The All Blacks trusted Frizell with the tough carries coming out of their 22, with the workhorse flanker taking the job of setting up the exit kicks.
He finished with 13 carries on the night, equal most of any player on the field with Retallick.
The entire All Black back row stood up in the first half with relentless defence and Frizell managed a key ruck turnover defending in the 22 to scupple a South African attacking possession.
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Head coach Ian Foster said that the 29-year-old has stepped up to the challenge given to him in order to secure the role of the first choice blindside.
“He’s just taken the challenge on board. It’s a jersey he wants. I was delighted,” Foster said.
“I thought last week was one of his best Tests. The Argentinians, they are a tough team and he was strong.
“Then to do it this week was pretty special. I thought he should be pretty proud.”
From a Saffa I will say congratulations, your team has improved vastly. You guys are now deserved favourites for the RWC in France. For our guys I will say, chin up. That was a valiant fight back with your backs against the wall. The Springbok vs All Black games are the best. I don't mind losing as much when we go down swinging.
Always nice of the ABs to give a woman beater who likes saying “F*** you b****” to random ladies pride of place on their roster.
Well done and has proved doubters like me wrong. A pity he’s off to Japan next year.
Yes he is a big man, a typical nz six I think he’s like 6,5 and a decent line-out option but Ardie Savea shouldn’t play eight he is a great player but has been manhandled in the last couple of tests put him at Seven & bring in some big number 8s .
Reminded me of Colin Meads on the rampage.