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The All Blacks' backline is to blame for Robertson's unflattering record
I said a few months back that it wouldn’t be until after their trip to South Africa that we could draw any conclusions about these All Blacks.
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Away from home, against elite opposition, we’d see the scale of the job new coach Scott Robertson has in front of him and the likelihood that this team can legitimately contend for the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Well, the All Blacks have the makings of a team.
No, they didn’t beat the Springboks in either test, but they could have.
They weren’t manhandled at the breakdown or annihilated in the set pieces. Far from it, in fact.
The All Blacks’ pack performed extremely creditably against the Springboks and can hold their heads high.
Established players, such as Codie Taylor, Ardie Savea and Sam Cane were excellent on the whole, while newer additions to the team like Tyrel Lomax, Ethan Blackadder, Tupou Vaa’i and Wallace Sititi showed they have the ability to compete with the best opposition around.
If the forwards had issues against the Springboks, it was in terms of impact off the bench.
New Zealand’s reserve forwards often battled to get into the contest and to adapt to the intensity.
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I don’t think that’s a question of ability, necessarily, more about preparation and being able to immediately match the ferocity of those already on the pitch. I’m sure that can be remedied.
The world class Ethan de Groot is still to come back, so I hold no fears that the forwards will impede this team’s progress.
Robertson’s challenge is in the backs.
We’ve done the game-management question to death, so I don’t really want to indulge in that.
If Robertson believes TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett are capable of capitalising on the fine work of the forwards and savvy enough to close out games, then good luck to him.
My curiosity now is more about how toothless the All Blacks’ attack is and how they imagine they’re going to score tries.
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I see a backline largely playing as individuals. Guys making a strong carry or putting in a clever, contestable kick, but few instances where try scoring opportunities are actually created.
If I think back to these tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the image that immediately comes to mind is Caleb Clarke carrying strongly down the left wing side in the first of those games.
That’s partly because those instances were so rare.
For the most part, New Zealand’s wings have been neither use nor ornament this season.
There to chase kicks, but very rarely put in space or given a chance to take on defenders.
Five times this season – including in Johannesburg and Cape Town – the All Blacks have failed to score a point in the final 20 minutes of matches.
Rieko Ioane, for instance, is arguably the team’s best ball-runner. In both Springbok tests he finished up on the left wing, presumably in an effort to give more one-on-one opportunities.
Did he even touch the ball? Was play ever actually directed his way?
Rugby’s changed from the days that I probably enjoyed it most, when men such as Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu and Jeff Wilson were given ample ball and space.
Can we not provide that for the modern day back-three? Have rush defences stifled that entirely? Or do the All Blacks no longer possess players who can adequately distribute the ball to those outside them?
McKenzie, to me, is a scrambler who’s kind of doing his own thing, while Jordie Barrett and Ioane are run-first midfielders. I assume Anton Lienert-Brown is brought off the bench to provide more of a passing option, but his impact when not starting appears to be minimal.
And what of Leon MacDonald in all this? He was an attack coach after all and without him the All Blacks barely created a try scoring opportunity in Cape Town, let alone an actual five-pointer.
Is that coincidence or is the backline even more bereft of ideas without him?
That’s the glaring area of weakness now for this team.
The pack can compete, but their efforts are not being rewarded by those outside them.
The goal kicking – at least on the evidence of Cape Town – isn’t good enough that the All Blacks can win by solely accumulating three points at a time. Ally that to challenges scoring tries against the Springboks and you have a recipe for the unflattering win-loss record Robertson is now building.
I truly believe the foundations of a competitive team are there. They’re just not being built on.
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Your feelings of rugby players personalities on and off the field aside, the ABs can't really blame the backline, sure they didn't perform but where were they last year, they got to a World Cup final. Same players different coach. Scott Robertson has the unenviable task of taking over a team that has traditionally been fantastic. They places a huge amount of pressure on a man, particularly one with the pedigree of 14 Super Rugby titles.
However club level and international country level are two completely different beasts. For one the opponents are good in club level but normally the best if the best are picked to represent their countries. Thus the level of opposition in club level vary tremendously. Also you only learn against the opposition you play, again Crusaders have really only got New Zealanders to play against who can give them any kind of opposition. Which means any non style ABs game play is not tested by 'Saders because they don't face anything else.
Now Scotty has taken over the coaching role from a guy who worked under possibly the best coach ABs have ever had, which means when Fozzie took over, he still had the inklings of top quality rugby although it appeared he didn't quite know how to work them properly. Now Scotty had no coaching ties with them, effectively starting from scratch. So he is still figuring out his team, and working them in. But unfortunately for now he is the one to blame for the less than average performances by his team that was shown us these past two tests and even the one against Argentina.
But it's not to say he is done and dusted but rather he needs to figure out his route, and like Rassie did and does, figure out his players, his game plan and how to get them back to where they were on 2011-2015.
My suggestion if he can, is to blood quite a few new okies, who can gain experience of playing against Springboks, France, Ireland, etc. and prepare them for the the next World Cup. Don't be shy about losing games but always look to preparing a new group for the RWC '27. If he has a newish style of playing, what better way to inform that than by starting with a fresh pair of legs and minds. Let a couple of the oldies to stay but build a new ABs team with a new style. Easier to train a puppy than an old dog. Just saying.
Give Razor time, and allow him the space. This is coming from a Saffa🇿🇦. Go Bokke, love you okes
Macdonald brought nothing extra to the table. Backs tries were draw and pass in 1st test which h everyone should do but strike moves are needed
NPC STANDINGS AS AT TODAY PLEASE RP TEAM!
We need big bodies to match European and South African Team. NZ got them in heaps. The end of the year Northern Hemisphere tour is coming and it is the perfect time to realign and makes changes.
Firstly, a few pointers for Razor. BB and DMAc are not 1st Fives. As long as these two start all blacks will never win big games. Pick only one in the reserve for big games as cover for FB. Richie Moanga is ok and better than BB and DMAc at 1st five. If Richie is available BB and Dmac should never be picked.
Secondly, Rico has to go. Rico is the reason why all blacks did not win the world cup. It was lost in the quarter final when he sledged departing Irish player. Perhaps if he had performed a haka and bring him to tears rather than derail him in his last day, Rugby Gods will be smiling at AB. It is karma. Like Gregans "wait 4 more years" Sledge and Australia lost the final to England
On the other hand, you see the South African players will never ever do such acts and go down that low. They are very respectful and good people and they will keep winning. Rugby Gods will make South Africa win and they will keep winning unless Scott makes these changes
Thirdly, Don't let Sam Cane go. All Blacks have to keep him for big games. All Blacks Maul Defense is good because of him. Just keep him at test level and no other Rugby or very minimal club Rugby. Young loosies should hang around with Cane and learn about humility and respect
A message to BB, Dmac, Rico, Ardie Savea and TJ. Please make yourselves unavailable for 2 years. Ardie you are good but not a Back Row. You are too light.
That out of the way, now let’s select the team.
Front row sorted out by Jason Ryan. Won’t talk about it.
Locking sorted out with Tupou, Scott, Darry, Pat Tuipulotu and Josh Lord
Loosies. Do away with Ardie for a while. Go with Siti, Sotutu, Cane, Ethan, Jacobson, Papalii and Finau
Young stars like Satiti and Finau have to be grounded and train hard in the gym and bulk up for the next world cup. Sotutu has to work harder off the ball.
Half Backs: TJ out. Cam Roigard [has to learn to scream and communicate game time], Ratima and Noah Hotham
Back Line:
1st Five: Harry Plummer [Inside center Cover]
2nd five: JB [Fullback and first five cover]
Outside Centre: Billy Proctor
Wings: Clarke and Will Jordon [Fullback Cover]
Fullback: Ruben Love [1st Five Cover], Zarn Sullivan
Wings: Shaun Stevson [Fullback Cover], Talaea and Narawa
Centre: Quinn Tupaea, Umaga Jenson Brothers - need big boys, ALB
Messaage to BB, DMac, Ardiae, Rico and TJ. If you want All Backs to evolve and be world leaders again, please make yourselves unavailable for 2 years. Please just do it for your country. You will come back stronger in 2 years.
New Zealand team reminds me of NSW State of Origin. They always had the best players in their positions but never selected them in their position until Madge came and now NSW will be untouchable.
I like Jake Whites idea better, we need players who know what to do in pressure situations. Those are players that continuously had to against big bodies, players stronger and more deadly than themselves, and have learnt how and when to pass or kick. Damian McKenzie is one of those players. Richie Mo'unga is the other, a player who's learnt to use his physical advantage first and foremost. No critique of Richie, just an example.
But that's not to say New Zealand shouldn't try and use its physical advantages, which many would have us believe are great when pacifika people are considered backbones of the best teams in the world. It's Rieko, and an Irishmen made me watch the video of that confrontation and all it did was show me Sexton had something to say first. Not that I'm defending his demeanor, but I am certainly pro only caring about how well he plays rugby, and if you had doubts about that just go watch the first 40 minutes of 2021's second test against Argentina.
Yes, South Africans are completely the opposite, they will blatantly cheat on the field like all their cards the last couple of weeks, and Eben getting away with blue murder in the Rugby World Cup Final, and then try and shake your hand afterwards like you're going to have a beer together later! Like HELLO this is not the amateur era anymore, show some sportsmanship and respect for the game!
With that out of the way, Ardie is my super sub, he's not going nowhere.
.. need replacing.
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.
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!
what most People seem to be missing is that the Springboks themselves were not at their best.
4 World-class Locks out injured.
same applied to our Loosies !
even in our tight 5 things are not 100%.
a few youngsters being blooded.
a new style being introduced.
a lot of inexperience, nerves, jitter, missed opportunities, and gifted Tries and Penalties to the ABs in the two Games !
this all means that the current AB Team is more average than what People care to acknowledge !
serious rebuilding needs to take place ! that means introducing new, young Talent sooner rather than later. even at the expense of losing a few Games !
Razor is a fantastic Coach. I just hope for the ABs that he will become bolder in his approach.
looking forward to seeing a full strength AB Team again !
Barrett to 10, Proctor to 13 would be nice start and drop that old 9
9 CAM ROIGARD 10 RUBEN LOVE 11 CALEB CLARK 12 JORDIE BARRETT 13 BILLY PROCTOR 14 WILL JORDAN 15 BEAUDEN BARRETT wou[d be my starting back-line in Sydney if Cam has two NPC's for C-M first!........then maybe RA would donate JOE S back LIKE ALL THE OTHER NZ COACHES they've fired in years past to allow him the chance to be a real back attack coach with Razor here after two further cricket scores following Argie's Record!
Jordan was crap at 15. Leave BB at 15 and Jordan on the wing.
AB's need a dedicated attack coach for the backs. Someone with ingenuity and new ideas that haven't been seen yet. An entrepreneur if you like. Someone inventive to aid this "rebuilding". I too remember the days where they were feared because they came up with things other teams had not seen before. Those things set them apart.
Also reckon every member should be taken through the "laws" of the game as they are today, which are so different to the latter days. I think this would aid them in creating new plays, individual brilliance that we know have been a part of our rugby history.
Anyway that's my opinon. Now back to work!.
FFS people. The ABs losing sucks, absolutely. However we are half a season into a major renewal of players, coaches and systems. However that is not to give them a free pass. Tight 5/ scrum works, yes more depth and experience needed in second row. Loosies are all at sea and really need work. 9 we have 3 young options looking good for future (with roigard included). Backs are a car crash. I've been panned here for saying this before. I loved BB and DMac now I seriously think that this is the problem. BB is like cocaine, OMH it seems so amazing that the bad parts are glossed over. Supreme athlete, amazing ball skills, can score a try for the ages. Should have been a 7's player as he can't drive a test 15 around the park. DMac is BB lite. We desperately need a test 10. Then the centres will come- Nonu and Smith were the best ever, after several years. Will Jordan now seems like a flat track bully but goes missing against top teams.
While this is a ridiculously simple take that looks to apportion blame to individuals when it is clearly something on a systems level not working, the sentiment rings true - it is not clear how the ABs will break down good defences with the ball in hand.
They finally found a way to consistently outflank the rush defence, only to find out they had been outfoxed again by a better coach and the Springboks had switched to something similar to what they ABs play when they drift and scramble. Every promising break on the outside had the ball carrier met by 4 defenders - and they weren't ready for it, no support on the inside to come against the scramble or run on to a centring kick - everything organised to play last week's game again.
The ABs were not significantly outplayed as the close score lines show, but they are half a step behind in this game of cat and mouse with the Springboks.
Yes there are still trying to fox them out with a one-on-one concept. I much prefer the all in approach Ireland have and just flooding the channels on occasion too.
They just make a few key unforced errors at the wrong time imo.
I don’t think we should apportion blame to the players - but I do think that Razor needs to find a fresh batch of backline players.
I made this comment yesterday:
Your biggest issues are in your backline.
9&10 - not world class. Not settled. Roigard is probably the future at 9. No one has stepped into Aaron’s shoes yet. Let hope Roigard lives up to the expectation.
Dmac has had his best games coming off the bench and playing from 15. He’s not a convincing general at 10. He’s not convinced at 10. And what does his move to France mean?
Will Jordan hasn’t proven he’s your 15. And, amazingly, you’re going to have to rely on 120+ cap BB until further notice. As well as to make up for Dmacs shortcomings at 1st receiver.
Jury still out on Ioane at 13. I don’t think he’s any good there. I think he’s been his best for you at wing.
Jordy is probably your most consistent backline player. But he’s one dimensional. He’s not a playmaker. Just a reliable big 12 - and looking tired I might add. If his stint to Leinster is still on, he could probably do with a change in scenery.
Where are your next 12 and 13 superstars? Where are your Umaga’s, Nonus and your Sonny Bills?
Sevu Reece was poor. On defence in particular. Clarke was missed I guess. But Tele’a also looked at sea. Apart from maybe Clarke, your wings do not strike fear in anyone as they once did. Jordan looked average.
And I’m not seeing any new, exciting young players coming through. No demonstrable depth in your backline stocks. From 10 - 15. It’s foster 2.0 and it’s nothing like the attacking force it once was.
They just send the ball to the wing. Looking very lateral. Your forwards seem to be making more line breaks these days.
Your pack is looking good. I actually wonder if your coaches are focusing on the pack at the expense of the backline? All the talk has been about your pack, your world class back three, your front row. Despite turnover in your second row, your pack has mostly delivered. Albeit your pack depth and bench isn’t exceptional.
But your backline is well below your own par. Thats why you’re not scoring points in the last 20, and putting other teams away.
In bygone eras, your backline would easily put on 2 or more tries in the last 20 exploiting gaps found from thin air. And with all that experience in your backs from 12 - 15, you can’t tell me they need to be coached on how to attack?
Your pack turned over so many rucks - and none of those opportunities converted into counter attacking tries.
I’d start selecting youngsters across the backline and start bleeding them in. You might lose a few games taking some risks in your backline. But you might lose them anyway being conservative with your selections.
Again. Your pack is solid and it’s your pack that kept you close to the boks. A good platform for a good backline and some fresh attacking talent.
The All Blacks were totally outplayed by the Springboks. Any team who loses were outplayed by the winner in some way'shape or form. Please note that there were years where the Bok team that played Nz were better than the All Blacks but the Springboks still lost because of innner tactics. It does not matter if Nz has the best players in the world because they will still lose. There is no magic left in that team anymore.
Some good points in this article, however, tactically the ABs were very good in the 1st test and the backline looked as good as it has for a very long time.
In saying that, Hamish makes a few valid points. The backline was poor in the second matchup, both tactically and from a selection standpoint.
Razor gave himself a real home goal by completely changing the back three. In the first test they were effective as a unit, with each complimenting each other well. Until the meltdown. Jordan and Clarke appear to be our best wing combination by a long shot, with different but lethal attacking skills giving us more options on the offensive.
Obviously Clarke was unavailable, but a smarter move would have been to shift Reiko out one, and leave the other spots untouched.
To change all three was a disastrous move. Reece and Tale'a have shown already this season they are a poor combo. Reece has been completely underwhelming in particular at this level for a long time, and Tale'a seems a shadow of the fine winger he was for a couple of seasons. Add to that, both have a bit too much sameness about them.
As much as I'd love to see Jordan carve it up from 15, the reality is it seems far too easy to nullify his attacking influence by tying him up at the back. Unfortunately for Jordan, he is arguably our best 14 by quite a distance, and can exert his influence far more easily from there. His try scoring record attests to that. So perhaps he should stay there.
For now Barrett remains the best available choice at 15, despite his flaws. I worry he has rediscovered his penchant for attempting a miracle chip kick with every touch. He was looking sharp for a few games without that nonsense. Also as a supposed leader, he was notable by the absence of his leadership at the death in the last two games. Clearly depth needs to be built in the 15 Jersey, I don't see BB being the answer in 2027.
Hamish has a point regarding Jordie and Ioane, they are both run first types of players. Jordie is a frustrating case - on the one hand he was our best back on the field; he's competitive, aggressive, tackles well, kicks, and takes the ball up hard. The type of player a coach loves. But he is such a blunt object. He's slow, has no step and doesn't feed his outsides much. Mind you, if he had a better distributor outside him, perhaps things would look much better as a combo.
Hopefully Razor learns from his little experiment last weekend.
Would like to see Jordie back at fullback
On Jordie I think that is what he has been asked to do. He is a very adept playmaker and was key in that role last year, but they have got something different cooking this year.
I think this article raises some good points but it's written from the point of view that the players go out there and just decide what to do when the ball gets to them. I think Jordie and Reiko are there because they are both very effective ball carriers and that's what they are being asked to do. I don't think they have a series of elaborate plays that require all this interplay between 12 and 13 and that Jordie and Reiko are such limited players that they just put their heads down and go into contact instead.
I think Holland in particular is really learning on the job, and it shows. He will be jettisoned at the end of the RC if the attack continues to flounder, and if he survives that he will be on notice for the NH tour.
Problem is at the top. Players don't select themselves. The AB's have to many players forced to fit into a position rather than the position they were initially chosen for.
A good point you make there. Might it be that AB management are trying to create the Rassie hybrid utility player scenario for Nz because as far as I can remember Nz use to play players in position with maybe a 10 that can play 12 or a 14 that can play 15 but nothing like say a Willemse that can play 4 or 5 positions at international level.
the opposing teams attack/defence strategy dictates how much better you must be in order to successfully counter them and win...taking into account that if both AB's backline performances in defeat vs Sth.Africa were to be repeated they should find themselves to be too slick for Australia ...pending whichever combination is healthy, fit and injury free... Go the AB's...playing to retain the Bledisloe requires the afore mentioned performance...and then some...
If those backline performances are repeated against anyone els the All Blacks will win. Only the Springboks and Ireland can shut out the All Blacks. I still miss those first phase strike playes Nz use to do.
My AB team:
1 De Grootte
2Tauki'aho
3 Lomax
4 Scott
5 Tuipolutu
6 Blackadder
7 Ardie
8 Setiti
9 Roigard/Ratima
10 Beauden
11 Jordan
12 Jordie/ALB
13 Procter
14 Caleb
15 Love
Bench:
Tamatai, Taylor, Norris/Holland, Vai, Lord/Darry, Ratima/Roigard, Rieco, Jordie/ALB
There is not one AB player who is above serious criticism apparently. It's a week off from tests - how about we have a break from the endless complaints?
Personally love watching DMac play, especially for the Chiefs, but he will probably be relieved to later be away from the constant carping criticism. Example - before this last test his goal kicking record was 93% success including many from the sideline but miss a kick from 45m and "he lost the test". In Super this year he was 86% - the best kicker.
There is never an All Blacks player above criticism. Even when they win.
An All Blacks fan will always find something to criticize. All Blacks fans expect perfection. They will grudgingly settle for the All Blacks being the best team and daylight second.
I read 2 lines of the article. Hard to blame the backline for this.
THE PACK HAS ZERO GRUNT, apart from Adie Savea.
After 2 or 3 rucks on the weekend they played a ball out the back to Dmac & the pass went wide where the Boks were waiting.
I said this couple of months ago. There are too many avg players in the squad.
-Yes Hamish Rieko had the ball and made several effective runs on the left wing.
- A week before the All Blacks scored four tries, the backline was changed again for cape town.
The ABs also carved up Argie after Leon left so…
Anyway I think Will Jordan doesn’t do a lot unless it’s on for him personally.
They’re still fiddling with the 23 and will be for a few games yet.
They need to give combos time as well remember.
The author has the memory of a goldfish. The previous week we scored four tries against the best defence in the world.
The difference is that last week we had a playmaker 15 whereas this week we had a traditional fullback. To combat modern defence pretty much every team has someone like Willie le Roux, Willemse, Ramos, Furbank, Kinghorn etc. If not BB then give Love a chance to develop.
Although it must surely be obvious to anyone that the forwards bench is the main problem.
This where Carreras/Mallia fit well. Two playmakers, though neither a pure 10. Albornoz will fit there better.
There is no doubt the best AB eight can match the best Bok eight. The problem arises when the next five or six forwards have to be used.
This is what the Boks have waiting in the wings, resting and getting fitter.
RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, France Mostert, Jan Kleyn, Steven Kitshoff. And every one of them are top level front line proven test players.
Forget about the "Bomb Squad" label. What it is, is a deep pool of experienced players which can withstand injuries to four of their top seven locks and still beat the AB's twice in a row. That's really what is going down right now.
The AB's haven't yet consistently found real quality forwards with test experience for their bench. No doubt they will. But the Springbok situation is a result of accepting the losses in order to build a deep, experienced squad. It takes time - Rassie has been at it for six years. It takes time and accepting that there will be losses. The AB's will get it right - give Razor time.
Rassie took a no name Bok team over in 2018 and won a world cup a year later. Some people are just unique and Imho Robertson is one of them but in the case of Rassie SARU came to the party with support and I hope Nz rugby will do the same.
De Groot and Holland (2025) are quality for the All Blacks that aren't in the current squad; though Holland is completely untested at test level. If Darry fills out a bit and keeps developing he could be a real asset, next year. The front row stocks are perhaps the best ever for the All Blacks. Vaa'i is finally reaching his potential. The tight forwards should be ok by the Rugby Championship in 2025.
The loose forwards are the real issue. Papali'i hasn't attained his level of form since his appendicitis (in 2022); he's still good, but should be seeing Cane off easy. A Savea is in a lull of form, not bad but he is unlikely to be in contention for the World player of the year (or even the All Blacks player of the year). Finau hasn't fired since the Super Rugby semifinal. Blackadder is a 6.5, rather than a true 6, and is still struggling with injury (ideally: 6, 7, 8 reserve - all hard work for the last 20-30 minutes). Sititi could be good, but is more of an 8 than a 6 or a 7. They badly need Frizell to add some balance to the trio.
From a Saffa, Was B Barret not at 10 When the all blacks were dominating? I just cant help but feel that there is a missed oppertunity, and I always rember D mac being a great inpact player? All black supporter have seen more of the team than I have, but from what I have seen in the past, Barret should be at 10? He did miss kicks, but I am sure there is a way around that?
I'm not sure why they don't get J Barrett to do the clearance punting and long-range kicks at goal?
B Barrett dominated historically weak Wallaby and Springbok teams in 2016/2017. The Springboks sorted themselves out in 2018. The Wallabies, not so much :(
B Barrett was found out by the Irish in 2016 and the Lions in 2017. He was (and is, to a lesser degree) a ridiculously talented player. But defenses have evolved to shut players like him down (also B Barrett is a yard or two slower and less nimble than in 2016/2017). A 'run first' 10 can't do it all by themselves, even one as good as he was.
Defenses are now a super complex system. It takes a complex attacking system to break them down. The All Blacks need a Carter type 10 and Nonu type 12. Mo'unga is the closest thing to Carter the All Blacks have. They need a player like Levi Aumua at 12. A player that can break the line, offload, and is fast enough to beat the cover if he breaks a tackle.
It's the second phase they should be targeting, once they absorbed the loose forwards and bent the line; quick recycle, Mo'unga targets a poorly set defense line; offloads to Will Jordan or A Savea etc.
A 'run first' 10 is very unlikely to be able to do it on their own again.
Rieko is a ball hog so the wingers don't see much space and he's a world-class winger, not a world-class outside centre. Jordan is a fullback, he just needs more game time as he's out of form. Perenara is too slow and has shown his age. Tele'a and Reece are not replicating their past form. Beauden is best utilised from the bench.
Basically they should just overhaul the backline now and put the players in the best possible positions they can play in.
15. Jordan
14. Rieko
13. Lienert-Brown or Proctor
12. Jordie
11. Clarke
10. McKenzie (gotta stick with him cos Beauden isn't much better and Mo'unga is overseas)
9. Roigard
Ratima and Hotham need to be given the last two halfback backup spots, Beauden comes off the bench, and Perenara can get ready to pack his bags for his overseas trip.
I agree but Clark deserves left wing Reiko is past it done nothing for ages.
I'd like to see J Barrett get a shot at 13, with Lienert-Brown at 12.
Going from Fullback/Right wing to 12 is a far bigger jump than 12 to 13. J Barrett managed that transition well.
J Barrett has all the skills for a 13. Including passing and cross kicks. Also, his huge punt can be used to get 50/22s when the outside defense moves up/in.
Roigard - when fit. I'd start Ratima instead of Perenara.
Part of the problem is that: McKenzie, R Ioane, and B Barrett are 'run first' players. Also, Perenara isn't renown for his passing.
B Barrett was probably the best 'run first' 10 in the world in 2016/2017. The Lions rush defense showed that even such a skilled 'run first' 10 will not be able dominate rush defenses.
Letting Mo'unga go was a serious error for the NZRU. They, arguably, should've been prepared to lose both: McKenzie and B Barrett to keep Mo'unga. He's the only NZ eligible 10 who can unlock rush defenses at a test level.
Though I still find it hard to understand why Mo'unga chose to leave. Just as Roberston was going to take over the All Blacks. Both Hansen and Foster only went to Mo'unga after all their other options were exhausted. Mo'unga could've cemented his position as an All Black great, rather than a very good All Black with potential to be a great.
Couldn't agree more. I thought the AB's played very well, although they didn't finish us off. They should have and would have in the past. When they were 27-17 up in Joburg with 15 to go, I thought the AB's are going to put 40+ past us.
To me it looks like the belief is not there.
In my humble opinion, I would still play BB at 10. DMac will wreak havoc of the bench.
As a Saffa who respects the AB's hugely, I think you shouldn't worry too much. Your team is still top quality, the just need to gel and put everything together.
Loved the last 2 test matches, not because we won, but because of the drama and intensity. Edge of the seat stuff.
Ok Hamish so the ABs have a backs problem and you have an intelligence problem. At least I believe the ABs will solve their backs problem.