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All Black Shannon Frizell raring to go after ‘boring’ sideline spell

Shannon Frizell of New Zealand poses for a portrait during the New Zealand Rugby World Cup 2023 Squad photocall on September 02, 2023 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Adam Pretty - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Flanker Shannon Frizell is nearing a return to international rugby after remaining “patient” during a “boring” stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

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Frizell, 29, was a man possessed during a series of headline-grabbing performances during The Rugby Championship which saw the loose forward compared to New Zealand legend Jerome Kaino.

But things took a disappointing turn for Frizell just before the Rugby World Cup. Ahead of the All Blacks’ final warm-up Test against the Springboks, the flanker was struck down with an injury.

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The All Blacks have played three tests without Frizell, and they’ve only won one of them – a 71-3 demolition of Namibia in Toulouse last week. But Frizell should be back soon.

Frizell has trained with the All Blacks this week and insists that he may be “available” to play Italy in a decisive Rugby World Cup clash next Friday.

“It’s come a long way, it’s better now. I’ve been running for a few weeks and first week back in training last week,” Frizell told reporters on Friday.

“We’ve had a few days off this week and rest, but a few hard training days as well.

Head-to-Head

Last 4 Meetings

Wins
4
Draws
0
Wins
0
Average Points scored
69
10
First try wins
100%
Home team wins
25%

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“It’s been boring watching on the sidelines, hopefully, next week I’ll be available. It’s always tough watching but I’ve just got to be patient.”

The return of Frizell couldn’t have come at a better time with the All Blacks currently on a bye in Bordeaux ahead of their quasi-knockout match with the Azzurri.

Lock Tupou Vaa’i lined up at blindside flanker when the All Blacks played Franc in the tournament opener, and Luke Jacobson donned the No. 6 jersey against Namibia.

But that’s Frizell’s jersey, it seems. The rampaging backrower was one of the All Blacks’ best during their quest for Rugby Championship glory, and it’s quite likely that he’ll slot straight back into the team.

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“I believe his best rugby is still ahead of him,” assistant coach Jason Ryan said.

“He’s a big six, he’s pretty valuable for our lineout as well.

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“We miss any player that’s injured but with the form he’s in it was a bit of a knock for us, but he’s trending in the right direction.

“I’m a big fan of Shannon, he’s got a lot of good tests in front of him for the All Blacks.”

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Comments

5 Comments
r
rod 406 days ago

That’s because he is a monster at six and I hope he plays from now on, 6.5 and was missing against the French as was Lomax. Also De Groot will be back in the semis. I think the Irish are in for a shock because if NZ play %100 then no team will come near them !
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Greg 409 days ago

AB's need to start selecting from overseas players anyway.

S
Sunny 409 days ago

When Jason Ryan endorses a player, believe in what he says! Shannon Frizzell has been the missing link in the All Black's loose forwards, along with Ethan Blackadder. When these two guys play together are magic

D
Def Kiwi 409 days ago

Read the Jason Ryan article on Stuff. Does not want Frizzel to go to Japan. Luckily is contract is only for a year so hopefully back for 2025 and beyond

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JWH 24 minutes ago
Are the All Blacks doomed to a 70% flatline?

Interesting take, crazy to see the amount of delulu NZ fans here. I am an NZ fan, but this is atrocious.


I am fine with 75%+, in fact I think that is excellent, but the main point of anguish is not IF we win or lose, it is how. I think that Razor has finally got us playing to our identity again; flowing, simple, and brutally decisive & efficient.


There are certainly some issues that the stats reflect, like the scrum and lineout. However, at scrum time, there isn't really much variation, in terms of attack, you can put on that. So at the end of the day, not much to do differently apart from 'scrum better'.


However, the lineout is quite interesting. As Ryan said earlier this week, the ABs have added a lot of depth and combinations to their lineout, with FOUR lineout options (Barrett, Vaai, Savea, Sititi). While they did only retain 80% possession from lineouts (not great), the stat line is actually 12/15, which is pretty good, considering Aumua did all those lineout with limited experience and tiredness after playing 75 minutes at Twickenham.


There are also some really good stats to back up the ABs. They managed to stay out of their own 22 for a lot of the game, however they also didn't set up camp in the opp 22 often either. They are also passing the ball a lot, clocking in at 211 passes, double that of England. These stats show a return to attacking, flowing rugby, and not playing your own 22, which is the ABs style.


What I think Razor wants to do is make effective use of draw and pass, simple rugby. This can be pre or post contact, but you have to draw more than 1 player. For example, that Sititi offload to Telea, or BB to Jordan. Those were excellent, yet overall simple passages of rugby This can be risky at times (just watch DMac play), but it is a medium risk high reward gameplan.


What we Kiwis want is exciting rugby. We want hard defense, big hits, cool plays, and quick linebreaks. I cannot imagine being an SA fan between 2018-2021, which was one of the most boring rugby teams of all time (respectfully). I also cannot imagine being an England fan right now, so dull. But the ABs are making rugby exciting again, playing like Scotland and Fiji, but better.

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