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All Blacks fans call for Barrett to return to fly-half
After the All Blacks suffered a comprehensive loss at the hands of the Wallabies last weekend, fans’ patience is wearing thin with Richie Mo’unga at fly-half and Beauden Barrett at full-back.
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The combination had been called for all Super Rugby season, and while Steve Hansen has experimented with it over the past two Test games, the All Blacks are yet to come away with a win.
The decision has not proved to be a complete disaster, and the All Blacks are typically slow starters in their first test matches of the year. But the Crusaders 10 has perhaps failed to get the backline firing on all cylinders. Furthermore, fans feel that Barrett needs to get his hands on the ball more.
But this is not simply about Barrett and Mo’unga, as it also affects Ben Smith. The veteran All Black is arguably the best full-back in the world. He is safe as houses in the 15 shirt and poses a threat from the backfield. However, he is nowhere near as dangerous on the wing and his lack of pace is exposed.
Fans are also starting to question whether having Mo’unga and Barrett on the field is worth sacrificing Smith as well. If Hansen is to persist with it, Smith may find himself on the bench with a more natural winger like Sevu Reece coming in.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B01cauIAAlX/
However, some fans still want to see the 25-year-old Mo’unga given one more chance at 10 this weekend against the Wallabies at Eden Park. This will surely be his – and Barrett’s – last chance to impress at 10 and 15, as this is their penultimate match before their opening pool stage match against the Springboks at the World Cup.
Hansen has a tough decision on his hands, as he will surely want to build a bit of momentum as the All Blacks seek to win a third consecutive World Cup, but this is also the opportunity to try out any new combinations before the competition starts next month in Japan. This is what had been said:
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I have run out of excuses since the Argentina game! No enforcer at blind. The midfield has failed to sync, Mounga has failed to command the line. Won't be shocked if Barrett starts at 10 at Eden park. Won't talk about Read.
— Kahiigi Kahiigi (@Rushanda7) August 12, 2019
Alot of uncharacteristic errors & ill discipline. Would rather a reality check performance now than in a month or so at the World Cup. People who took Dan Carter for granted now see his impact. I’m not sold on the Barrett-Mounga experiment ?????
— Ahmed Kheir (@AhmedKheir6) August 11, 2019
#AUSvNZL it was a tight game before the red card, after, NZ had very little chance. There is going to be terrible retribution next game.
Barrett back to his true position. Mounga back to the bench.— Quentin Marsh (@Quentin_Marsh) August 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/Deacon147/status/1160439855643418624?s=20
The All Blacks must go back to Barrett at first five , Ben Smith to full back and Jordie Barrett to wing > and Mo'unga to the reserves.????
— Dave M Cull (@dreamer3638) August 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/Umakhathini/status/1160470689129934854?s=20
Need to stick with the same team. We desperately need continuity. Would go with 15. B Barrett 14. B Smith 13. J Goodhue 12. A Leionart Brown 11. R Ioane 10. R Mounga 9. TJ Peranara 8. K Read 7. S Cane 6. A Savea 5. S Whitelock 4. P Tuipolutu 3. O Franks 2. D Coles 1. J Moody
— Luke Easton (@3ku1) August 10, 2019
Intensity is there.
They just didn't have ball carriers.
I think the Mounga Barrett experiment deserves one more chance.
A loss is worrying but 14 point loss playing with 14 is actually a red flag for the wallabies.— El Hefe (@The_fusse) August 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/KiwiSAHD/status/1160154232034480129?s=20
The red card for Scott Barrett was certainly a mitigating factor as to why the All Blacks were not at their best against the Wallabies, who equally pulled off a sublime performance.
Although it would usually be unfair to write off this new experiment by Hansen so soon, he doesn’t have much time on his hands and the World Cup is getting ever closer.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to comments