Ex-New Zealand representatives call for shakeup to All Blacks' back three
Two former internationals have called for changes to the All Blacks‘ back three as New Zealand prepare to redeem themselves against the Springboks this weekend.
Falling short in a 26-10 defeat to South Africa in Nelspruit last Saturday, the All Blacks have it all to play for at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in a few days’ time.
In the midst of a poor run of form which has seen them lose three straight tests, and five of their last six, the Kiwis are under immense pressure to deliver a successful result in their return clash against the Springboks.
It has been widely reported that head coach Ian Foster relies on that much in order to keep his post at the helm on the national side, who run the risk of losing the Freedom Cup to the Springboks for the first time since 2009.
With all that in mind, former All Blacks hooker James Parsons and ex-Maori All Blacks lock Joe Wheeler are eager to see some alterations to New Zealand’s lineup in a bid to achieve some long-awaited success.
Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Parsons and Wheeler both pointed to the All Blacks’ outside back trio as an area they would like to see some of that change.
Parsons, who played two tests for the All Blacks between 2014 and 2016, said he wants to see Will Jordan moved from the wing to fullback, while Wheeler is keen for an entirely overhauled back three.
Wheeler, a five-time Maori All Blacks representative, said a new-look outside back trio comprised of Jordan, Beauden Barrett and Jordie Barrett would go some way to negating the aerial threat posed by the Springboks, which proved troublesome for the All Blacks in Nelspruit.
“The high ball, that was our biggest concern and issue on the weekend, and, for me, I think our three best high ball exponents are Jordie, Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett,” Wheeler told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“We saw him [Beauden], obviously he got his legs taken out [from underneath] him [by Springboks wing Kurt-Lee Arendse], but he is fearless in the air. He gets up as good as anyone, and, for me, I’d love to see that as a back three.”
It’s unclear which of those players – all of whom are under injury and illness clouds – Wheeler would have in each of the three outside back positions, with all three players experienced at both wing and fullback.
Primarily a first-five, Beauden Barrett has often been used as a fullback by Foster, and he was also utilised on the wing in the lead-up to and during the 2015 World Cup under former All Blacks boss Sir Steve Hansen.
Younger brother Jordie has been a regular at fullback for the All Blacks since last year, but has played all across the backline throughout his career, having turned out at right wing, second-five and first-five in the international arena.
Jordan, meanwhile, has been used exclusively as a right wing at test level, but has proven himself as a standout fullback during his time with the Crusaders in Super Rugby.
Regardless, picking those three as New Zealand’s outside backs would result in the axing of Caleb Clarke, who made a powerful return to test rugby against the Springboks following a two-year hiatus.
Clarke was one of the few All Blacks who shone last weekend, but Wheeler told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod that he would be comfortable with dropping the six-test wing in order to defuse South Africa’s high balls.
“I know Caleb Clarke was devastatingly good, but I just feel we need to try defuse that contestable kicking threat that South Africans have,” Wheeler said.
“To give us the best chance of doing that – yep, we can do a better job as forwards and block runners, but we also need out best high ball exponents coming in under that ball fearlessly and getting up and contesting for that ball rather than only half-arsed getting up.”
Wheeler added that moving Beauden Barrett, if fit, into the outside backs would enable Richie Mo’unga to come into the side at first-five.
“I’d actually like to see that back three and giving Richie Mo’unga a crack at 10, just to try show something a little bit different.
“Obviously that’s a little bit dependant on Beauden and Jordie, and I don’t know how bad Beauden’s neck is or how bad Jordie’s ankle is, but I’d like to see some changes in that area of our game.”
Parsons labelled Jordan as New Zealand’s “biggest attacking weapon” and said the 24-year-old would flourish if given the opportunity to play at fullback rather than on the wing.
“Just the more opportunity with time with ball in his hand, the moments he has with little inside balls in the opportunities he’s had, he’s been pretty electric, so giving him more opportunity with ball in hand could be really beneficial to the stuff we’re talking about,” Parsons told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“What makes us great at our game is our instinctive, off-the-cuff, unstructured [play], and he’s shown us all year he’s probably the best at it.”
Picking Jordan at fullback would see Jordie Barrett axed or moved into another position, but Parsons is eager for the 40-test international to remain in the starting lineup.
“I do think Jordie has to be there somewhere because he’s got aspects of his games that others don’t,” Parsons said.
“It’s his height and he’s shown that he can do it on the wing, it’s just somehow this may just be the change that creates opportunity for Will Jordan, and also we can really use the best out of Jordie Barrett.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
9 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
9 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
9 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
9 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments