Ian Foster opens up on why Du'Plessis Kirifi was called into All Blacks squad ahead of Lachlan Boshier
Physicality, aggression at the breakdown, dominant tackling and ball carrying ability – those are the attributes that has won Hurricanes and Wellington flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi a maiden call-up to the All Blacks for the upcoming Tri Nations.
The 23-year-old was one of two new players, along with Crusaders and Otago prop George Bower, named in Ian Foster’s 38-man squad set to depart for Sydney on Sunday for the shortened Rugby Championship that will feature only New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.
Both players comes into the side as cover for star loose forward Ardie Savea and tighthead prop Nepo Laualala, both of whom are on paternity leave and will re-join the squad at a later date.
Kirifi’s rise to the national squad comes after a series of stellar performances at both Super Rugby and provincial level, but his inclusion in Foster’s touring party has been questioned by some given the exclusion of Lachlan Boshier.
The Chiefs and Taranaki flanker has been in sensational form for both teams this year, but found himself on the outer when Foster named his initial 35-man squad following last month’s North vs South clash.
Although he wasn’t part of the match day side, Boshier was included in the North Island squad, and many expected him to be the next cab off the rank in the loose forward pecking order.
However, Foster has instead picked the uncapped Kirifi, who missed out on the North Island squad, and explained his selection decision during an appearance on Sky TV‘s The Breakdown on Tuesday.
“When you look at the names we had available, we’ve got some good loose forwards at the moment, so rather than talk about the guys we didn’t pick, why did we pick Du’Plessis?” Foster said when asked why Kirifi had been picked ahead of Boshier.
“I think he’s a very physical player, he’s good at the ball, he’s probably got a bit of work to do on his decision-making, but he’s aggressive at attacking the ball in the ruck.
“He’s got an added bonus of being pretty dominant in the tackle. He likes to use his shoulders in that space and he sticks with his tackles, and his ball carrying has been one thing that has also grown, particularly in the slightly wider channels where he’s pretty confident with running good lines and offloading.
“They’re the things we see in him that we like, and he’s been proven during a pretty tough Super Rugby campaign and with Wellington, so [we’re] delighted for him.”
Whether or not Kirifi will get any game time while in Australia remains to be seen, given he will have to contend with captain Sam Cane and Dalton Papalii for the No. 7 jersey across New Zealand’s four Tri Nations matches.
Both Kirifi and Bower are part of a group of seven players – including Asafo Aumua, Mitchell Dunshea, Cullen Grace, Akira Ioane and Will Jordan – who are awaiting their test debuts, but Foster was reluctant to be drawn on whether he would field all 38 of his players over the coming weeks.
“Will everyone get a game? Well, I’m not going to make that promise just now,” the All Blacks head coach said as he pointed to the change in scheduling as a result of South Africa’s omission from the tournament.
“The draw’s changed and we’ve gone from having six tests over there to four tests with a bye, so we’ll just see what happens, but it would certainly be nice to be able to do that.”
The All Blacks will leave for Australia on Sunday ahead of their first test of the Tri Nations against the Wallabies – in a match that doubles as their third Bledisloe Cup encounter – at ANZ Stadium in Sydney next Saturday.
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?
10 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.
10 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.
10 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.
10 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