The answer to the New Zealand's lock crisis? Super Rugby Aotearoa stars weigh in on All Blacks selection debate
As Super Rugby Aotearoa winds down to its conclusion, the national rugby focus in New Zealand will soon begin to shift to the upcoming North vs South clash, which will be followed by Ian Foster’s first All Blacks squad announcement.
The historic inter-island clash is set to be revived at Eden Park on August 29, two weeks after the final round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The following day, Foster will name a 35-man All Blacks squad ahead of a New Zealand-hosted Rugby Championship and a possible four-match Bledisloe Cup series, although both tournaments are yet to be confirmed.
After eight rounds of Super Rugby Aotearoa action, plenty of selection debate has arisen as to who could make the cut in the national squad.
Particular interest has been fixed on the lock department, where there seems to be a shortage of talent in the absence of Brodie Retallick, who remains on sabbatical, and Scott Barrett, who will be sidelined over the coming months with a toe injury.
That leaves only All Blacks centurion Sam Whitelock and Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu as the only second rowers with test match experience who stand as realistic selection options.
All Blacks selector Grant Fox indicated last month that, without Retallick and Barrett, there will be a chance for uncapped locks in Super Rugby Aotearoa to make their way into the national squad.
“We are not overly blessed in the locking department with big, strong athletic men,’’ Fox told Newstalk ZB.
“We have lots of guys who are a good physical size, who are great toilers who roll their sleeves up and get stuck in but in our view we can’t have everybody of the same ilk.
“We needs some contrast in that.’’
Just who fits the bill as a “big, strong athletic” second rower remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped Super Rugby Aotearoa stars James Parsons and Bryn Hall from voicing their opinions into the discussion.
“It probably takes for you to get hit by him, to know how good he is." #SuperRugbyAotearoa #ChiefsRugby https://t.co/C20S5eAK0d
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 4, 2020
Speaking on RugbyPass‘ Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Parsons seemed unconcerned at the depth of New Zealand’s locking stocks as he listed off a number of potential candidates who he believed may be worthy of an international call-up.
However, the two-test All Black hooker was adamant that his Blues and North Harbour teammate Gerard Cowley-Tuioti was a “a no-brainer” selection.
“For me, it’s Gerard,” Parsons said. “You just watch the weekend [against the Highlanders], watch the week before against the Chiefs.
“He’d been out for two months with a shoulder injury, and came back off the bench, and then started the last two.
“I just think defensively, his ability to carry, and I think he’s great in the set piece, and will only get better in an All Black environment – but I am biased.”
He added: “Talk about dominant tackle stats, work rate, ability in the air, I think he has to be right in the discussion, especially if you’ve listened to Foxy’s comments.
“They’ve got a lot of grafters, the way they perceive it, there’s a lot of grafters around there, but they want a point of difference, that athletic style of lock as well.
“Vaea [Fifita] might even come back into the frame there, and as I mentioned with Gerard there, he’s a real option, he’s mature, he’s had a lot of experience.”
Parsons noted that injured Highlanders lock Josh Dickson would have been deep in contention for national honours had he not broken his leg against the Crusaders, but it was his second row partner at the southern franchise that Hall was impressed by.
“I think Pari Pari [Parkinson] as well,” Hall said. “I think if you look at his tools and how big he is, and I guess the physicality side, he’s probably something a little bit different, he’s probably a lot taller and a lot bigger.
“If you’re talking about potentials, I think Pari would be a pretty good option as well.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDaWbpUglxQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Standing at 2.04m and 119kg, Parkinson is among the largest players in Super Rugby Aotearoa, and Parsons believes his height would be a valued asset at the lineout.
“I mean, it’s hard to look past his height, as a lock,” Parsons said.
“He just has to factor into the decision. You will win clean ball. It’s a no-brainer that the Highlanders are second in lineouts, it’s got a lot to do with him, and the other fella we spoke about, Dickson.
“That height is an easy win against most locks.”
The other prospect highly-regarded by both Hall and Parsons was Crusaders youngster Quinten Strange, who has featured predominantly off the bench for the reigning Super Rugby champions.
He has, however, shown plenty of promise since making his Mitre 10 Cup debut in 2016.
“I really like Quinten Strange,” Parsons said. “I’ve liked Quinten Strange for a long time.
“I think he’s great at Tasman, I think he’s got the ability to be a ranging sort of lock, and, as we’ve seen, he’s got a bit of fight in him too. He’s got plenty to like about him as well.”
Having played with and won three consecutive Super Rugby titles with Strange since moving to the Crusaders from the Blues three years ago, Hall agreed with Parsons’ verdict on the 23-year-old.
“If you think about our locking stocks down south, he’s not afraid to talk and give his opinion and is seen, probably, [as] one of the leaders in our group,” Hall said.
“I guess that tactical side as well, he’s pretty knowledgeable and has a really great understanding of rugby as well.”
Listen to the full episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below
Comments on RugbyPass
Obscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
15 Go to comments