Who needs a big game against the Springboks? The six All Blacks with most at stake
Tonight’s match between New Zealand and South Africa could be the last chance for a number of All Blacks to impress Steve Hansen and his fellow selectors before the squad is culled down.
A number of Crusaders players were rested from last weekend’s match in Argentina, but that still didn’t leave many spaces for fringe players who will be hoping to travel to Japan for the World Cup later in the year.
Some players will have a full game to prove their worth, some may have just 20 minutes off the bench. Either way, the All Blacks that are under the magnifying glass will be hoping they have enough time to impress Hansen.
Not everyone playing tonight necessarily has a World Cup spot on the line. In some cases, tonight will be an opportunity for some players to push for a starting spot in the team.
So, who has the most to play for in this evening’s blockbuster?
Shannon Frizell
It’s been repeated ad nauseam at this point, but no player in the squad has stood out as the obvious candidate to fill the 6 jersey for the World Cup. After Vaea Fifita’s middling performance against the Pumas, Frizell now has an opportunity to prove to the selectors that he is an international-level blindside flanker.
Frizell started the season with a hiss and a roar for the Highlanders but found himself on the bench in the latter stages of the competition. His core skills are as good as any’s and he has the size to be a genuine enforcer. With little international pedigree to fall back upon, Frizell could find himself on the outs if he fails to do his job against an impressive Springboks team.
Matt Todd
Matt Todd has always been a favourite of Steve Hansen’s. He’s the consummate professional – no one would ever be able to accuse Todd of not putting in his full effort. Unfortunately for the Cantabrian, he’s now to Sam Cane and Ardie Savea what Marty Holah was to Richie McCaw.
There’s no guarantee that the All Blacks will take three openside flankers to the World Cup – they didn’t in 2015. That means Todd has to either prove himself as a better option than Cane or Savea, or hope that Savea takes over as the team’s first choice 8. If Todd wants to keep his future in his own hands, then a huge performance will be necessary tonight.
Richie Mo’unga
There are no questions whether Richie Mo’unga will be going to the World Cup – he’ll be one of the first names pencilled into the squad list. Tonight, however, presents the playmaker with an opportunity to show that he’s ready for the big leagues and shouldn’t be stuck behind Beauden Barrett in the 10 jersey.
Mo’unga has started just two test matches – against Argentina and Japan. He’s been used off the bench at first five with Barrett shifting back to fullback, but’s he’s yet to start in a game against top opposition. There’s a genuine opportunity here for Mo’unga to prove to the selectors that he’s better than just a 20-minute bench player.
If the ‘experiment’ works well tonight then expect to see Mo’unga retained at 10 throughout the Bledisloe series. If it fails, however, then it would be a surprise to see the combination used again under Hansen’s reign has head coach.
Sonny Bill Williams
There are still some people who don’t quite appreciate how much of an impact Sonny Bill Williams can have on an opposition’s defence. It takes a strong tackler to take Williams down, and if they aren’t able to wrap around his arms then you can be sure that Williams will release a trademark offload. The big centre’s very presence in the midfield creates opportunities out wide, as the opposition either need to commit multiple defenders to shut him down.
Still, Williams isn’t much use to the All Blacks if he isn’t on the park. It’s no secret that the former NRL champion has had a horrid run of injuries. Tonight’s game gives Williams the opportunity to show the coaches that his injuries haven’t hampered his play too much. Hansen said earlier in the week that Williams just needs to stay on the park – and that’s exactly what the midfielder will be trying to do.
Vaea Fifita
The selectors have given Vaea Fifita a huge opportunity to back up after an unimpressive performance against the Pumas. The Hurricane has still yet to show that he’s ready for the big leagues and he could find that a big night from Frizell means he’s pushed out of the All Blacks squad.
There’s a lot to like about Fifita. He’s a huge man who can cover both lock and flanker, making his invaluable in a World Cup squad – but he needs to prove that he’s able to do at least one of those jobs to an international standard. Tonight’s match could be last chance saloon for Fifita, and a bench means he’s won’t have a lot of time to prove his worth.
Dalton Papalii
To the average armchair critic, Dalton Papalii’s selection in the squad may have come as a bit of a surprise. With Cane, Savea and Todd all in the squad, a fourth number 7 seems like overkill. Papalii, however, is capable of covering all three backrow positions and offers something a little bit different to Todd, in particular.
Papalii made his debut on last year’s end of season tour and ran out against Japan and Italy (off the bench, in the latter case). Despite Papalii’s utility, he played on the openside flank in both those fixtures and his ability to cover the backrow at an international level is still somewhat questionable. It’s hard to know which position Papalii will be called upon to fill in tonight’s match, but if he replaces Todd then it’s hard to see how both flankers can escape the cull in the coming weeks.
Papalii is definitely a player for the future, but tonight’s impact role will give the 21-year-old the opportunity to stake a claim for the present.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments