Mismatch but plenty to play for
Ian Foster didn’t want to train the spotlight on anyone ahead of what should be a romp against the USA in Washington DC tomorrow.
But, make no mistake, for a few All Blacks there are major ramifications at play in this political epicentre.
Many are shrugging off this opening test of the All Blacks’ northern tour as an irrelevance, against a USA side, not only a long way from the peak of its powers, but down a few key offshore-based troops.
But when the All Blacks run out, there is always resonance. Always meaning. Even for a test where the competitive factor is likely to be wholly absent.
Foster’s lineup to face the Eagles is a good example of that. Among the comeback kids and dirt-trackers racking up some much-needed game time sit a smattering of players on somewhat of a more far-reaching mission.
Yes, it’s a special test for prop Ethan de Groot, halfback Finlay Christie and centre Braydon Ennor who will all chalk up their first starts in the black jersey. And a momentous one for 20-year-old tour callup Josh Lord who will make his debut off the bench.
But dig a little deeper and you find more to sink your teeth into.
The presence of Richie Mo’unga at No 10 and Dalton Papalii at No 7, for starters. Both were first-choice men earlier in the year who have been out of the loop of late – Mo’unga for the birth of his second child and Papalii battling a hamstring injury.
Mo’unga last started a test in Bledisloe II in Auckland on August 14, but fast-tracked his return with a bench appearance in the Rugby Championship finale against the Boks off a fortnight in MIQ.
He has been the All Blacks’ first-choice No 10 since 2019, though his recent absence has allowed Beauden Barrett to provide a timely reminder of his enduring qualities. That decision shapes as an extremely tight one for the significant tests ahead against Wales, Ireland and France.
Papalii is similarly placed. Lauded by Foster as the ‘‘form’’ New Zealand loose forward of Super Rugby, he backed that with a string of impressive performances against the Wallabies and then Argentina. Then came a niggling hamstring injury, and he hasn’t been sighted since.
Others slide into this category. Will Jordan and George Bridge were starting wings against South Africa in Townsville, before paying the price for a shaky night under the high ball. They return under less stressful circumstances to rebuild their reputations.
Then there are the latecomers. Sam Whitelock, with more than double the caps of his seven fellow forward starters combined, is a lock to start against Wales, having been restored as tour captain.
Dane Coles and Sam Cane will both have
PLAYER TO WATCH: ambitions of making the top lineup by the business end of this tour and will see bench appearances this week as first steps towards that goal.
Others who feature harbour major ambitions. Young lock Tupou Vaa’i might be just one injury away from a starting spot in the serious internationals, while loose forward Luke Jacobson has featured in eight of the 10 tests this year, and remains in the selection picture.
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Ennor, too, is not without hope at centre after a wretched run with injury.
‘‘There is a clear opportunity for everyone . . . I’ll leave you guys to figure out who you think is more likely,’’ said Foster when asked about those pressing for starts against Wales.
‘‘We’re coming off a loss that hurt, and we’re now going into a game as clear favourites. But what’s important is the quality of our game,’’ Foster said.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
‘‘In many ways with new combinations and time off, there are plenty of excuses for rust . . . but by the end of the game we need to make sure we’re nailing our performance, and by doing that we’ll have individuals who put their hands up.’’
Foster was unequivocal about Mo’unga. ‘‘I just expect him to be Richie. He hasn’t lost any fitness, he’s trained well, and he’s looking forward to getting back on the park. Like a number of guys who haven’t been with us, coming back in always takes a little bit of time.’’
The coach sends out a group not only charged with doing the business against an ‘‘invigorated’’ Eagles team, but also to address some shortcomings against the South Africans.
‘‘How we control the breakdown is one and making sure we bring an intensity and accuracy to that space, because we got counter-rucked against South Africa.’’