Something old, something new
An NFL stadium in Washington DC is where several young All Blacks should jump-start their test careers on Sunday morning.
In the case of uncapped lock Josh Lord, however, the 82,000-capacity arena may simply serve as a launchpad for what could be a promising career.
This test against the United States, the first of five on the northern hemisphere tour, will provide the All Blacks’ coaches with a chance to blow the dust off those players used sparingly during the Rugby Championship and also build their match-fitness ahead of the European fixtures.
Ethan de Groot, Angus Ta’avao, Asafo Aumua, Hoskins Sotutu, George Bridge, Quinn Tupaea, Finlay Christie and Braydon Ennor could be among those named in the match-day 23 for the fixture at Fedex Field, the home of the NFL’S Washington Football Team, when the team’s revealed today.
Sam Whitelock, re-appointed captain after missing the championship in Australia because of paternity duties, Sam Cane and
Dane Coles (both returning from injuries) are also expected to get minutes on the grass after joining the squad from New Zealand.
For Lord, called-up because Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu flew home after the championship, this is a golden chance to prove to All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree he’s going to be a worthwhile project ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
‘‘There will be a lot to take in if he’s selected but . . . knowing him for just a short time, I don’t think it’s going to intimidate him,’’ Plumtree said.
Ensuring players log game-time in a match which is a moneyspinner for NZ Rugby, it could receive between $2 million and $3 million depending on ticket sales, must to be balanced with the need for the experimental All Blacks XV to produce a quality performance.
Beating the United States is one thing. What really matters is that the All Blacks manufacture an effort worthy of their reputation, especially in an emerging market where NZ Rugby wants to grow its brand and fan base.
This week Taranaki and Chiefs team-mate Tupou Vaa’i has been working alongside Lord to ensure he slots in as comfortably as can be expected, with the latter a potential starter in the second row alongside Whitelock.
Lord may be listed in the reserves, joining the action in the second half.
Plumtree outlined the multiple issues the squad had faced since transferring from Australia; the sudden death of Maori All Black and Chiefs player Sean Wainui, jetlag, operating in a bubble and making new combinations were among them.
If Richie Mo’unga starts at first five-eighth and Damian Mckenzie gets a run at fullback, it would provide experience for the backline in key positions. Mo’unga hasn’t started a game since the 57-22 win over the Wallabies in Auckland on August 14.
Loose forward Shannon Frizell, who also joined the squad in the States, won’t be considered because of an injury he suffered while playing for Tasman in the NPC.