At a glance
The Rugby World Cup dress rehearsal continues.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen wants playmakers Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Richie Mo’unga to dictate the team’s attack in 2019 and there’s only one way to prepare for that. So, despite McKenzie making the odd error in recent weeks and Beauden Barrett not in vintage form behind a slightly beaten pack, the pair will start again this weekend.
Beauden Barrett has retained the No 10 jumper, with McKenzie at fullback and Richie Mo’unga on the bench. In another pointer to next year’s World Cup, Jordie Barrett gets a run on the right wing in a move that might not mean great things for Waisake Naholo’s career.
Elsewhere, the team to meet Italy in Rome on Sunday is predictable, with several firststringers getting a rest.
Beauden Barrett is not among them, though, as the All Blacks seek to generate more rhythm in their attack, against what is likely to be willing, but limited, Italian opposition.
‘‘You’ve got to add in Richie into that combination too,’’ Hansen said, after being asked about the retention of Beauden Barrett and McKenzie as the starting game-drivers.
‘‘That’s the three guys that we see at the moment that would most likely go to the World Cup, so getting those three guys combining, either at the beginning of the game or during the course of the game is important. We haven’t got too many games left so the more we play them together, the better it will be.’’
The prospect of Mo’unga joining both Beauden Barrett and McKenzie on the park is intriguing. Presumably Barrett would shift out one to second fiveeighth, or maybe even to the wing. Whether they end up playing as a duo or trio, Hansen has firm plans for the playmakers.
‘‘I just want them to be driving well, seeing the pictures well and responding to good calling,’’ said Hansen.
Ngani Laumape will start in the 12 jumper, alongside Anton Lienert-Brown, with Naholo on the left wing. The intrigue, though, is in the guy asked to play on the opposite flank.
It’s been an up and down year for Jordie Barrett, but Hansen is confident the Hurricanes utility’s still ‘‘going to be pretty special.’’ All Blacks team to play Italy: Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Waisake Naholo, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Angua Ta’avao, Brodie Retallick, Dalton Papalii, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Richie Mo’unga, Rieko Ioane.