CONVERTING THE KICKING POWER OF MO’UNGA
Having pumped up Mo’unga’s tyres so thoroughly, it would seem churlish to let out some air now, but here goes anyway… his goalkicking could improve slightly.
He was pretty good with his penalties, kicking 17 of 21 for an 81 per cent success rate, but kicked only 67 per cent of his conversions [36 from 54], which suggests he isn’t as good from wide of the posts.
If he could get his overall success rate of just over 70 per cent closer to 80 then it would help his side considerably. The depth in their pack is enormous and they aren’t as endowed in the backs but really that’s clutching at straws.
They have a good back-up at No 10 in Mitch Hunt [with veteran Mike Delany a new signing as cover] and there is depth to their midfield and outside backs.
They have traditionally been slow starters, but they weren’t last year, and no doubt Robertson has a few tricks to get his squad – including often jaded All Blacks – fully engaged again once they reassemble.