McKenzie selected at fullback, Perenara given nod ahead of Smith at halfback
AUCKLAND: Far from naming a predictable team for the third Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Yokohama tomorrow, the All Blacks selectors have thrown a few surprises into the mix, the biggest one naming Damian McKenzie at fullback.
It will be a welcome return to the game for the 23yearold, who has not played since coming off the reserves bench to fullback for the final, frantic, minutes of
the defeat by the Springboks in Wellington six weeks ago.
He was included in the extended squad to play Argentina in Buenos Aires but flew back to New Zealand following a family bereavement and, while
he travelled to South Africa for the return test against the Boks, it was decided that due to the travel he had undertaken it would not be appropriate to play him.
The best way to use McKenzie’s pace and counterattacking talents has clearly evolved in the minds of the selectors in relation to the development of first fiveeighth Richie Mo’unga. Until Mo’unga’s rise at the Crusaders and, latterly the All Blacks, McKenzie was seen as a No 10 who could play at fullback — a bit like Beauden Barrett, in fact.
McKenzie played a whole season at the Chiefs in the No 10 jersey following the departure of Aaron Cruden and that was where he seemed set, but such has been Mo’unga’s impact — and he has again been named as Barrett’s backup in Yokohama — that clearly the selectors have modified their thinking
It will now be up to the Chiefs player to work his way into a big test from the first whistle rather than exploit tiring defences off
the bench in the second half.
Should he do so, he will quickly become a genuine option for the No 15 jersey because it is clear that Jordie Barrett, still only 21, has a bit of developing to do yet in terms of his test career.
The major casualty here is probably right wing Waisake Naholo, who is not included in the squad after quiet tests against the Springboks in Pretoria and Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Ben Smith will wear the No 14 jersey and Rieko Ioane is predictably named on the left wing, Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams form the midfield, and Barrett is at No 10.
There is another minor surprise at halfback, where TJ Perenara will wear the No 9 jersey while Aaron Smith plays backup on the reserves bench — another recognition, probably, of Perenara’s better form.
Hooker Dane Coles will have to wait another week at least for his test return. Cearly, the selectors have decided it is too early for him at this level after limited minutes on his return to Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup over the past fortnight, following a horror injury run which extends back to November last year.
There is, however, a return for lock Brodie Retallick, named on the bench as cover for Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett. Prop Nepo Laulala, back from a broken arm which has ruled him out of test rugby since November last year, has also been named on the bench.
Ardie Savea has been named at openside flanker in Sam Cane’s injuryforced absence while Matt Todd, who is playing club rugby in Japan for Panasonic but has been given a dispensation by the New Zealand Rugby board, has been named as his backup.
All Black coach Steve Hansen said the test was the perfect way for the All Blacks to begin their endof year tour.
‘‘We’ll be up against a good Australian team and they’ll be desperate to win, but so are we. ‘‘We know that they’ll come with a lot of passion and physicality, but our focus this week has been about us and what we want to bring intensity, skill and a triple threat game.
‘‘Being well prepared, clear in our roles and excited about the opportunity in playing this oneoff Test against Australia in Japan, will be a good start in achieving a quality performance.’’ —
WELLINGTON: All Black prop Joe Moody has resigned with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders through to 2022, extending his contract beyond next year’s World Cup in Japan.
The 30yearold has played 36 tests and scored three tries since making his debut in 2014.
He returned to the All Blacks this month for their endofyear tour to Japan and Europe after an injuryhampered season.
Moody has also made 67 appearances for the Crusaders, including starts in both the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby Finals, won two Super titles, and scored two tries.
His deal matches the length of contract signed last month by winger Rieko Ioane and means Moody will be 34 when his deal expires, making it unlikely he will ever take his services to an offshore club.
All Blacs coach Steve Hansen said the signing was fantastic news for NZR, the All Blacks and Crusaders.
‘‘Moods is one of the best loosehead props in the world. He’s worked incredibly hard on his game over the years and has taken his opportunities when they have come.’’
Those thoughts were echoed by Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
‘‘Joe is as good as it gets in world rugby. He’s a beast of a frontrower and a world class athlete in his position.
‘‘He’s also a local Christchurch lad, who’s extremely proud of his club out at Lincoln and loyal to the teams he represents. We’re proud of Joe and all he has