All Blacks’ outside backs face squeeze
THE All Blacks’ Rugby Championship approach will be steady as she goes.
Unlike June, when six uncapped rookies were called up to usher in a new era, it’s difficult to see few, if any, bolters forcing their way into the largely established 32-man squad that’s named in Christchurch on Monday.
Highlanders loose forwards Liam Squire and Elliot Dixon along with Hurricanes tyro Ardie Savea and Blues prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi are all expected to be included once again, though the latter will no doubt have a big focus on his scrummaging struggles.
Chiefs centre Seta Tamanivalu and exceptionally talented utility Damian McKenzie, the only player not to take the field against Wales, face more nervous waits.
While the squad is the same size as June, the presence of taxing tours to Australia, South Africa and Argentina and significantly improved form of TJ Perenara may necessitate the All Blacks carry three halfbacks instead of two. Aaron Smith and Tawera Kerr-Barlow were the two original No 9s named in June, with Perenara only coming in as injury cover.
Perenara impressed with his willingness to learn throughout the Welsh series, coming off the bench in two of the three tests, and has since been in superb touch for the Hurricanes.
Selecting all three halfbacks that went to the World Cup may cause a squeeze in the outside backs, with five spots shrinking to four.
That could leave McKenzie vulnerable after Israel Dagg seized his chance at fullback in the final two tests against Wales.
McKenzie is an undoubted star of the future but, at this point, may be better served enjoying regular game-time in the NPC with Waikato, rather than sitting in the stands.
If the 21-year-old’s time does not come now, it will surely arrive on the end of year tour when the likes of Blues and sevens young gun Rieko Ioane and Chiefs midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown could also come into the picture.
Sonny Bill Williams’ inclusion will be a talking point, but not an GETTY IMAGES unexpected one. The dual code superstar, who played the last of his 33 tests in the World Cup final and signed on with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues for the next three years, will rejoin the All Blacks after his sevens duties at the Rio Olympics.
Williams is expected to miss the opening Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney on August 20 but, fitness permitting, be available the following week against the Wallabies in Wellington.
His return will ease concerns about the midfield but also force a casualty. Charlie Ngatai’s unfortunate concussion battles rule him out of the equation, leaving a choice between Tamanivalu and Blues powerhouse George Moala.
Moala is far from the finished product but did enough in his sole start in Dunedin, with a try and several line breaks, to impress. His ability to cover wing may see him preferred.
On form Julian Savea will probably be considered the luckiest inclusion, having struggled for impact, confidence and being benched by the Hurricanes in their last two finals matches. But, as usual, Steve Hansen and company will back themselves to help the big man recapture his best.
In front-rowers Joe Moody (neck) and Dane Coles (rib) Hansen has minor injury concerns. But with three weeks until the first test both are expected to recover in time. Possible squad: Joe Moody, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Dane Coles, Cody Taylor, Nathan Harris, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Romano, Sam Cane, Kieran Read, Elliot Dixon, Jerome Kaino, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera KerrBarlow, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Lima Sopoaga, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala/ Seta Tamanivalu, Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Israel Dagg, Julian Savea