Changes tipped in backline

Change is expected in the All Blacks back three this week but faith may be retained in Damian McKenzie at fullback.

In difficult conditions at Yarrow Stadium, the All Blacks struggled to defuse the high ball against Argentina. It was just one of a number of areas, the breakdown, conceding 23 turnovers and dealing with rush defence others, that needs attention after the 39-22 win.

McKenzie was the main culprit under the high ball as the Pumas found success hoisting bombs that were high but not always long. This forced McKenzie to charge on to the ball at pace and allowed the Pumas to get up and contest, often resulting in mistakes.

There were some classy touches from McKenzie on attack but accuracy under the high ball must improve. Given the struggles in this area, the Springboks are likely to again test the All Blacks in Albany this week.

“They’re very good at attacking the high balls, so it’s something I have to work on,” McKenzie said. “When we dropped a few, they managed to build a bit of attack, so it would be nice to take those and not put us under pressure.”

Starting McKenzie, Milner-Skudder and Israel Dagg in an undersized back three always had an element of experimentation about it. Options at fullback are somewhat limited, with Ben Smith on sabbatical and Jordie Barrett out after shoulder surgery. The All Blacks now view Dagg as a right wing, and it would be a big call to throw Crusaders rookie David Havili in against the Boks on debut.

Steve Hansen also ruled out Lima Sopoaga starting and Beauden Barrett moving to fullback from the opening whistle. Sopoaga’s calm cameo and assured goal kicking from the bench in New Plymouth enhanced his claims for further game time but that won’t come against the Boks.

“Do we want to have both of them in at the same time? No, not to start, we won’t,” Hansen said. “Having them both on the field at the end of the game is a real possibility because it’s happened most of the time.”