PLAYER TO WATCH... SAMU KEREVI
The All Blacks will be toast if they again allow the midfielder to trample them. Kerevi, one of the best players during Super Rugby, carried 20 times for 88 metres in Perth last week, beating five defenders and making three clean breaks. Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown are on notice. Blacks 23 this week and experienced campaigners Owen Franks, Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane have been axed. Nepo Laulala, George Bridge and Sevu Reece get the chance to show their coach, and nation, what they’ve got.
Others get a crack too. Patrick Tuipulotu comes into the second row at a time when his muscular style is much-needed; Sonny Bill Williams returns in midfield with Hansen spouting thoroughbred analogies (‘‘If he was a racehorse he’s sharper because he’s had 2-3 gallops and a race’’); and Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Jackson Hemopo and Jordie Barrett freshen the bench.
Hansen talks about his selection bombshells being low on risk and high on reward and says ‘‘we have to find out if these players can step up to the plate under the biggest pressure’’. For that you might read the entire team.
The All Blacks are clearly bristling. Dane Coles set the tone at the start of the week when he talked about the lack of intent, physicality and attitude in Perth and admitted they might have taken things for granted. Every forward that has fronted since has repeated a variation of the
Hansen was asked if Tuipulotu should lead the physical response. ‘‘No, I need Sam Whitelock to lead it,’’ he responded. ‘‘He’s the guy with 100 tests; he’s the big boy in the pack. You expect those guys to lead.
‘‘The jersey has asked the question of them. Was last week’s performance good enough? No it wasn’t. The jersey demands better. They know that. They’re disappointed, but you can’t hide from that.’’
The All Blacks have a long list of areas where they have to be better. But it starts and finishes up front.
Everything suggests an All Blacks response is coming. Four years ago they were in the same tight spot after losing 27-19 in Sydney. The response? A 41-13, five tries to one, thrashing. The All Blacks haven’t lost on Eden Park since 1994; the Aussies haven’t won there since ‘86.
Everything, except form. That must be turned on its head tonight.
‘‘Was last week’s performance good enough? No, it wasn’t. The jersey demands better. They know that.’’
Steve Hansen, All Blacks coach