Only minor changes expected
Don’t expect mass changes when the All Blacks announce their Rugby Championship squad. Despite there being no shortage of underperforming players during the lousy series defeat to Ireland, only minor changes are expected when the 36-man group is named.
Just when that is remains unclear, given New Zealand Rugby (NZR) pushed back plans to name the squad yesterday while it awaits medical updates on a few players.
That includes specialist lock Scott Barrett, who missed last week’s decisive test against Ireland in the capital with a leg injury.
Enveloped by the All Blacks coaching saga, NZR couldn’t yesterday provide certainty when the squad would be announced, but the playing group tasked with getting the national side back on track will form in Wellington on Monday morning.
They’ll return from a week off, one in which the All Blacks, and NZR, have copped stinging criticism in the aftermath of the team’s first series loss on home soil in almost three decades.
So, what new faces could we see?
There will certainly be movement at lock, given Brodie Retallick is set to be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a broken cheekbone.
Patrick Tuipulotu, granted a dispensation by the NZR board and rushed back into the side for the second test against Ireland after Sam Whitelock was ruled out with concussion, is the obvious choice.
With Josh Lord (knee) done for the season, and Barrett under an injury cloud, New Zealand’s locking depth is sure being tested ahead of two daunting tests with the world champion Springboks in South Africa.
Should more bodies be required, Highlanders lock Josh Dickson, who trained with the team in Dunedin recently, and
Crusaders lock Quinten Strange, another who has spent time in camp in the past, appear to be next in the pecking order.
What about at prop and in the loose forwards?
Don’t be surprised if the All Blacks recall Highlanders loosehead Ethan de Groot, who was bizarrely overlooked in favour of Francebound Karl Tu’inukuafe for the Irish series.
Prop remains a problematic area for the All Blacks, prompting calls for Crusaders tightheads Oli Jager and Fletcher Newell to be called up. However, it might be too soon for second-year Crusader Newell, who would arguably be better off completing a NPC campaign before potentially getting a crack during the northern tour.
As for the loose forwards, Crusaders No 8 Cullen Grace, Blues utility Tom Robinson and Highlanders powerhouse Shannon Frizell loom as options should All Blacks management make changes.
Having earned his sole All Blacks cap in 2020, Grace is coming off an outstanding Super Rugby campaign, and his lineout prowess is precisely what the All Blacks are missing from their current crop of loose forwards.
Of the six loose forwards named to play Ireland, all were utilised but Hoskins Sototu, who offers a similar skill set to Pita Gus Sowakula. Should Grace get the nod, one of them may miss out.
What about the backs?
Halfback appears to be the most likely position where change might occur, but don’t count on it.
Given Aaron Smith isn’t going anywhere, and Folau Fakatava is seen as an X-factor player with a point of difference, Finlay Christie could find himself on the outer.
It would be through no fault of his own, though, rather if selectors opt to bring back Brad Weber or the ultra experienced TJ Perenara at a time the All Blacks have their backs against the wall.
What about a change in captaincy?
Unlikely, at least that’s the case if Ian Foster keeps his job.
That said, dumping Sam Cane, who was inexplicably dragged with the third test against Ireland on the line, would make picking the loose forwards a lot easier.
As it stands, Cane being captain demands he starts in the No 7 jersey at a time when Dalton Papalii or Ardie Savea are arguably better suited. It’s difficult to imagine Whitelock or Savea being substituted when the All Blacks are down in a series deciding match.