Loose forward mix full of possibilities

The loose trio shapes as the most interesting selection when looking at a form All Blacks lineup to open the 2021 campaign with.

With skipper Samcane and arguably the world’s premier loosie Ardie Savea both facing long stints on the sidelines, it’s likely Ian Foster has to look at a total remake of his trio for the July tests. Given it’s Italy and Fiji, it shapes as the ideal time to look at a few backup options anyway.

It’s why I haven’t considered Beauden Barrett either after his Japan sabbatical. No need to. Ease him back when the time is right.

Presuming Savea and Cane are both out of the mix, Foster will need a new starting No 7 and No 8, and faces another tough call at No 6 between Shannon Frizell and Akira Ioane, with Luke Jacobson also a contender.

There are also some interesting decisions to make in midfield, at fullback and maybe at loosehead prop, depending on how serious Joe Moody’s foot problem is. This lineup presumes he’s out.

Skipper shapes as a no-brainer with big Samwhitelock able to slot in without losing amoment’s sleep.

PLAYING XV

Fullback: Jordie Barrett

It’s a close race but Jordie Barrett has the form, the supplementary qualities (that booming boot) and, most importantly, deserves this crack in his best position.

Right wing: Will Jordan Looks to be finding form at the right time and you just have to find a spot for this game-breaker in your lineup.

Centre: Rieko Ioane New Zealand’s best and most dangerous centre. Deserves another crack on form.

Second-five: Anton Lienert-brown Amust-have in any top All Blacks lineup. Playing well, dripping with experience and makes everyone around him better.

Left wing: Caleb Clarke

Has been slow to find his best stuff in 2021, but brings qualities that are a must-have at test level.

First-five: Richie Mo’unga A no-brainer here. When he gets the go-forward, there is no one better pulling the strings.

Halfback: Aaron Smith

An ageless wonder who continues to perform at the highest level. Playing as well as he ever has.

Hoskins Sotutu

It’s tight here on formbetween the Bluesmetre-eater and Luke Jacobson. But I’d give Sotutu a crack.

Openside flanker: Dalton Papalii We’re down to third choice now, so why not go with the formman of SRA? Good chance to have an extended look at this turnover merchant. Lachlan Boshier needs more footy.

Blindside flanker: Shannon Frizell Deserves this crack after some strong showings for the Highlanders. Akira Ioane has been short of his best too.

Lock: Samwhitelock (captain)

Still a quality performer who takes care of all the important stuff in the tight. And steps in as a stop-gap captain with ease.

Lock: Scott Barrett

Still a work in progress, but with Patrick Tuipulotu’s injury issues and Pari Pari Parkinson striving for consistency, remains a worthy starter.

Tighthead prop: Ofa Tuungafasi Not a lot between him and Nepo Laulala, but worth giving the starter’s minutes to the more dynamic performer.

Hooker: Codie

Taylor

In the form of his life, scoring tries, winning turnovers, carrying well and still hitting his core tasks.

Loosehead prop:

Karl Tu’inukuafe.

If Moody’s foot injury ruled him out, the burly Blues loosehead would step in and do the job just fine.

RESERVES

Dane Coles: Still playing very, very well and worthy of a spot in any All Blacks 23.

Aidan Ross: For this exercise, we’ve left Moody out, somaybe it’s time to have a look at the Chiefs No 1. Alex Hodgman’s red card counts against him.

Nepo Laulala: You bring this powerhouse on and you lose nothing at scrum time, or around the ruck.

Patrick Tuipulotu: Should be back playing in plenty of time and still brings statement physicality and experience.

Lachlan Boshier: They will need someone to cover 7 and this extraordinary turnover merchant deserves a crack, so long as he can keep off the injured list.

Brad Weber: With Folau Fokatava out injured, the dynamic Chiefs No 9 is comfortably the premier option behind Smith.

Damian Mckenzie: Covers 10 and 15. Deserves to be the he mix.

Ngani Laumape: Comes off the bench to bring his game-changing ability late-match.