Stick or twist? Steve Hansen faces a selection dilemma like no other during his All Blacks coaching tenure, with the fate of his two most prized trophies at stake.
Hansen and selectors Ian Foster and Grant Fox must decide if they stick with with the old guard who fell so badly short against Australia in Perth when they finalise their team for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland.
The other option is to re-energise, injecting a fresh dose of talented players who would then likely be entrusted with the big games at the World Cup too.
By promoting a new breed, such as livewire winger Sevu Reece and prop Atu Moli, Hansen may effectively draw the curtain on some accomplished careers.
The likes of prop Owen Franks and outside back Ben Smith can be classified as Test greats but if the selectors don’t think they’re cutting it – and they haven’t this year – there may be no room for sentiment, both this week and in Japan.
Foster was giving away little this week but conceded the list of issues to address out of last week’s 47-26 hiding in Perth was extensive.
“When the ‘what to do better’ list is longer than the ‘what’s going OK’ list, it adds a bit of spice,” he said.
The world champions have flattered to deceive for 12 months.
Their last truly emphatic performance came in the same fixture at Eden Park last August, although it was a dead rubber, when Beauden Barrett scorched in for four tries against Australia.
Hansen has remained loyal but his teams have laboured, most notably up front in Europe last year and then in this year’s Rugby Championship.
The team who started in Perth was New Zealand’s most experienced – and oldest – since the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, at 59 caps per starting player.
Experience was hailed as the bedrock of the All Blacks’ triumph at Twickenham – think Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock, who then bid farewell in their mid-30s.
Australia’s starting XV in Perth was their least experienced since that same final, at 34 Tests per man.
After such a high-energy performance, the Wallabies’ conundrum now is whether to reinstate some experience through the likes of David Pocock, Sekope Kepu, Bernard Foley and Will Genia.
It’s a philosophical call for both teams which could decide the fate of two Cups.
Jacko
Guest
Due for a good one then
Jacko
Guest
I thought you said 3% on another post today? you have been a blow-hard all week yet you cant even back your team...Weak as you know what...
Jacko
Guest
he is no fisherman but what he is does rhyme with something a boat needs...Where does he take it if the ABs win?...he has complained his backside off all week and his team won.....
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Come on Tman, Connor's a fisherman from way back. Don't rise to the bait.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Righto Maxxlord, I'm putting the house on the 'Angels' to hammer those black 'devils'. One swallow does not a summer make though and I'm afraid that I don't believe that the ABs fielded the best team in Perth. For me the Wallabies played very well and the relief in pressure (albeit slight) when the ABs were reduced to 14 meant that the team had the lowest error rate I can remember in years. The stars were all in alignment. Will it be so in Auckland? PS if Liam Squire continues with his progress he will be back for the WC and he, I believe, will provide the back three balance that was certainly missing in Perth. Looking forward to a very interesting match, but gutted that I'm pommyland and unlikely to see it.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Oh, an actual six minute blowout Connor. How...coincidental.
taylorman
Roar Guru
No need to pray, there’s a thing called a weather forecast that says it will rain. Bit more reliable. I can handle a loss, especially with the WCup coming up. We might not reach all our goals but win the World Cup and the bled. gives them something to chase next year under a full format, we have to win two of three. Regardless of this weekend all eyes will turn to the World Cup. If Oz have the bled. They’ll certainly have deserved it.
maxxlord
Roar Rookie
By all means store it Taylorman. In the event that I prove correct I will no doubt have opportunity to bring it up myself. I would be praying for rain if i were an AB fan though, might slow the game to your pace.
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
Can't get match fit sitting in the grandstand.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
No ones scared Max, You are. Your many posts slighting the Australians indicate as much. Reckon a lot of Kiwi sports fans would be a bit apprehensive. Already lost the CWC final to England, now they could lose the Bledisloe to Australian rugby players.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
in 2015, 2014 and 2011 Weren't they the years Richie, Carter, Nonu etc were playing? They're not here to bail out the All Blacks this time. Just like the English cricket team, they are drafting in rookies to prevent them being crushed by the Green and Australian Gold juggernaut.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
They have just played 3 ordinary games in a row
terrykidd
Roar Pro
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Jackson Hemopo, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, Jordie Barrett. Team just announced
taylorman
Roar Guru
I think the thinking there is that it will get better with practice, regardless of defence. They wouldn't be trying it now if they didnt think it would stand up against the SA and northern defences. It has potential to be great, as has the Cane Savea double. Trouble is, they both have just as much potential to fail, but you just 'gotta try stuff'.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
You cannot honestly believe if Barrett only got a yellow 100% we still would have won. I honestly believe we got lucky with the red.
taylorman
Roar Guru
I’ll have a look. How many started against the Bok B team, and the close Argie win? From the 37-20 loss to the AB’s in Yokohama 8 were the same starters, notables missing Pocock, Folau, Foley, Genia and Simmons. 4 of the 8 reserves.
taylorman
Roar Guru
True, and one for the SA test. It may just need the Wallabies failing this weekend, where it seems with two poor defences- I think the AB’s will improve more, partially because they’ll likely have the full 15, partially because its usually a strength, Theyre still clearly focussed on attack, and Fosters made it clear possession is key (as has H &H) I think there are two general expectations with this result. ABs scream back and win, or Wallabies prove they are the real deal and steal it. I don’t think they’ll 20+ again, though oddly, I have attended two thrashings at Eden park- 3rd test 1978 and second test France 1979, both incredible matches in their own right, not over 20 but it felt like it in those days. The french one we scrambled a late Mourie try by the French were all over us that day.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes would I be right in thinking we are split on that? I like the fact that savea and Cane are both on the field and that the lack of possession - 30% - didnt see enough on the ball. My concern with them was the discipline and the propensity for high tackles though I don't think any side is immune from that and in their eagerness it may just be the Wallabies that fall foul of that (then we'll see how thats treated here). Agree there's a lot of hope in this one, the newbies have got to step up, theyve been in camp long enough and now they're being asked to deliver, big time. The dropped guys will support them and they have Eden park as somewhat of a buffer, and what will be a very black crowd to lift them. In fact if I were NZR this week I'd be pushing for another blackout from the crowd. They need all they can get.
Andy J
Roar Rookie
I’m concerned re the loose trio, think we need a genuine six and Savea / cane start at seven and the other from the bench. I thought Frizzell was very good against the Boks, am hoping squire comes back looked good on the weekend. Also not certain on Reads form.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Never a truer word said in jest Neutral ;)