As Justin Marshall gave Eddie Jones’ side a blunt appraisal, the former All Blacks captain cautioned against Ian Foster making wholesale changes for Saturday’s Bledisloe return in Dunedin.
But, with the Bledisloe Cup locked away for a 21st straight year, the NZ Herald is reporting that Foster will make up to a dozen changes to his starting side despite Marshall’s insistence that “it’s not the time to experiment”.
The entire backline is tipped for a makeover, with Will Jordan in the frame to shift from the wing to fullback in a move that could allow Shaun Stevenson to earn a call-up on the wing.
Blues halfback Finlay Christie and Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie are likely to be given an opportunity in the halves, while Anton Lienert-Brown and Braydon Ennor are in the frame to form a new-look midfield.
: Damian McKenzie of the All Blacks reacts during the Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks, part of The Rugby Championship, at Optus Stadium on September 05, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Up front, Scott Barrett is set to be given a week to recharge his battery in a move that will see Sam Whitelock given a start.
Regular captain Sam Cane is set to return to the backrow and feature alongside Ardie Savea, who shapes as one of three players retained in the XV from the one that beat the Wallabies 38-7 at the MCG last Saturday.
The front-row also looks set to have a major makeover, with hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho likely to pack down alongside Nepo Laulala and the uncapped Tamaiti Williams.
There is expected to be combination of experience and youth on the bench, with Dane Coles, Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga likely to be selected, according to the NZ Herald.
The mooted changes come despite Marshall’s warning not to take the foot off the gas.
Ian Foster is tipped to make mass changes to his All Blacks side after winning the Bledisloe Cup last weekend. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Marshall pointed to their shock 2003 World Cup exit at the semi-final stage, where the All Blacks were dumped out by the Wallabies mere months after smashing them in the Bledisloe Cup as evidence of not letting momentum slip.
“The only thing I will say is be weary because I remember in 2003, if you look at our year, we walloped South Africa, we walloped Australia and then we got bitten in a semi-final of a Rugby World Cup, so you’ve just got to make sure that you’re continually improving,” the former captain told The Platform.
“This team will have to go through some hardship.
“At the moment they’ve got it all going their own way, they’re a dominant side, but at some stage, there’s going to be a team that’s really going to test them.
“That’s why I feel they just need to keep putting those players out, putting them out there, so when it comes to one of those knockout games at Rugby World Cup, and they’re having a been a bit of an off day and the opposition are having a good day, they still have this unity, composure and this confidence to say, ‘You know what, we’ll still get the job done. We will still win this game today.’”
Marshall said the runway to France was too short to be playing with fire at this point in the four-year World Cup cycle, but implored Foster to stick solid with his starting XV despite the Wallabies’ woes.
“That’s the real melon scratcher to be honest, because Australia are beaten up no doubt about it,” he said.
“They’ve got injury problems, they struggling to find the way that they want to play. You don’t expect them to come really with too much firepower given the evidence of what we saw at the weekend.
“It is a chance to give some players more game time, but I said it right at the very start before the All Blacks even ran out for their first Test match, I said they need to keep putting the same players out there.
“If you want players to get game time, bring them off the beach, let the starting 15 continue to go out there and play as a team, be a team and galvanize together. So, I’d be very reluctant to make any changes this weekend, barring injury or fatigue.
“It’s not the time to experiment.”
Justin Marshall (2nd R)has cautioned against the All Blacks making mass changes. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
While Eddie Jones said he saw enough during Bledisloe I to suggest the Wallabies were on the right track, saying “If you arrived from Mars and watched the first 20 minutes, you’d probably think the gold team was the stronger team – that’s the reality”, Marshall poured cold water on the coach’s comments.
“I just think they’re scrambling for ideas on how to break down good defensive systems,” he said.
“They’re kind of relying on individuals to spark. They’re trying to look for a sensational play out of nowhere because their game plan at the moment is really easily picked off and worked out defensively.
‘I don’t know if I agree that they were the better side in the first 20 minutes.
“I think they had a couple of moments there where they looked good, and they had the All Blacks under pressure, but then they made some poor decisions in that 20 minutes as well when [Samu] Kerevi kicked the ball away, k Carter Gordon kicked it away a few times when he shouldn’t have and it really hurt them.
“They’re a team that really is struggling for the identity and they are in a world of hurt at the moment, so it’s going to be interesting to see how they recover from where they are at the moment to try and be competitive at the World Cup.”
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Agreed. 3 tournament s on a row FBs were selected at centre. 3 tournaments in a row we finished early.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Oh I do, Ankles. I demand mediocrity! I won’t settle for anything less. Or more.
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
TR,that comment seems like it came from someone under 10!
Jazz
Roar Rookie
I dont think the AB's are scared of what happened 20years ago. Newer players will just want to prove their worth even more. Any player can get injured between now and the WC so giving players more depth and perfect their skills is a plus.
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
I sure hope he plays well. I guess he could be in competition with Ennor for a plane ticket? Exciting looking 23 just announced for Saturday arvo. Stevenson and Finau getting starts. Jordan to fullback. Fainga’anuku starting on left wing.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Stay true to you're principals, Ken!
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Credit to Stuff.co.nz. 3 debutantes for NZ, wholesale changes. [start quote] All Blacks v Wallabies, second Bledisloe test Where: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin When: Saturday, August 5 (2.35pm kickoff) NZ time Coverage: Live on Sky Sport 1, live updates on Stuff All Blacks starting XV: Will Jordan, Shaun Stevenson, Braydon Ennor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Damian McKenzie, Finlay Christie, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Samipeni Finau, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Dallas McLeod Wallabies starting XV: Andrew Kellaway, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott (capt), Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Pone Fa'amausili, David Porecki, Angus Bell. Reserves: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Will Skelton, Rob Leota, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Izaia Perese
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Well Bro, you'll get a better idea how Havili is going on Friday, when he is starting for the Mako at Trafalgar Park, against Otago. Even Pari Pari is returning & in the Mako run on side.
James in NZ
Roar Rookie
Whenever we expect to win, its often a nail biter. The dead rubbers too have historically broken various streaks. The Walls to raise by 5%, ABs to drop by 5%, got a 10% swing. I guess RWC yr, squads yet to be announced though, new combos too though. You never know.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH it would be utter stupidity if Flossie did make a dozen changes to his run on XV. Marshall is right in that respect. Even under the roof at Forsyth Barr in Otepoti, where the AB's have only lost once, & that loss was under this current coach. Is he attempting to extending his losing streak? There's still plenty of time after we find out who's in the RWC squad when it's announced on Monday, to start working on, going forward. IMO the Wallabies are no walk over, as apparently Flossie thinks by even suggesting 12 changes. The blokes a fruitcake!! As it is there is a very good NPC game, at the home of Aotearoa rugby in Nelson, on Friday, that he should be keeping an eye on, as that midfield combination for the Mako's is something else. David Havili & Levi Aumua, in the game at Trafalgar Park playing Otago. Pretty good combination , as even Alex Nankivell is on the bench.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Sandra Could it be that folks are placing their importance, on the wrong match - this one?? No disrespect to EJ and his team but, this is IMO, the best and last opportunity, to give your fringe players a run. RWC AB squad announcement is Monday.....they need to know now, how these fringe players are going to react, in a test cauldron. But for me, it is the next match that the ABs need to fire and have a fully fit and rested 23 top players, running out on Twickers, to meet the Bokke. You can bet your boots that Rassie & JN, will be priming their best team, to run out in that match. Folks suggest that this Twickers match, is just going to be a warm-up game, for both teams. I don't think so for the same reason, as you suggest - "the last thing the ABs need is to head into the RWC losing this game". I suggest the Bokke, will be thinking the same.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Australia were home team and were facing the team, that just took the BC off them. The ABs knew, how much EJ had placed on the 2nd test in Auckland after losing the 1st game by 40pts then coming back, for a 4pt loss. The WBs were primed for this SF match and on a wet, greasy surface, the WBs played the better rugby - just like in Auckland a month earlier - they had the ABs on the ropes and in the rain so they realised, they had a game plan to win the SF. The ABs weren't caught napping - they were caught by the better team.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Thanks
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Just a bit of tangential movement here SD - Mitchell was HC and 2003 was his 2nd year in the job. Deans was his Tech Advisor.....story goes Tana wanted to play the SF but, the call was made that his injury (knee hyper-extension) was still too much, of a risk. The problem IMO, was they waited for Tana's injury to settle, hoping that he would get to play and in doing so, gave themselves no chance to call a replacement meaning Tana, would have to leave the squad. In the week going into the SF, Mitch & Deans made a call to stand Tana down and call a replacement - Ben Atiga (Blues No13/FB) arrived that week - too late for anything but, warm the pines. Mitch had to wear this decision but somewhere in there, would be Deans' influence as JM's advisor.
JohnnyOnTheSpot
Roar Rookie
Absolutely correct Sandra. My bad.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
It just makes it harder for Eddie the Lip to know were he is at. If the Wallabies loose to a so called B team, that is a massive mental hurdle to get over. On the up side for them, the Wallabies should able to gather momentum in the pool stages and as long as don't come across SA or NZ (mental scaring) through the knockout, well anything can happen.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Rattles it will be interesting, if any or how many injuries this weekend and for which team. I think we can all remember the pressure Rennie's Coaching Team were getting last year for the injury count. But with 2 different coaching setups, is there something we are missing.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Yep Mitchell would have to wear that one. But I agree with OB re the decision. It may just be the origin of playing player out of position that we all love :angry:
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
Heck Justin when do you think the appropriate time would be? Least risky time surely to roll out the 10 back ups. The tough bit will be who are the 3 who get culled from the 36 post match? I am hoping Fainganuku, Havili, Moody and Newell are over their injuries and feature somewhere.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I fear that NZ just has to put out a test front row and they will earn 20 scrum penalties. Whoever comes in at TH for Australia will cement his RWC position if he can just (mostly) hold his own. It's a real opportunity for someone.