McKenzie vs Mo’unga vs Barrett the AB flyhalf dilemma

The ABs looked less effective with Mo’unga’s static passing when McKenzie vacated 10. In the meantime, Barrett still doesn’t look totally convincing at 15. The AB’s still haven’t  effectively resolved how to use these three talented players.

What they have clearly improved is their scrumming, which is game changing. The Boks  have beaten the ABs a few times in the last few years and scrumming dominance played a big role. Perhaps the Bargies are  really poor in this department, but if the AB scrum is much improved, one of our weapons is neutralized.

Both teams showed great ability to exploit space last Saturday. But will the Boks continue to play that way on Saturday? 

One of the matches of the year. By the time Twickenham arrives both teams will be pulling their punches. This is the match.

NZ is going to play SA rugby, that is a team unable to play rugby and trying to hide it by focusing on negating the opponent's efforts to play rugby.

In this regard, going for a creative fly half would mean endangering oneself for very little gain.

Towards the end of the Steve Hansen era, it became evident that the All Blacks' forwards were not performing at their usual high standard. Without Retallick's strong presence, they often struggled to maintain possession and dominate the line of advantage, often falling short of half-possession.

However, Beauden Barrett played a crucial role in securing victories for the All Blacks, even when they had only 40% territory and possession. His excellence in handling backfoot ball allowed him to break through the first line of defence and set his backline in motion. Since his return from Japan, he has not displayed the same level of performance.

Mckenzie seems to be in better form, whereas Moo-unga has been solid- but not consistently good- given the alternatives.

Australia has had a complete decline in their forwards. They have the worst tight five from the top ten teams in the world. 

Beauden Barrett First five-eighth 27 May 1991 (age 32) 113 Blues / Taranaki

Damian McKenzie First five-eighth 20 April 1995 (age 28) 41 Chiefs / Waikato

Richie Mo'unga First five-eighth 25 May 1994 (age 29) 45 Crusaders / Canterbury

I was going to say Bauden based on experience but the other two is not that far behind. Both are close to 50 caps. 

Richie is very similar to Marcus Smith, likes to weave between players and use his feet to get around players before releasing. 

Mac, seems to have more time on the ball but really struggled in the first 10 minutes. Also note the bargies did rush up and used a drift defence. 

But I think Bauden is the man. Still have lots to offer and probably very happy if he doesn't start at 10. 

Will be a different game if the boks can pin them back and put them under pressure 

Until fairly recently I would have said Richie Mo'uanga was the right man for the AB 10 jersey. I am a big fan but sadly, he doesn't bring his Crusaders form to test rugby . . . and he's had quite a few chances now.

If I was Foz, I'd be thinking McKenzie at 1st 5 and Beauden at fullback, with Richie on the bench, as they all were on Saturday.

I agree Rooi, latest evidence (only one game) points to this but of course we need a few more games to be sure.

DMac @ 10...his pass makes more tries than BBs acceleration...and he's just as fast and agile...