All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina has made a bold call to Scott Robertson ahead of the high-stakes clash against England, advocating for Rieko Ioane's inclusion in the starting lineup. As New Zealand eyes a Grand Slam triumph in their northern hemisphere tour, having already dispatched Ireland and Scotland, the upcoming match against England—buoyed by a nine-game winning streak—poses the greatest challenge yet.
England's strategy features a formidable aerial attack, spearheaded by George Ford and supported by Tom Roebuck, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Freddie Steward. The All Blacks, on the other hand, are grappling with a vulnerability in this area, exacerbated by Caleb Clarke's absence due to a concussion. Options for Robertson include shuffling Leicester Fainga’anuku or Will Jordan to the wing, with potential spaces filled by Billy Proctor or Damian McKenzie.
Muliaina suggests an assertive strategy, "I would start Rieko and put McKenzie at full-back." He champions Ioane's return, citing his vast experience and proven track record with 87 caps and 38 tries.
"This is a Grand Slam. We're talking about a player with 87 tests and 38 tries – that’s not a risk. When you're going into a massive game, you need a guy of his calibre."
Damian McKenzie, who turned the tide in the All Blacks' favor off the bench against Scotland, also received high praise from Muliaina. He advocates for McKenzie's starting role in London, emphasizing his exceptional form and impact. "He brings a bit of energy and a bit of experience," Muliaina noted.
Conversely, Stephen Donald, another former All Black, holds a different view. He supports keeping McKenzie as a strategic reserve and maintains Leroy Carter in the starting XV.
"I'm starting Leroy Carter and I'm bringing Rieko in, and I'm leaving Damian there. We're slowly starting to get that last 20 or 30 minutes firing, and that first half was as good as we’ve seen this year,"
Donald explained.
The All Blacks' selections and strategies will be crucial as they face a formidable English side, aiming not only to overcome this hurdle but also to etch their names in the annals of rugby history with a Grand Slam victory.
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All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina has made a bold call to Scott Robertson ahead of the high-stakes clash against England, advocating for Rieko Ioane's inclusion in the starting lineup. As New Zealand eyes a Grand Slam triumph in their northern hemisphere tour, having already dispatched Ireland and Scotland, the upcoming match against England—buoyed by a nine-game winning streak—poses the greatest challenge yet.
England's strategy features a formidable aerial attack, spearheaded by George Ford and supported by Tom Roebuck, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Freddie Steward. The All Blacks, on the other hand, are grappling with a vulnerability in this area, exacerbated by Caleb Clarke's absence due to a concussion. Options for Robertson include shuffling Leicester Fainga’anuku or Will Jordan to the wing, with potential spaces filled by Billy Proctor or Damian McKenzie.
Muliaina suggests an assertive strategy, "I would start Rieko and put McKenzie at full-back." He champions Ioane's return, citing his vast experience and proven track record with 87 caps and 38 tries.
"This is a Grand Slam. We're talking about a player with 87 tests and 38 tries – that’s not a risk. When you're going into a massive game, you need a guy of his calibre."
Damian McKenzie, who turned the tide in the All Blacks' favor off the bench against Scotland, also received high praise from Muliaina. He advocates for McKenzie's starting role in London, emphasizing his exceptional form and impact. "He brings a bit of energy and a bit of experience," Muliaina noted.
Conversely, Stephen Donald, another former All Black, holds a different view. He supports keeping McKenzie as a strategic reserve and maintains Leroy Carter in the starting XV.
"I'm starting Leroy Carter and I'm bringing Rieko in, and I'm leaving Damian there. We're slowly starting to get that last 20 or 30 minutes firing, and that first half was as good as we’ve seen this year,"
Donald explained.The All Blacks' selections and strategies will be crucial as they face a formidable English side, aiming not only to overcome this hurdle but also to etch their names in the annals of rugby history with a Grand Slam victory.