Murray Mexted is sounding the alarm about the All Blacks' lineup issues as they gear up for a clash against England at Twickenham. The former All Blacks standout stressed the tactical missteps seen during their recent game against Scotland, pointing out the team’s lack of height in the back row which could pose significant problems against an England side known for its towering forwards.
In their Autumn Nations Series matchup against Scotland, the All Blacks fielded Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, and Peter Lakai, with Savea being the tallest at 1.90 meters. Despite a strong start leading 17-0 at halftime, Scotland fought back to tie the game in the second half, exploiting New Zealand’s shorter lineup. Mexted highlighted, "I reckon we had the smallest loose forward trio, the shortest loose forward trio in the world that played last week." The game ended 25-17 in favor of New Zealand, but not without exposing some critical weaknesses.
"Now, you can't play the game where possession is king if you've got three loose forwards who are short, unless somebody else is winning ball."
Mexted further criticized the All Blacks’ strategy at Murrayfield, noting the shift in possession as Scotland adjusted their game plan to take advantage of New Zealand’s lineup. By the end of the match, Scotland had reversed the possession statistics, putting the All Blacks on the back foot.
The rugby legend also pointed to refereeing differences and mental strength as factors. Mexted expressed concerns about the team's psychological resilience, "I’m wondering whether we have the mental strength at the moment." He praised the team's character for rallying late in the game but noted the initial struggle in the second half.
Looking ahead to the England game, Mexted feels a repeat of the Scotland strategy would be disastrous. England’s forward pack, significantly taller, will likely dominate aerial battles, demanding a strategic pivot from the All Blacks. "It’s aerial possession that worries me. If England beat us in possession at Twickenham, they’ll beat us on the scoreboard as well," he concluded.
The All Blacks must now recalibrate as they face a formidable English squad at Twickenham, a venue where victories are hard-fought. With England making seven changes to their lineup, including the towering presence of their forward pack, the stage is set for a showdown that could hinge on the All Blacks' ability to adapt and overcome their height disadvantage.
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Murray Mexted is sounding the alarm about the All Blacks' lineup issues as they gear up for a clash against England at Twickenham. The former All Blacks standout stressed the tactical missteps seen during their recent game against Scotland, pointing out the team’s lack of height in the back row which could pose significant problems against an England side known for its towering forwards.
In their Autumn Nations Series matchup against Scotland, the All Blacks fielded Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, and Peter Lakai, with Savea being the tallest at 1.90 meters. Despite a strong start leading 17-0 at halftime, Scotland fought back to tie the game in the second half, exploiting New Zealand’s shorter lineup. Mexted highlighted, "I reckon we had the smallest loose forward trio, the shortest loose forward trio in the world that played last week." The game ended 25-17 in favor of New Zealand, but not without exposing some critical weaknesses.
"Now, you can't play the game where possession is king if you've got three loose forwards who are short, unless somebody else is winning ball."
Mexted further criticized the All Blacks’ strategy at Murrayfield, noting the shift in possession as Scotland adjusted their game plan to take advantage of New Zealand’s lineup. By the end of the match, Scotland had reversed the possession statistics, putting the All Blacks on the back foot.
The rugby legend also pointed to refereeing differences and mental strength as factors. Mexted expressed concerns about the team's psychological resilience, "I’m wondering whether we have the mental strength at the moment." He praised the team's character for rallying late in the game but noted the initial struggle in the second half.
Looking ahead to the England game, Mexted feels a repeat of the Scotland strategy would be disastrous. England’s forward pack, significantly taller, will likely dominate aerial battles, demanding a strategic pivot from the All Blacks. "It’s aerial possession that worries me. If England beat us in possession at Twickenham, they’ll beat us on the scoreboard as well," he concluded.
The All Blacks must now recalibrate as they face a formidable English squad at Twickenham, a venue where victories are hard-fought. With England making seven changes to their lineup, including the towering presence of their forward pack, the stage is set for a showdown that could hinge on the All Blacks' ability to adapt and overcome their height disadvantage.