The All Blacks are facing a rough patch, and according to rugby legend Murray Mexted, the issue lies in the fundamental understanding of the loose forward roles, something he believes head coach Scott Robertson has overlooked. With recent losses in the Rugby Championship casting a shadow over Robertson’s selections, the critique from Mexted, a veteran of the sport, carries weight. Concerns aren't just about losses but also about unconvincing performances, even in victories, pointing to deeper issues in team dynamics.
One major problem identified by Mexted is the redundancy within the current squad setup. “All those players like Savea, Kirifi, Lakai, Sititi, Jacobson, they’re all competing for one position because there’s only one shorter loose forward available, and that’s normally on the openside. In my view, Savea’s got that wrapped up all day long and they seem to like him,” Mexted explained. He predicted a drastic overhaul: “There’s going to be a clearout. You can’t carry Kirifi, Lakai, Sititi, and Jacobson unless one of them is playing out of their skin, and I don’t see that at the moment.”
The evolution of player skills has also diluted the specialist roles according to Mexted. He reminisced about the days when specific players like Richie McCaw were consistently seen at the breakdown, a stark contrast to the modern, more flexible approach to positions. “In recent years, there’s been a focus on everyone having the same ability as a loose forward. In other words, whoever’s closest to the ball becomes a loose forward,” he lamented.
“Those two positions are fundamental as far as retaining and regaining the ball, so I think it’s something they’ve forgotten about.”
Mexted’s discussions with Robertson shed light on the current strategies. “I’ve spoken to Razor about this years ago. He was trying to tell me about the areas of the game where players are now defending and attacking from,” Mexted recounted. He stressed the importance of having dedicated specialists who can effectively manage the breakdown, highlighting the undeniable prowess of Ardie Savea in this area.
The call for a return to specialization, particularly in the back-row, is a clear signal that Mexted believes would help the All Blacks reclaim their dominant form. As the team faces scrutiny, the upcoming games will be a test to see if Robertson takes note of these criticisms and adjusts his tactics accordingly.