As the All Blacks gear up for another intense Test season, the selection conundrum facing coach Dave Rennie seems to center around the formidable back-row talent at his disposal. Murray Mexted, a seasoned voice in rugby analysis, recently highlighted the fierce competition for these coveted spots, noting that six top players are vying for just three positions, mainly from the Chiefs and Hurricanes. Both teams have showcased their prowess in this year's Super Rugby Pacific, neck and neck at the top of the standings.
During a recent discussion on the DSPN podcast, Mexted shared his insights, saying, "It’s still up for grabs because there are so many guys that are putting their hands up. If you’ve got six guys that are competing for three positions, and they have at the moment, the selection will be based around how much ball we’re going to win and where we’re going to win the ball." This comment underscores the strategic considerations that will likely influence Rennie's decisions.
"It’s still up for grabs because there are so many guys that are putting their hands up."
In the latest showdown between the Chiefs and Hurricanes, each team fielded two All Blacks in their starting back-rows: Simon Parker and Luke Jacobson for the Chiefs, and Du’Plessis Kirifi and Peter Lakai for the Hurricanes, complemented by Jahrome Brown and Devan Flanders respectively. Notably, Wallace Sititi was among the Chiefs’ reserves, adding another layer of depth to the selection puzzle.
Mexted praised the performance of both teams' loose forwards, particularly noting Kirifi's standout game. "I thought Kirifi had a blinder [against the Chiefs]. At Super Rugby level he’s big enough and he played really well, he was competitive, and so was Lakai," Mexted commented. However, he also pointed out the ongoing challenges faced by Jacobson due to injuries and size limitations, suggesting a potential shift in his positional play to maximize his impact.
The complexity of the All Blacks' selection is further muddled by Sititi's ambiguous role. "Sititi confuses things because he doesn’t win the ball in the air either, so where does he play? He’s a little bit like Ardie Savea, but he’s not as good as Ardie Savea," Mexted elaborated. This comparison highlights the tough decisions that lie ahead for Rennie, particularly with a player like Ardie Savea almost certain to start.
Mexted wrapped up his thoughts with a poignant reminder of the fundamental rugby principle: possession. "He’s a bloody good rugby player, there’s no doubt about it, but I still go back to who’s got the ball. Who has the ball is more likely to win the game." This insight from a seasoned player and analyst encapsulates the strategic depth of rugby, where the battle for control of the ball often dictates the outcome of the game.