All Blacks Face Selection Dilemma Ahead of Final Test

Balancing Cohesion and New Opportunities

Following a strong performance against France, All Blacks coaches are navigating a crucial balancing act: maintaining team chemistry while providing chances for other players.

Potential Changes on the Horizon

After a commanding win, the All Blacks coaching staff are weighing wholesale changes against keeping an improving side together. This mirrors France’s strategy in Wellington, which proved detrimental in the short term after their initial close contest.

Injuries are also factoring into decisions. Tupou Vaa’i is likely out after a head injury assessment, with Samipeni Finau expected to step into the blindside flanker role.

Finau and his Chiefs teammates could be beneficiaries of selections for the upcoming match at Waikato Stadium, their home ground.

Front Row and Midfield Considerations

The front row might see changes, with hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and prop Ollie Norris in contention. Norris made his Test debut off the bench recently.

Loose forward Luke Jacobson, returning from a head knock sustained in the Super Rugby Pacific final, is also a possibility. Midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown could feature after recovering from a broken collarbone.

Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa is likely to keep his spot on the right wing, having impressed as a late replacement for the injured Caleb Clarke. Local favourites Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie might form the starting inside-back pairing.

Hooker Brodie McAlister, yet to feature in the series, could make his debut off the bench if Codie Taylor is rested, a likely scenario.

“We’ve got a few guys chomping at the bit to get an opportunity and have been helping set the XV up really well for the last couple of weeks. There’s some high energy from some boys dying to have a crack.”

—Jason Holland, Assistant Coach

Assistant coach Jason Holland emphasized the team’s intention to give all players a chance to experience Test rugby across the three-match series.

Regarding the previous match, Holland noted, “We still felt that in the last 20 minutes we could have finished better than we did and really put them away.” However, he affirmed that expectations remain high for the upcoming dead rubber, with the team aiming for a series whitewash.

“There will be no lack of motivation to keep getting better and I’m sure the lads will add when they get the opportunity,” he added. The All Blacks’ depth in outside backs has been tested by injuries to Sevu Reece and Caleb Clarke.

Rieko Ioane might continue on the left wing if Reece isn’t cleared. Ruben Love, primarily seen as a fullback with first-five capabilities, is a potential replacement for Will Jordan at fullback.

Jordan, who scored his 41st Test try in his 43rd match, and Jordie Barrett, who has performed strongly since returning from his sabbatical, may be rested.

With Scott Barrett out for the season due to a calf tear, Ardie Savea is expected to captain the side again. The leadership presence of Jacobson and Patrick Tuipulotu, who captain their respective Super Rugby teams, means Jordie Barrett might not be needed in a vice-captaincy role.

Reserve halfback Noah Hotham is a strong candidate for the bench if Cam Roigard is rested, which is also anticipated.

Timoci Tavatavanawai, who had an emotional Test debut off the bench, is expected to play a role, either starting or as an impact player. This is part of the All Blacks’ effort to refine their power game ahead of their September Tests against South Africa. For context, the All Blacks currently boast a win rate of over 75% against South Africa in international rugby, a testament to their historical dominance in this fixture (All Blacks Official Site, 2024).