Former Test players Justin Marshall and Morgan Turinui admit the All Blacks need to make a “big call” to drop two-time international player Beauden Barrett from the starting XV.
Barrett will start at the back for New Zealand Saturday’s blockbuster Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks in Auckland after playing for that venue in Sunday’s 41-12 win over the Pumas in Mendoza.
Coach Ian Foster has named Richie Mo’unga at number 10 against South Africa and there is no place in the 23 for Damian McKenzie, who played strongly as a starter against Argentina.
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Crusaders defender Will Jordan, who missed the trip to South America, will start at right back against the national champions at Mt Smart Stadium.
“The back three is the problem New Zealand are struggling with at the moment,” former All Blacks captain Marshall said on Stan Sport’s. Rugby Heaven.
“If he (Barrett) can’t start in his preferred position, which is 10, which he’s played all year in Super Rugby, then why are we moving backwards to fit a player who doesn’t have a position. directly?
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“There’s Will Jordan, Shaun Stevenson and Damian McKenzie at fullback. But what the All Blacks want to do is replace Jordan with Beauden Barrett at fullback. And I’m not sure that’s where we want to be when it comes to the Rugby World Cup.”
The review continued according to Turinui
“I didn’t accept much. Will Jordan is the best player in New Zealand. Simple as that, I’d pick him any day of the week,” Turinui said.
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“But the shame of the current economy.”
Foster told reporters that Jordan is always an opportunity to play at quarterback.
“Will wasn’t with us last week and I was happy with Beaudy last week. I was happy with his dominance,” Foster said.
“Also, with Will not being with us this is an opportunity for him to come in and take a little bit of the wing.”
ALL Blacks (15-1): Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Storage: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Braydon Ennor, Caleb Clarke
BOOKS (15-1): Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Faf de Klerk, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (c), Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff
Storage: Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Pieter Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok
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