Analysis: New Zealand's hero against England will probably start against Argentina next. Or will he? It's one of five burning questions for Patrick McKendry to answer.
Let's cut to the chase and say right here that Beauden Barrett was the standout All Black over the first three Tests. What does Razor do with him now?
He probably starts against Argentina in Wellington on August 10 — or he has earned the right to, anyway. Barrett shored up the All Blacks' defensive effort against England off the bench in Dunedin and at Eden Park he changed the game from an attacking perspective.
It still strikes as slightly odd that the selectors went with Stephen Perofeta as the starting fullback for both of those Tests, given Barrett's quality and experience (he has now played 126 Tests). In fairness, though, Perofeta played well in both. He wasn't required for the Fiji Test in San Diego, with Barrett starting there. The experience should be hugely beneficial to the versatile Perofeta, who has now played five Tests.
A complicating factor, of course, is the imminent return of Will Jordan, who will be named in the All Blacks' extended Rugby Championship squad of 36 on Sunday. Mark Tele'a and Sevu Reece, the starting wings against England, were excellent this month. And Caleb Clarke was very good in the No.11 jersey against Fiji, with Reece again impressing in that Test.
Tele'a and Reece would appear to have the inside running, along with Barrett at the back, meaning Jordan may come back to Test rugby following his shoulder injury via the reserves bench. Perofeta may drop out. Should all outside backs maintain their form for the two Tests against the Pumas, Razor and company will have quite the selection dilemma for the rest of the Rugby Championship.
After Wellington, the All Blacks play Argentina again at Eden Park on August 17 before facing the Springboks in Johannesburg and Cape Town in September. The All Blacks also play the Wallabies — in Sydney and Wellington — that month.
What about Damian McKenzie, did he take his chances at first-five?
In a word, yes. He started all three Tests in the No.10 jersey and did enough to suggest he will stay there. McKenzie needs time to get used to the pace and intensity of Test rugby and the selectors will be willing to give him that. There was a nice kick-pass for Reece's try in Dunedin and, while McKenzie didn't kick at goal well under the roof, he did in the other two Tests. In general, he controlled things well, timing issues excepted. In reality, the only other option for that highly specialised position in the short term is Beauden Barrett.
Where must the All Blacks improve?
Two areas: the lineout and defending kick-passes in the wide channels. The lineout was shambolic at times in Dunedin and not much better in Auckland. It was far better against Fiji — without the imposing figure of Maro Itoje at the front to disrupt things. As for defending the kick-pass, the last three tries the All Blacks have conceded have been in this area. It's a current weakness and if it's Reece and McKenzie defending at the back, the All Blacks badly lack height. Just as important, though, is the All Blacks' positional awareness. On the upside, the scrum was a weapon and the All Blacks' front-on defence excellent.
Any casualties?
Blindside flanker Samipeni Finau and centre Rieko Ioane may be feeling a little nervous about their chances of starting in Wellington. Luke Jacobson and Ethan Blackadder made more impact than Finau, and Matt Proctor had a Test debut to remember in San Diego, scoring a try and hardly putting a foot wrong.
Proctor also possesses a passing game that Ioane, who began his career as a wing (and was very good there), still hasn't come to grips with. Could Razor go for a Hurricanes midfield ticket in Wellington of Jordie Barrett and Proctor? There will also be interest in the starting halfback; Cortez Ratima could join TJ Perenara (knee) on the sidelines due to his concussion injury in San Diego, meaning Razor could have a choice between Finlay Christie and Noah Hotham to start. It will probably be Christie.
What to make of Argentina?
Don't listen to anyone who says the Pumas' scrum, a traditional strength, is still a weapon. The All Blacks destroyed them there in the semifinal of last year's World Cup, and will go after it again in Wellington.
Before that 44-6 win in Paris, the All Blacks beat the Pumas comfortably in Mendoza in a shortened Rugby Championship. That famous victory by Argentina against the All Blacks in Christchurch in 2022 remains firmly in the memory, but it's difficult to imagine them doing it again in a hurry.
Argentina split a recent two-Test series against a weakened France before thrashing Uruguay.
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