Analysis: Halfback Cam Roigard's successful return against Japan will have provided the All Blacks head coach with plenty to think about, writes Patrick McKendry.
In sending his top-line players to London early for the England Test, Scott Robertson has provided big clues as far as his starting line-up is concerned. But two positions – halfback and right wing – remain a mystery.
Cam Roigard marked his return to international rugby with a start against Japan in Yokohama last Saturday and it could be that Robertson keeps him in the No.9 jersey for the Twickenham clash. But it’s probably a 50-50 call between the Hurricanes player and Cortez Ratima, not involved against Japan — and even the wearer of the No.21 jersey is a toss up.
Does Robertson give TJ Perenara, on the bench against Japan, another turn there for the experience factor?
Perenara started in his final Test at home last month – the Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington – and was named on the bench against the Brave Blossoms.
Robertson, in his first year as All Blacks head coach, has become increasingly won over by the value of experience at the top level, but it may be time to put his faith in the future. In Roigard and Ratima, the All Blacks have two skilful and dynamic halfbacks who will challenge the opposition in different ways.
Robertson may feel that two starts in two weeks may be a tough mental and physical challenge for a player who hasn’t experienced Test rugby since last year’s World Cup — but if anyone appears to have the resilience required to excel at this level, it is Roigard, a 23-year-old who apparently tackled his post-surgery rehabilitation with an attitude that bordered on obsessive.
After catching the eye with a remarkable try in a cameo against the Springboks at Twickenham in the All Blacks’ final Test before the World Cup, Roigard scored one after halftime at Nissan Stadium with a typically blockbusting run.
It could be that his physicality and strength are ideally suited to blunting what will be an uncompromising England next Sunday morning NZT.
'Chaos' - watch TVNZ's analysis of the Test by Scotty Stevenson and Patrick McKendry here
Roigard's running game from the base of the ruck has the potential to keep the now notorious England rush defence guessing which may provide a little more space and time for the All Blacks' first-five — likely to be Beauden Barrett after his assured performance there against the Wallabies in Wellington last month.
Ratima, smaller and potentially slightly more agile than Roigard, could test the English with his speed but such attributes are also well suited to a bench role.
Settling on the right mix at halfback to play a side with revenge on its mind after losing two close Tests in New Zealand in July could be toughest decision Robertson makes this week.
Waiting in the wings — Reece, Tele’a and Clarke
The other intriguing selection is right wing where Sevu Reece has enjoyed plenty of support from his former Crusaders coach but, like many All Blacks in Yokohama, Reece had a mixed performance, besides which Robertson may prefer a slightly taller player in the No.14 jersey against England.
The English used the cross-kick well against the All Blacks over the two Tests in July and Robertson could go for Mark Tele’a on the right in partnership with left wing Caleb Clarke and fullback Will Jordan.
Tele’a was busy and effective against Japan and was one of the few All Blacks on the fringe of selection for the big Tests on this tough tour to truly take his opportunity.
As mentioned, Beauden Barrett will almost certainly start at No.10, with brother Jordie at second-five and Rieko Ioane at centre.
The tight five virtually name themselves now, with Wallace Sititi, a now integral part of the loose forward mix, potentially moving back to blindside flanker to make way for Ardie Savea at No.8, with Sam Cane on the openside.
'Chaos' - watch TVNZ's analysis of the Test by Scotty Stevenson and Patrick McKendry here
Potential All Blacks team versus England
Twickenham, Sunday, 4.10am NZT
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Tupou Vai’i, 5. Scott Barrett (c), 6. Wallace Sititi, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele’a. 15. Will Jordan. Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Damian McKenzie.
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