The All Blacks, overwhelmed by the Springboks in Wellington, must find answers to combat a vastly improved Australia at Eden Park on Saturday.
They will name their match-day 23 early this afternoon. Patrick McKendry runs the rule over the three areas of contention.
Loose forwards
Vice-captain Ardie Savea is a non-negotiable, but where – openside flanker or No.8? Savea wore the No.7 jersey in Wellington, with Wallace Sititi at No.8 and Simon Parker at blindside flanker.
All had their moments against the Boks at the Cake Tin, but it was noticeable that Sititi’s work off the back of the scrum was not as fluid and dynamic as Savea’s.
The question for Robertson is whether he changes things up specifically for a Wallabies loose trio containing breakdown threats Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson.
Will he attempt to nullify that pair by selecting two fetchers in the form of Savea at No.8 and Du’Plessi Kirifi at No.7?
He may want to balance that out by selecting Tupou Vaa’i at blindside flanker for his extra bulk and height, leaving no place for Parker. Sititi would presumably come off the bench in an impact role.
Should Vaa’i be moved from lock, Fabian Holland would likely start alongside Scott Barrett in the second row, with Patrick Tuipulotu on the bench after recovering from facial surgery.
Midfield
It seems certain that Razor will make a change here. It sounds counterintuitive, but Anton Lienert-Brown’s selection alongside Jordie Barrett may help with cohesion both on attack and defence.
Billy Proctor appears due for a rest after struggling at times in Wellington. Lienert-Brown, back from concussion suffered in Argentina, would appear the right choice to counter the attacking threats of Hunter Paisami and Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i due to his greater experience.
The Chiefs man proved during the 2023 World Cup that he can be a devastating tackler. His greater variety on attack could also complement Jordie Barrett’s more direct approach.
Razor appears set to play the returning Leicester Fainga’anuku in some form, but the big Tasman midfielder is more likely to bring impact off the bench. Given his size and power, it has potential to be significant.
Back three
Left wing Leroy Carter, fullback Damian McKenzie and right wing Will Jordan made up the back three at Sky Stadium but changes appear inevitable as the All Blacks attempt to find a formula that combines finishing, creativity, and high ball expertise.
The latter is perhaps the most pressing issue as the All Blacks have been poor under the high ball all year.
Enter, perhaps, Caleb Clarke, who has a good aerial game, knows Eden Park well, and appears set for his first Test of the year following an ankle problem.
Clarke could play on the left or right, allowing Carter, who had a busy and effective night in Wellington, to remain.
Jordan, the best fullback in the country, must move back to his preferred position, with McKenzie far more effective on the bench as an impact player.
There will be no recall for Emoni Narawa, who scored an early try against the Boks at Eden Park before leaving the field with a rib injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the Rugby Championship.
Sevu Reece remains with the squad but appears set for cameo roles only from here.
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