Analysis: Outstanding in his first two Tests, Leroy Carter appears to have the ability and mindset to be a long-term wing option, writes Patrick McKendry.
The All Blacks’ search for consistency continues but not, apparently, for a right (or left) wing.
Leroy Carter’s performance during his team’s 33-24 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park was more evidence, after an excellent Test debut against the Springboks, that the All Blacks have found a keeper.
Carter, 26, seems to be one of those rare individuals who saves his best for the biggest stage.
His cool temperament has undoubtedly been developed through representing New Zealand on the sevens circuit and at the Olympic Games and his utter commitment on the playing field and training pitch is such that he is going to be a difficult man for the selectors to drop from here.
Carter’s finishing ability is excellent, as expected, but it is the impact he provides on defence – some of his tackles at Eden Park were bone-shuddering – and his willingness to stay involved and chase even lost causes which sets him apart.
It was noticeable at the weekend that his tackling ability dovetailed with the All Blacks’ defensive set-up off opposition lineouts, second-five Jordie Barrett dropping back to the wing to counter a potential box kick, with wings Carter or Caleb Clarke (or Quinn Tupaea) slotting into the midfield, depending on the field position.
The drop-off in form of Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece, incumbent wings at the start of the year, and rib injury to promising right wing Emoni Narawa suffered in the All Blacks’ win over the Boks in their first encounter, has meant the outside back mix has been a difficult one for Scott Robertson and company.
Fortunately for them, Carter’s performance in scoring a try on the left wing against the Boks in the Cake Tin collapse was a rare highlight and he continued where he left off with another try against the Wallabies on the right alongside the similarly impressive Clarke at the weekend.
Unfortunately for No.11 Clarke, another ankle injury may halt his comeback – he will be monitored during the week as to his availability for the Perth Test on Saturday.
Such was the cohesiveness between Carter, who showed his versatility after swapping wings, Clarke and Will Jordan at the back, that trio will now be recognised as the incumbents for their positions if fit.
Suddenly, the All Blacks appear far better equipped under the high ball and they won this area against the Wallabies.
So, it was no surprise to hear Jordan, who played in the No.14 jersey in the big defeat to the Boks and would far rather play in his preferred position of fullback, sing Carter’s praises afterwards.
"He’s into everything," Jordan said. "He has that sevens have-a-go, get-stuck-into-it [mentality]. He doesn’t second-guess himself – he just sees a picture and goes, which is great on the wing.
"It’s impressive to have that mindset in your first couple of Tests. I’ve really enjoyed playing with him the last couple of weeks. It’s great to see him playing with freedom and long may it continue."
Head coach Robertson was relatively measured about the performance of outstanding halfback Cam Roigard afterwards but was more effusive about Carter’s impact.
"He doesn’t get overawed with it," Robertson said. "One thing about Leroy if you get to watch our trainings, he’s probably the best on the park. Everything you see on the field he does at training. He just goes and goes – it’s the sevens quality of repeat efforts. I’m pleased for him."
Clarke’s injury could result in a reprieve for Ioane as the All Blacks seek to win back-to-back Tests for the first time in this Rugby Championship.
There will definitely be a change at No.10 following Beauden Barrett’s shoulder injury, with Damian McKenzie all but certain to start there in Perth.
That will require a reshuffle on the reserves bench, with Ruben Love required there as cover for McKenzie.
With Cortez Ratima likely to be named as back-up halfback, it will be difficult for the selectors to go past Quinn Tupaea as the other back reserve, which could mean the door is again closed on Leicester Fainga’anuku’s return.
Tupaea did well when replacing Clarke on the left wing, a relatively unfamiliar position for the Chiefs player, and played a big part in sending Roigard away for his crucial second try.
However, Fainga’anuku has greater versatility – he started for the All Blacks on the left wing at the 2023 World Cup before leaving to play club rugby in France, where he played mainly in the midfield.
Getting him up to speed with an appearance before the northern tour (they start it with a Test against Ireland in Chicago on November 2) could be a priority for the selectors.
Naming the big Tasman and Crusaders player on the left wing as a straight power replacement for Clarke, if required, could fulfil that requirement too.
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