In an effort to keep its best players in the country, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has received a call from former All Blacks outside back Jeff Wilson, who claims his squad was not performing at its best during Saturday’s loss to South Africa.
The All Blacks and Springboks played a fantastic contest on Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, with the men in black dictating play for long portions of the game.
Scott Robertson’s squad was up 27-17 late in the second half and seemed to be poised to win, but they let up late in the game.
The Boks took advantage of their numerical advantage after backup prop Ofa Tu’ungafase was dismissed for a defensive error deep in their own half. Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams both converted tries to help secure a 31-27 victory.
Wilson represented the All Blacks in 60 Test matches from 1993 to 2001. He feels that not enough is being done to keep the best players in New Zealand in the country.
Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Richie Mo’unga, and Shannon Frizell are among the players that signed deals with Japanese teams after their country lost to the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup final the previous year.
Only players who are based in New Zealand are eligible to play for the All Blacks.
They were therefore unable to represent their country in Test matches since NZR only permits local players to be chosen for the All Blacks.
Wilson believes that more needs to be done to retain New Zealand’s best players on the island, particularly in view of the NZR’s anticipated $200 million private equity investment from American business Silver Lake in 2022.
On The Breakdown, Wilson said, “That’s where our bench is.” They are touring overseas. That’s where they are.
When asked if he would start players like Smith, Retallick, Mo’unga, and Frizell on the All Blacks’ bench, he responded, “That would be really handy.” Or not; they could start.
“I’m not arguing for their comeback. Or to put it another way, our financial circumstances seem to be better than they have ever been. What if we paid the players who are vital to our success, not just for being our superstars or for playing Super Rugby or representing the All Blacks?
“Because they are highly well-known. In the worldwide arena, they are world-class athletes. This presents no issue for the Springboks. They select from a worldwide pool. Not that I’m in favour of it. I’m attempting to make the argument that we should do all in our power to retain them here so that, at our best, we can truly be the best All Black team.
“Because Aaron Smith and Brodie Retallick wouldn’t have any problems if they were in the mix in terms of selection and someone happened to run into them at the airport.
They are ready to leave. They would be set to go if they were selected. Nothing would go wrong. Therefore, I’m not advocating that we select them overseas.
“We keep hearing that we’re in a good financial situation.”
“I’m not there yet. What I’m trying to communicate is that, knowing everything we’ve been told about our financial situation—including the money invested by Silverlake—why aren’t they here?
“Perhaps some discussions in the back room are necessary to prepare us for the best possible performance on the pitch.”
In response to Angus TaŻavao, a former All Blacks prop, who asked Wilson why the players had left New Zealand, he said, “You can manage that.” Wilson was questioned about whether the players’ exits were brought on by poor financial circumstances or if it was because they went straight from a taxing Super Rugby season to their Test duties. Money has a voice.
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