After just one Test at fullback, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has provided an explanation for his rather unexpected decision to switch Will Jordan back to the wing. Jordan will go back to the right edge for the All Blacks’ upcoming Test match against the Springboks, having worn the No. 15 jersey in the 18-12 defeat in Cape Town.
Jordan will be a part of a well-known outside back combination with Beauden Barrett and Caleb Clarke on Saturday afternoon when New Zealand plays Australia in a crucial Bledisloe Cup Test. At Johannesburg’s Emirates Airline Park, that same trio got things started against the Springboks.
Coach Robertson made some major alterations to the backline when Clarke’s back injury prevented him from playing in the second Test against the Boks. Jordan moved to the back, and Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece were given the go-ahead to start on the wings.
This weekend, though, will be a different story.
Jordan and Robertson both played a part in an unparalleled dynasty during the years that Robertson coached him at the Super Rugby level with the Crusaders. Robertson saw the now 26-year-old primarily as a fullback. On a global scale, though, that hasn’t actually been the case.
Although Jordan has switched to fullback towards the end of Test matches, the All Black has only ever made two starts at the position. “Razor” Robertson gave an explanation for why that was the case this week after the team was made public on Thursday.
Robertson informed reporters, “Conversations are always happening.”
“We thought that with Beauden at fullback and Will on the wings, this was the finest combination and balance for us when Caleb returned.
“We’ve gone for that since all three of them have had a terrific combo here.
When questioned about Jordan, he responded, “He’s playing some great Test footy on the wing.”
We attempted that last week with Beauden, who was covering 10 and fullback, to show that you can finish at fullback even if you start on the wing.
“You’re constantly trying to make sure that the best team wins matches and that you have the correct balance of individuals in your squad.
This week, we’ve chosen to focus on that group.
Barrett is starting for the first time since the Johannesburg Test thanks to this alteration, as Robertson benches the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year ahead of the second encounter in Cape Town.
All of that was intended to give the All Blacks’ reserves a little more strength and experience, but they lost in a thrilling match at DHL Stadium, so it didn’t exactly work out. It was a Barrett experiment, which for the time being at least looks to be history.
In an attempt to buck an unsettling trend, the All Blacks have named a strong group of reserves. The coaches are well aware of the fact that, out of the seven Tests they have played this year, they have not scored a single point in the last 20 minutes of any of them.
“Well, each test has been unique for us,” Robertson said.
We want to be the best we can be, and we are aware of this, so we make sure they appear and have an impact when they should.
“There are various factors, but we have taken them all into account and done some homework to ensure that we can start the best team at the appropriate time.”
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