Victor Vito, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, has outlined why the All Blacks could have to rearrange their lineup to make room for Samipeni Finau.
Coach Scott Robertson must make some important choices because Sam Cane will not be able to play in the forthcoming match against France.
The All Blacks are hoping to continue their undefeated run up north after their thrilling victories over Ireland in Dublin and England at Twickenham Stadium. The men in black are also preparing for a chance at retribution, but what lies ahead is a formidable challenge.
Last year’s Rugby World Cup in France saw a thrilling match between the hosts and New Zealand in the opening Test. At the Stade de France, where the teams would play another Test match in the Autumn Nations Series, Les Bleus prevailed 27–13.
Since that World Cup match, the All Blacks have seen some important changes, but none are more notable than those in the coaching staff. The team’s head coach, Scott Robertson, is leading the charge, and the playing pool has seen some significant adjustments.
At number eight, Ardie Savea is still performing at a world-class level, but the rest of the backrow will probably look very different this time. Finau is beginning to establish himself, Wallace Sititi has emerged as a Test arena celebrity, and the other choices are unfamiliar with the setting.
The lone Test match Peter Lakai has played for the All Blacks was last month’s match against Japan. Du’Plessis, the captain of the All Blacks XV, has also been called up to the starting lineup to replace Cane, and he may make his debut. However, Vito clarified that height at the set-piece is essential.
Sammy (Cane), in my opinion, has clearly regained his small amount of leadership power and has been playing some really solid code lately. On SENZ’s Scotty & Izzy, Vito stated, “It’s a little unfortunate that he’s not available, but it’s one of those things, just taking the pressure himself as a leader.”
“If he’s not available, we might be considering a combination with Wallace, Ardie, and himself, with Ardie possibly at seven, Wallace at eight, and Samipeni at six. You had Samipeni last week, and I just think.”
It’s a tremendous game in terms of experience. Considering how Ireland gave up last week, this is a far larger game than we anticipated. A player like Peter Lakai, however, has the potential to be a little more dangerous over the ball.
“Obviously, Du’Plessis has recently joined and is a real threat over the ball, but would it be excessive to just throw him in there? If we want to go that route, he might be a very productive player off the bench.
I believe that having one fewer lineout option will just make it more difficult for Scotty (Barrett) to make calls since the French are a very tall squad, especially when they are on the loose, as you can see by looking at those other two players, Peter Lakai and Du’Plessis.
Ultimately, having a little additional height is usually beneficial. Winning set-piece is huge in the Northern Hemisphere, so that’s where I go with them for the bigger picture.
The All Blacks ended their losing streak at the Aviva Stadium last week by defeating Ireland 23–13, making a particularly memorable statement. They had lost the previous two Test matches there and hadn’t defeated the Irish since 2016.
After completing with an 18-point haul, Damian McKenzie was named Player of the Match, and Will Jordan kept scoring tries against the Irish just for kicks. However, it was actually a collective effort from the All Blacks, who have been working hard to get better under coach Robertson.
France will “definitely be a little bit worried” as they get ready to take on a New Zealand team that is gaining confidence, as Vito, a former All Black who has played 134 games for French and European powerhouse La Rochelle, explained.
They’ll need to keep the French wondering, in my opinion, given the way they’ve been acting so confidently with the ball in hand. Vito clarified, “The French are quite good at the set-piece as well. If they start thinking in defence that it’s pretty easy to detect when we’re going to attack.
We must be truthful with them about our counterattack and other matters. They won’t be expecting as much, though, I believe, because of the way we’ve been playing defense—watching the ball and gaining a few more spaces.
“Some of their decoy runners affected us a little bit when we used to man watch, but now that we’re paying more attention to the ball, they’ll be concerned that they need to keep some of their runners a little tighter around their 10.
“They will undoubtedly be a little concerned, but a little bit of backs to the wall is something that the French love to do.”
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