With the mid-year tours just over a month away, many experts have begun making predictions on how the number one rugby team in the world will turn out moving forward.
The New Zealand All Blacks move into the 2016 season on the back of what has been perhaps the greatest era in rugby history. The 3-time world champions have accumulated every accolade available to them in the sporting world. From being named World Rugby team of the year 8 times in the past decade to becoming the first rugby team in history to win back to back world cups, the All Blacks have conquered it all including being named the Laureus sports team of the year in 2016.
Following all the accomplishments of the last decade, the Kiwis must now move forward without a majority of the men who helped mold this group into the global force it is. With the likes of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu all making their exit from New Zealand rugby, it is now up to the next generation of New Zealanders to carry on the legacy. It is exactly at this point where the revolutionary planning of the All Blacks coaching staff and administrators come into play. Steve Hansen and his predecessor Graham Henry created a system where young players were groomed whilst the existing stars are still at their peak and New Zealand now has a wealth of depth for the coaches to pick from. From front row forwards to play-makers to impact players the All Blacks staff have a gargantuan number of options when selecting their squad.
Front row
At loosehead prop, although they no longer have the immensely experienced Tony Woodcock the Kiwis have players like Wyatt Crocket and Joe Moody who both have experience in the black jersey. New Zealand also has the established Owen Franks and the Powerhouse Charlie Faumuina both vying for the tight-head prop spot while Nepo Laulala has to be included in the discussion moving forward. In the number 2 jersey, the All Blacks have perhaps one of the best hookers in world rugby in Dane Coles. With his ability at the breakdown and in loose Coles plays the role of a 4th backrower whenever he is on the field. The selectors also have the likes of Hika Elliot and Codie Taylor who can both fit in seamlessly to the All Blacks pattern of play.
With this blend of youth and experience, the All Blacks will field one of the most formidable front rows in world rugby.
Second row
At lock, the Kiwis will most likely field the tried and tested combination of Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock. Retallick has been one of the most dominant players in the world over the last two years whilst Whitelock’s arial dominance is unquestionable. They will also have the likes of Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipolotu and James Broadhurst who can provide cover and make an impact off the bench.
Third row
On the blind side flank coach, Steve Hanson will likely stick with the powerhouse Jerome Kaino, with youngsters like Steven Luatua and Jordan Taufua competing hard for the number 6 jersey. At openside, All Blacks will have to cope without the inspirational Richie McCaw. Sam Cane has been tipped to step into the shoes of the former skipper but will have stiff competition from Matt Todd and Ardie Savea, both of whom have been exceptional thus far in Super Rugby. Kieran Read will almost certainly slot in at number 8 and will take over duties as captain. Victor Vito will provide cover in the third row with his ability to play all three positions.
Inside halves
Aaron Smith is undoubtedly the first choice half back for the selectors, whilst having serious competition from Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, and Brad Weber. The vastly experienced Andy Ellis is also in contention for a spot if he is required.
As for the first five-eighth, the All Blacks must manage without the mercurial, Daniel Carter. Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett who were considered understudies to Carter for the past four years will have to step into the veteran’s shoes and marshall the best team in the world. Steve Hansen also has the option of Lima Sapoaga who has been extraordinary over the last two years and will definitely be in contention for the number 10 jersey, whilst the young Crusaders fly-half Richie Mo’unga’s form this season makes him a future prospect as well.
Centers
The center pairing has to be the principal worry for the coaching staff moving forward, after the exodus of Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Sonny-Bill Williams. All though Williams is likely to return to the fold after the Olympics Steve Hansen will need to fill the void of Nonu and Smith moving forward. Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa have been tipped to fill the 12 and 13 Jerseys respectively but the likes of Robbie Fruean, Rene Ranger, George Moala, Charlie Ngatai and even Vince Aso are all undoubtedly strong candidates.
Outside backs
On the blind wing, Julian Savea would be an automatic pick to any side, but with players like Patrick Osborne and Waisake Naholo in contention, an interesting debate arises. On the right wing, Nehe Milner-Skudder is unquestionably a player to watch in the future, but after being ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder, his forerunner in the number 14 jersey, Cory Jane will likely have an opportunity to regain his place in the black jersey. Although Jane will most likely be the first choice for Steve Hansen this season, youngsters like Tevita Li, Johnny McNicoll, and Reiko Ioane will be strong challengers going forward.
At fullback, the All Blacks decision makers have to choose between Ben Smith and the returning Israel Dagg. Although Dagg was omitted from the World Cup squad his recent form in super rugby and his experience will make the selectors decision immensely difficult. Additionally, Damien McKenzie’s performances with chiefs this year possibly throw his name into the mix as well.
With the ascendency shown by most of the New Zealand sides so far in the super rugby season, the hopes for continued supremacy by the All Blacks moving forward is virtually guaranteed. Additionally, Hansen’s model of giving young players opportunities, as well as exposure to test level rugby, seems to have paid off.
Although the Kiwis have to move on without some of their key players, they have a good group of youngsters who have been given the opportunity to learn first-hand from the likes of Carter, McCaw, Smith, Mealamu and Nonu over the past four years. The experiences gained over the past four years by players like Cane, Cruden, Barret, Fekitoa, Coles and Crocket will help them carry on the legacy of the black jersey. Over the years Carter and McCaw have spoken of ‘leaving the jersey in a better place than what they received it in’ they have talked about “not just carrying on the legacy but furthering it and improving on it”, and looking back at the last decade of New Zealand Rugby it is clear that these legends have definitely improved on the already great legacy they were handed. It will certainly be the hope of every All Black fan that this new generation will strive to do the same.
