It’s a bit confusing because other All Blacks who are also playing club rugby in Japan, like Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea, and Sam Cane, are available to New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson because they are on overseas sabbaticals awarded to key players by NZ Rugby.
However, if players like Mo’unga take up overseas contracts it gives them time to have a respite in a less demanding rugby environment, and it also gives New Zealand the opportunity to discover new talent and build the overall strength of their squad.
There are still so many players in some positions in New Zealand with the same quality of skill-set that it is not a player drain, but in some positions – like fly-half at the moment – it is difficult to replace Mo’unga because of the inconsistency of Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett at 10.
Every side suffers when players are inconsistent, and New Zealand are no different. McKenzie is a classic Barbarians/Harlem Globetrotters style of fly-half, and everything is sexy about the rugby he produces.
What you’ve got in McKenzie is a bit of a Carlos Spencer, or Freddie Michalak, who just wants to go out and play, and be a free spirit. The only issue with these guys is that they are not tactical bosses on the field, or commander-in-chief strategic kickers – i.e. the sort of game- manager 10s that Northampton’s Fin Smith promises to be.
I love watching McKenzie, and at Bath they still talk about his majestic performance for the Barbarians a couple of years ago at The Rec. However, while he’s the player everyone wants to see, the great entertainer stuff is not always what his Test team-mates want to see. He’s brilliant – but it’s also the ying and yang of rugby union.
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Denne historien er fra October 20, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
