OPINION: Dunedin is beautiful, but the air is just a little fresh.
And fresh is in the air, because the All Blacks have four debutants going into this weekend’s third test match against France.
It’s unusual, but coach Steve Hansen says he doesn’t have a limit on the number of debutants – he’s got to select the team he’s able to pick.
There is quite a raw look to this All Blacks squad, which already has the series in the bag, but is coming off a disappointing performance in that second test match.
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Let’s start with Shannon Frizell at number six. He wouldn’t be playing in this game if Liam Squire and Vaea Fifita hadn’t been injured.
Hansen will put a little more time taking him from the raw-boned athlete to some resembling more of a complete six.
Frizell played football as teenager in Tonga - he was a goalkeeper, before he switched to rugby. It’s big week for him and brother Tyson, who’s playing State of Origin on Sunday.
On the bench, you’ve got Jackson Hemopo, who’s a lock/six, but Hansen sees him mostly as six cover.
He also likes the look of Scott Barrett as a lock/six, come World Cup time – it’s the kind of position that gives a small squad some leniency.
When you look out wide, you’ve got Jack Goodhue.
Richie Mo’unga, who’s coming off the bench, talks about how good Goodhue is at feeding information in. In fact, he said, maybe sometimes he needs to shut up a little bit.
He’s also got Sonny Bill Williams there, so a smart guy making his debut and inside him, an experienced guy.
Those two number 10s – Damian McKenzie, who will start, and Mo’unga making his test debut – they’ve got to run this ship with very little experience and no Beauden Barrett in the squad right now to give them guidance.
They’ll have to think about things that Barrett has told them over the past couple of weeks and really take control of this team in this game.
Who knows how this All Blacks squad is going to go?
You do have this Canterbury forward pack, and plenty of experience out wide and at the back with Ben Smith. You shouldn’t be nervous, but with these new guys, there’s plenty to look out for.
Ross Karl is Newshub rugby editor.
Join us at 7:30pm Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks vs France third test.
