For the first time in what feels like forever, New Zealand Rugby is staring down the barrel of a problem it simply isn’t used to having - an actual, legitimate, pressing selection issue at first-five. The All Black first-five jersey once ruled by Dan Carter and Grant Fox – and worn by the likes of Andrew Mehrtens, Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga – is suddenly looking a little… vacant.
Damian McKenzie? Sure, he’s an option. But let’s be honest, he’s a stop-gap measure at best. ABs coach Scott Robertson made that crystal clear last year when he began selecting Barrett in the position after a number of underwhelming performances by McKenzie. If Razor had any real faith in McKenzie as the answer, he wouldn’t have gone public with his plea for NZ Rugby to bend the overseas player rules and allow Mo’unga to return from Japan. The moment the officials said no, the hunt was officially on.
And it’s not just a short-term fix for this season – it’s a long-term issue, with the 2027 World Cup in mind and approaching a lot faster than people probably realise. So who is stepping up to take that number 10 spot?
There are slew of exciting young options. With Barrett sidelined due to a fractured hand, this weekend's Super Rugby Pacific fixtures provide a golden opportunity for that next generation to make a case. Enter Taha Kemara of the Crusaders, the Highlanders’ Taine Robinson, and Harry Godfrey from the Hurricanes.
All three are untested at the highest level, but this is their moment. Super Rugby is the proving ground. If any of them want to be the next big thing, now is the time to show it.
Razor has a clear vision for the All Blacks, and he’s already made it clear that he wants a rock-solid, reliable general running the cutter. McKenzie is a playmaker, sure, but he’s also a bit of a wild card. The way Razor runs his teams, he wants stability at 10.
That’s why Mo’unga was his guy for years at the Crusaders. It’s why he backed Barrett last year despite his mixed form. It’s why he wanted NZ Rugby to shift the rules to bring Mo’unga back.
Stability and consistency. A general who can control the game.
Factoring in the improved performance of the Australian teams, Super Rugby Pacific is the perfect stage for these young guns to step up. Dan Carter didn’t just appear fully formed as a world-beater – he took his chances, grabbed the jersey, and never let go.
This weekend, the first-five position for the All Blacks' future is on full display. The pressure is on. The opportunity is there. Who will take it?
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