The All Blacks will unleash a seriously exciting backline for Tuesday’s second Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash against the Sharks in Durban.
But while the visitors boast plenty of Test experience behind the scrum, their forward pack could face a stern examination at Kings Park and it presents the United Rugby Championship franchise another opportunity to soften up the Kiwi pack before they face the Springboks in the first Test.
There is no shortage of firepower in the New Zealand backline and they will look to step things up a notch following their 38-21 win over the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday.
The halfback pairing of Kyle Preston and Ruben Love at flyhalf will be a good challenge. While they may be light in experience, they will make up for it with their unpredictability and attacking flair, although the Durban conditions could put a damper on it.
Winger Caleb Clarke brings 36 Test caps to the left wing and is another attacking danger. His power, pace and Sevens background will make him a threat out wide. In the midfield, Jordie Barrett will bring his immense experience and physicality, alongside the exciting Quinn Tupaea. Fehi Fineanganofo, with just one Test cap, is the least experienced member of the back three, but he is flanked by two established stars in Clarke and Damian McKenzie.
McKenzie, nicknamed the Smiling Assassin for his cheerful grin before goal kicks, adds another layer of danger at fullback, with his ability to create something from nothing and he will look to punish any defensive lapses. He also loves to pop up at first-receiver to break the line.
On paper, it is a backline capable of causing serious damage.
But the Sharks will know that the best way to disrupt that attacking arsenal is to make the All Blacks uncomfortable up front. They can follow the blueprint of the Stormers where the scrum and rolling mauls of the Cape side dominated the visitors.
New Zealand’s pack looks considerably greener than their backline, with several players still finding their feet at Test level. That could provide the Sharks with their clearest route to making this a contest. Flanker Luke Jacobson will captain the side as one of the more experienced forwards.
“Luke is the obvious choice to captain the team against the Sharks. He is highly respected, has a great feel for the game and will lead through his actions,” Head Coach Dave Rennie said according to allblacks.com.
“The opening match gave the players a real introduction to the way that South African teams play and the Sharks will be no different. With a short turnaround between games, today (Sunday) has been a big day of preparation. There is a lot of excitement in the group, with the majority of the squad about to play their first game of the tour.”
If the Durban side can bring physicality at the gainline, disrupt the All Blacks at scrum time and generate quick ball from turnovers and breakdown pressure, they can deny the visitors the platform their dangerous backs need.
All Blacks
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Kyle Preston, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Ethan Blackadder, 20 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.
