ALL BLACKS SELECTION MISTAKES AGAIN - 2ND TEST

The New Zealand All Blacks will go into their second test match against Argentina at Eden Park, Auckland this weekend having to win this game.
After what was a fantastic display by Argentina a week ago in Wellington, and what was a very sub par effort from the All Blacks, I expected changes to be made to the All Blacks 2nd test team as well as positional changes.
In this episode of Inside Rugby with Mark I take a look at All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertsons selection for this game and I share my opinion on where I think he has it wrong, and why.
As a Kiwi I am very nervous about this selection. The Los Pumas are flying high with confidence and the All Blacks in my opinion have not address their weak points with this group of players selected in these positions.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Thanks so much for supporting my channel. I am trying to play a small role in growing the game of rugby across the world by sharing my passion for the game on this channel.
If thats something you want to be part of then why not subscribe to the channel and help out any way you can.
Above all else, keep enjoying your rugby across the world.
#allblacks #newzealand #rugbychampionship

[@sebastianpinto273]

Hi Mark! Regards from Santiago Chile. I am Sebastian, former chile captain. Love the game as you do. I think you 've done a great analysis. Difficult calls meda by Scot Robinson. The ABs will bouns back!!!. Enjoyed the video. Keep it up!!!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Hola Sebastian. Great to hear from you thanks for the comment. Enjoying the development of rugby in Chile, hope to make it down there some day to watch a game.

[@wesleygouws1140]

Well done Mark, about time someone implements rugby values on social media too. Love your channel and your opinions. From pretoria

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Hola Pretoria. Thank you kindly.

[@shaneelbachoo2480]

Justin Marshall is also my favorite Kiwi pundit. He is honest, and that is important.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

I shall work harder......¨-)

[@shaneelbachoo2480]

@@insiderugbywithmark, no, no. Besides you, of course! 😉

[@Natedawg38]

Justin Marshall is fantastic. His coverage of the irish series was the best commentary I ever heard. Didn't bring bias into it for a second.

[@cl0udbr3ak]

We need more Marshall's as pundits.

[@nedread6700]

Marshall is an absolute Saveloy on the mic

[@markthompson7817]

Hard for DMac to play with vision when he is getting ball from a forward pack going backwards and then slowly delivered from TJ. No number ten looks good in this situation.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Fair point you make. Thanks for doing so.

[@johanweakley2658]

As a South African, Justin Marshall has always been one of my favorite Kiwis. Relentless, talented and dangerous on the field, and knowledgeable and respectful off it.

[@Facebrook99]

As a Saffa in NZ I have observed that the public has stopped putting the ABs on a pedestal. Rugby is like a drug over here. All be it no more. The wind is out off the sails and it is reflected in ABs depth. NZ has to grow it player base by developing and enlarging the pool of players and thus allow for selection of international placed players.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Well said. One must acknowledge that the issues being reflected in the national team are consistent across the NZ rugby landscape. There may be some dark years ahead before this is settled. A lot going on behind the scenes that is not helping with gold medal performances on the pitch except for in the womens 7´s game.

[@user-do9ec7mh8r]

No we havent just the head honchos

[@jonesyjones7626]

I think that is the case across many countries and certainly so in the UK, Wales being the clearest example.

[@markthompson7817]

@@insiderugbywithmark the issues are across the board. But what we are seeing is the erosion of our player base. At a high Pacifica intake intermediate, with highly qualified rugby coaches, no kids play rugby union or league or even kick a rugby ball around at break times. We have huge dry grounds. There would be a hundred kids kicking a soccer ball around and the five outdoor basketball hoops are prime turf and always have myriads of multiple pick up games going on. Kids these days are not interested in rugby. With surnames like Vatuvai Tuipolotu, and Ropati, abounding, still no kid plays rugby unless it’s a practice and even then it’s hard to get a full team there. It’s hard to encourage enough kids to trial, and it’s a big intermediate. Call a sign up for basketball or football and demand far outstrips our ability to provide multiple coaches. Kids aren’t interested in rugby any more.

[@Cssssssst]

Absolute RUBBISH. You know most kiwis in nz do you? 🤡 All blacks are still Kings and always will be.

[@jarrettmcgregor1001]

Hi Mark and I understand your opinions/comments on this matter. For context I'm a Level 2 IRB coach of 15 years experience. My first question for you is 'do you watch Squidge Rugby' here on YT? I ask as he has done a very good breakdown of the test last week and shows how the Argentinian team managed to beat the AB's. Also do you watch Aotearoa Rugby Pod on YT also? This has analysis by 2 ex All Blacks in James Parsons and Bryn Hall who both offer excellent and analysis on games and insights into the 'latest' All Blacks environment. So, now for my thoughts as you've asked Mark. Sititi needs to get experienced in the AB's environment first before having a crack at a 'Top 8' test team. I say this as the No. 8 in the game is a key 'Spine Member' who touches the ball and has to make critical decisions. So, Ardie is still our best at 8 at the moment. He's a leader, has good ball skills and is a top experienced player. At 9, Roigard won't be an option until the Northern tour. So TJ will start for the same reason as Ardie. Cortez and Noah are new international 9's and will get there turns over the next 4 years. Yes TJ was poor on Saturday, however it wasn't all his fault. I'll explain. The Argies really pressured our Locks thru kick off's which showed up hugely. This forced AB's to exit from inside their own 22 which was scrambling at best. Argies charged down 2 of TJ's box kicks or stopped TJ from kicking the ball out. Well done, Argies, but it's all come from Darry not taking the kickoff, and instead he left it for Talea who was well under pressure. Well done Argies 10 on those pinpoint kick offs. This put pressure on ABs kick game and winning the territory battle. Jordie can play good, but it's easier to do if our forwards are going forward which was intermittent in the test due to the lack of scrums which stopped the AB's dominate the scrum and therefore the power game. De Allende (and all SA backs) look great as the SA forwards are dominant as they have the most experienced and powerful forward pack. On this, I expect Aust to be better this week as SA have made wholesale changes to grow less experienced players. Rieko needs to evolve (still) as a 13. He will attack well if the forwards get go forward. If they don't again AB's backs will struggle as they have to find a way forward off backfoot ball which is very hard. SBW and Ma'a were the best midfielders I saw who could do this. Vai'i and Darry are both very inexperienced - they are the 3rd and 4th ranked locks for the AB's (and Josh Lord 5th) so AB's are forced to have them out there together. This puts more pressure onto our forward pack as continuity is jilted. We need to give them time to grow. Another question for you please? How many Test caps does Will Jordan have at fullback? This is why he's not starting at 15 at this stage. He has played 0 Super Rugby this year and finally had his first game 2 weeks ago. I was there watching. 14 is the right place at this stage, he will with time and more caps work into the 15 spot. Remember it took a while before Beuden Barrett got a starting 15 spot for the AB's and so this will be similar for Will. Because of this DMac needs toplay 10, and we need to give him time there. No doubt, all going well Mounga and Barrett are excellent 10's but we may need others come the next World Cup (remember Stephen Donald?) so it's best to give DMac time, especially around experienced players like Ardie, TJ and Beuden in the 8,9 and 15 position and Jordie at 12 who has a big boot if DMac/AB's are compromised in general play. Lastly, SA are in the box seat, they are the World No.1's with dominant forward pack and special backs. The squad is very experienced across the board, where the AB's are still building which is where Foster was during the last World Cup cycle. Fozzie only missed being World Cup champs by 1 point while the Captain sat out 60 mins of the game. He got ridiculously close to winning all the marbles, when on the face of it Semifinal berth would've been acceptable. Well, that's enough, I encourage you to watch the YT's noted above, and I hope you look forward to a better performance from the AB's. Aussie should give the Boks a fright too. Go well.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Hola Jarrett. Great to read your comment, thanks for taking the time to write that. One of the many things I am loving about creating this rugby channel as a die hard rugby fan is that we already have so many diverse people connected here from across the world of rugby. From Sebastian the ex Captain of the Chile national team, to many other ex International players, and coaches from other nations, back room staff, a few referees, coaches from schools across the world, ex tv commentators, and family members of current international players. We all have opinions to share based on our respective level and knowledge of the game. I started this channel for one reason, not to become a pundit, ëxpert¨ or KZbinr, I just want to play a small role in helping the great game of rugby to grow across the world by sharing my passion, and limited knowledge of the game. I´ll leave it to the other KZbinrs and TV experts to do the analysis paralysis of the games, as you say, they do an awesome job. I just call it as I see it, and are more than often wrong, but hey, its fun. Enjoy the games this weekend, and again thank you.

[@nickjolliffe8118]

Ive watched AB first fives since Burgess in 1971. The primary role is to be the general and director of play. The best two were Fox and Doug Bruce, neither of whom had any pretence to being a runner or fancy player. They got us out of danger and onto attack with the boot, and ran the ball when it was on. The hybrids who could direct play like Carter, Mehrtens, Smith, Mounga plus run with the pill are the ideal. I loved Spencer and Barrett as fancy footballers but never as generals and that is also where DMac is. To me the best in NZ this year was Plummer, nothing flash, good boot, right decisions under pressure.

[@markreilly105]

That's the funniest thing isn't it. Before he selected the English squad, he said players would be chosen on form. Plummer outplayed Dmac in both the Blues vs Chiefs games but wasn't picked. Then he chose Beauden, but that seems as if it was so he could play him at fullback or off the bench. Go figure.

[@markthompson7817]

@@nickjolliffe8118 and Plummer looked great behind a dominant pack. The pack is the issue not the number ten.

[@clarke1319]

@@markreilly105 All selectors pick their teams on form but it would not be the only criteria. No selector, whatever the sport, selects a team solely on form.

[@markreilly105]

@@clarke1319 I agree, but you do drop them on form. Not Razor, he looks around and drops someone else. One of the other criteria is having a team that fits eg, loose forwards who complement each other, not that are all 7's.

[@clarke1319]

@@markreilly105 No I don't agree with that either. Firstly form is simply subjective. A player you name as "out of form" might not necessarily be out of form in the eyes of the selectors but again form is but one criteria. Regards the loose forwards...what do you mean complement each other. In what way do they not? If Jacobsen was in the mix would you say the same about him ....he regularly plays in all three positions. Savea was named World Rugby Player of the year playing at No.8

[@WillMostert-qy8ji]

Well done Mark. I’m a South African living in Auckland. World rugby needs a strong All Black and Australian team. I agree with your team selection. I hope both the All Blacks and Australian teams will play better this weekend. Also great to hear how you refer to the Springboks and of course Rassie.

[@JohanThiart]

Sometimes, flashy players do not make a team great. I am surprised that Scott departed from his tried and tested approach to building the AB’s team. The link between the forwards and the backline just does not appear to be Robertsonian. I can’t see the Pumas in with a chance in Auckland. If the AB’s loose tonight …….😮

[@robinheremia7691]

Good fair comments overall. I agree with everything you've said. Normally I would move on when other pundits are giving their views but I listened to you right to the end. It was a pleasure listening to you. Chur.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you kindly for your comment. Thank you for being a member of our global community.

[@tobysmeiman6921]

You are so right about Roygaurd. Love his play. Also are you spot on about Justin Marshall.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you

[@cryptodisciple7613]

Yes your video discription is spot on 👌🏽

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you.

[@user-vc3yz9vu4j]

Great Mark Totally agree with your comments on McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Ioane and the back row. We will not do well in SA unless those positiions change.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, the South Africa trip could be a very humbling experience, but first there is this weekend to worry about.

[@markreilly105]

@@insiderugbywithmark Too many 7's. Why pick a 6 in your squad and not play him. He needs to develop. Reiko should be there but ALB has better footwork and a better pass than Jordie. He would make space for Reiko to use his pace and power. and they need to get Procter on the bench so he gets some experience. Bench should be TJ, Beauden, and Procter. Telea at 14, Jordan at 15, Jordie not in the 23. He has power, but no pace and he runs into people.

[@markthompson7817]

Until the forwards start going forward at the breakdown, no back combination will look good.

[@markreilly105]

@@markthompson7817 I agree to an extent. One thing we don't have is a 10 who can kick for position and turn their forwards around. What is tiring for a forward is having to consistently go back 30 or 40 meters after making your way upfield. I'm not saying Barrett is the answer. Even though Plummer is not fantastic, he has good qualities that would manage this team. Put it on the front foot instead of being consistently pushed back. He's a good game manager, can kick for position and clear us from our red zone. currently we don't have that.

[@shaneellison3562]

Totally agreed lolz

[@Belzrox]

Totally agree with your summasation Mark, Spot on!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you

[@KobieKoornhof]

Hi Mark, I'm a long time Springbok supporter living on Vancouver Island. Your analysis is spot on, I was disappointed with this team selection.

[@PeterMalloy-i5y]

And the results and performance in this second test was superb and every player had a blinder especially ,McKenzie ,both Barrett's and our subs were timely and played very well.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

They did indeed

[@N1ghtCrawler1]

Love the channel Mark 👍 Agree some selections are not the best and not getting the best out of ABs. Sam Cane should start, Anton LB played great why’s he’s not starting? Loose trio needs mixing up Argies outplayed them there. Good luck for the weekend!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you for the kind words. As long as rugby is winner in the weekend in both games I am a happy camper. The more teams we have fighting for supremacy at the top of world rugby the better as far as I am concerned.

[@GuyMcRae]

Very much agree, Mark. You are a wise rugby man. When I saw TJ was starting in the first test against Argentina I was a little baffled as Ratima had already proven he was the clear first-choice 9, but I figured Robertson must know something I don’t. Now I’m starting to think he’s in over his blonde head and potentially has no clue, which is bizarre given his super rugby record. With his credentials, he should not be making worse selections than I would as just a fan watching the game on an edible. I’m interested to know who you’d prefer to see starting at 10 if Beauden’s on the bench? Personally I’d start Beauden there and try develop Harry Plummer under him. Would be interesting to see if Harry has the Plums for test level. He may get Plummeled, but you never know; he has a Handre Pollard-esque quality about him which might be perfect.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Guy, I am a rugby man yes, wise nope. TJ has gone into my Finlay Christie locker for halfbacks I am afraid. We have to find a way to get through until Cam R is back. OK, you asked for it, so dont blame me, my pick for No 10..........Rueben Love...get him in there now and play him all the way through until RWC 2027. He could be the ABs answer to Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu. If he doesnt match it then Plummer is the man, I agree on his Pollardish attributes. Thanks for the comment

[@jameshickling2641]

@@insiderugbywithmark gday mate. The big elephant in the room is Richie mo… if he comes back then the team is built around him at 10…

[@frankvsnschalkwyk6030]

​@@insiderugbywithmarkpeople compare Reuben Love with great Cullen, I think he has potential, but their is only one CC

[@lockk132]

I would start plummer.I would start Ratima...I have doubts now in regards to the Coach ,big doubts

[@markreilly105]

@@lockk132 I believe Razor is a good coach but not a good selector. He has stated that, "players will be picked on performance, this is a performance based sport (his reason for benching Reiko and dropping Finau), players need to be good on both sides of the ball (one of his reasons for not picking the form 8 in Super Rugby), vice captains and captain will be the best players in their position (really bad statement to make as it's backfired). You can't apply those selection statements to some but not all. You also can't pick one 6 in your squad and not play him. Finau needs time to develop.

[@alexmchardy3233]

Hi Mark, good commentary bro! Based on availability of current players I’d have a few changes too…. 6 Finau, 7 Cane, 10 Barrett, 13 ALB, 14 Rieko, 15 Jordan

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Sounds good. Thanks for the comment

[@user-xg5tb3gl4l]

Hello Mark, first time I have seen your comments on line (now a subscriber) and I can say that in my humble view you are 100% on the money! Justin Marshall is my #1 expert due to his elite experience, honesty, vision and perception. The team still looks very unsettled, for me Dalton P has been spending far to much time as a seagull on the wing with no battle scars. To win in today’s game as in the past, every AB needs to give 100% graft, and accuracy without taking one step backwards. I predict it will be Argentina that wins or they will loose it themselves rather than the ABs suddenly find their combinations. If we are all worried about this game, the climb to beat SA looks like flying to the moon and back. Being delusional and keeping the faith doesn’t produce miracles, just look at the Warriors.

[@geoffreid3998]

Hi Mark, nice to see you are keeping your finger on the rugby pulse from afar. Great assessment and agree with you on Justin M. His interpretation of the plays when commentating are a whole level above anyone else. Makes very clear and fair assessments of what's going down. I would add comment that I like seeing the Barrett boys starting as there has to be a certain synergy there with them being brothers. Talking about playing to our strengths. I'm a Canes fan and thought Jordie was a great full back behind BB at 10. Big boot when required from deep and runs better from space. As you allude to, the experiment with Reiko and him at midfeild has not really been as sucessful as hoped. OK for distribution but lacking penetration. Agree the ALB/Proctor option has merit.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Awesome, thanks for the comment

[@mervswan1121]

Welcome to the next All Blacks Coach, Well done Mark i agree with all u said :)

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Despite that let's see what happens on Saturday I for one hope I have to eat apple pie.

[@TW-mc9wk]

Agree with your comments and preferred selection . Heaven forbid that we lose this test and then the Bledisloe , NZ will go into meltdown . Let’s hope Razor has a cunning plan that we are not privy to

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for the comment. Lets hope that plan, whatever it is comes out and works tonight. Enjoy

[@troymomma]

For everyone saying bb should be at 10 please remind us all how well he performed last year when given all the opportunity's at 10... He chocked. He's a 15. Also will Jordan is exceptional at wing, his tied record at a rwc proves that

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Indeed, history teaches us much about the future. Thanks for the comment

[@markreilly105]

Jordon has had 1 All Black game at 15 with a watered down team. He is a 15 who can play wing, so Razor says, so play him there. Love needs time at 10 in SR if we are going to try him at 10. It's unfair to throw him in the deep end but I think he's the future. We want a 10 so if Ritchie comes back there is no place for him rather than keeping the spot warm. Ratima at 9 Plummer at 10 Clarke at 11 ALB at 12 Reiko at 13 (Procter on the bench. He needs experience, Break him in) Telea at 14 Jordan at 15 TJ Beauden and Procter on the bench.

[@lauriecarter8931]

Yeah and he kicks it to much at 10.

[@markreilly105]

@@lauriecarter8931 Who does. If you mean Plummer, he gets us out of the red zone and can kick for territory. 2 things Dmac has shown he can't do. He can also run it but not into his other players like Dmac does.

[@brentwithey4241]

Actually bauedy neve really got a chance at 1st 5 last year he started 1 game their as he was needed at fullback it was mouanga and they'gave dmac 3 games at 1st 5 and he was shit then do. Bauden is highly experienced now and just watch some of the stuff he does from fullback it would translate well at 1st 5. He 2 world player of the year awards were playing 1st 5. I think I prefer that than someone like dmac who is clearly not a test player

[@ginaterauna9845]

Once again great analysis. Always spot on and informative. It's now my go to rugby channel, thanks Mark ❤

[@insiderugbywithmark]

WOW, thanks so much. Appreciate it.

[@philipbritz3485]

Wow great assessment.

[@frankvsnschalkwyk6030]

I AGGREE, GREAT ANALYSIS

[@johnhalligan3155]

I'm with you and Justin 100% with the backline, excellent presentation, thanks.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you

[@user-qf5pl3ir5y]

Mark. Bok fan here. I tend to agree with your comments. There is however, a learning process that is going on. The Boks we win at all costs ruining the side via fatigue injury etc. Enter Rassie. A different approach. Dont fret. The AB's wiill be back.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Hola, thanks for your comment. Ha ha, no fretting here. As long as rugby is the winner thats what I really want. Enjoy the games.

[@user-jw3ix3lx5i]

Thanks for the views on individual selections. Here are 2 other ‘layers for consideration’ : 1) Leadership: Which was depleted in the tight five before the last game - and further diminished in the last quarter with vice-captain C. Taylor’s subbing Analysis of ‘the middle 5’ and ‘back 5’ groups’ leadership in the 1st 60 and last 20 mins is also instructive. e.g. ALB’s departure at the 60 min mark also appeared to weaken last week’s team It looks, to me, that the coaching group recognise this factor. Hence the addition of Sam Cane and return of ALB, both for the last 20 mins. Let’s hope these changes stiffen the performance in the last quarter today. That’s where things fell apart last week. The absence of Augustin Creevy’s inspirational leadership from the opposition tight 5 in the last 20 mins should also help. 2) Individual player mental resilience training - the factor which turned performances around under R McCaw’s leadership ... Is it getting the attention it deserves for this year’s team members?

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Mr @user-jw3ix3lx5i this is one of the many reasons why I love making this channel, for comments like this. So thank you. First off, I would like to respectfully respond by looking at leadership in another dimension. Buck Shelford and Richie McCaw were the All Blacks greatest captains and leaders statistically. One man, predominantly leading the charge from the front, physically, communicatively, and even spiritually. The modern era of rugby finds us having a group of ¨various¨ leaders managing a teams on field strategy at any one time. One cant help but ponder, that in the example you offered, when one of those players, aka Taylor, is subbed, who fills the gap? I would actually like to see us returning to the days on one man in charge and that man is our general, our guiding star, our brute force, and our strategic colonel. The rest of the team then focuses on one thing. Playing their role to their highest level. And to respond to your second point in regard to resilience training. We will find out this evening very clearly if they have. Enjoy the game.

[@TheBuildKingR]

It's like you have read my mind. McKenzie had enough time already, he should be gone with TJ. Razor mentioned they didn't man up upfront, if that's the case why not go with a 6-2 split. Put Beauden at 10 and Will Jordan at 15.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

That could work as well, like that thinking, thanks for the comment

[@AC-hu3xk]

BB should be 10 , he is a genuine 10 and play maker....

[@insiderugbywithmark]

May or may not be the answer, thanks for the comment

[@colincorn8678]

As a Saffer ,i agree with you

[@mpie1014]

I disagree. But I live in the Waikato so may have some Chiefs blinkers on. BB is getting too old. NZ doesn't have a quality 10 to pick from.

[@koklead7904]

Beauden should play as a super sub. Older but still very smart player but not for 80 mins

[@brentwithey4241]

​@@mpie1014bauedy may be getting old but has still been our most influential back this year thats streets ahead of what dmac is

[@Sentz89]

Hola señor Mark. Thanks for the insights, mate. Looking forward to this weeks test and keep up the good work.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you kindly, cant wait. 2.00am Kick off here in Cancun so plenty of tacos, nachos and good ones ready to go and to stay awake. Bring it on.

[@SelwynRockman]

Ardie at 6,Cane at 7,Sotutu at 8

[@insiderugbywithmark]

No objection here, thanks.

[@johndiamond6931]

That's ok except we need a lot more height from our blindside flanker. Wish Ardie was 6'5" and 115kgs.

[@jakebrakes1675]

First time visitor to the channel. 💯 agree with you. This is great content 👍

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you very much, I hope you stick around in our wonderful rugby loving community.

[@francisnicholas1025]

Love the card system Mark.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you

[@kennethhammond4028]

Hindsight is a such beautiful thing 1st test was a mess expecting an easy win but got blitzed out of the game, 2nd test out thought and out played by a large 32 point margin Tamati agreed everything you said. Cody is cool head when pressue is on, Lomax engages well in mauls holds off and body placement but against SA constant battering ramming will need a 40 minute break. Darry is brilliant hopefully hopefully no injuries, Tupo body placement in mauls is hidden and only coaches know how good he is, Ardie all good just pray he has no injuries, agreed with reserve forwards, proved wrong on TJ and DM they took a step up, with better forward play aginst SA they will need outstanding vision as AB forwards won't have as much dominance. Using JB as a pop kicker for DM and Reiko was a play that against a tired SA is a valuable bullet, anyway Razors selection worked but this selection against SA is well worth discussing. Good channel good on ya.😅😅😅😅

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Solid points here in your comments, thanks for making them. Plenty to consider before Jo Burg, first video on that comes out tomorrow, Monday

[@user-bz8cr7sj3z]

Hi Mark I'm a springbok fan..here is my penny's worth...Beauden Barrett flyhalf(clear minded and nows what the RIGHT OPTIONS are)..the other Barrett and Ioane at centre..Will Jordan at full back..the wings are up in the air..Parenea at scrumhalve..give these guys an extended run to gel..Selwyn in Cape Town .

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Great thinking from the Cape , thanks for sharing your views

[@nicoxavierdudek9798]

apart from dalton not going on 20m carries what more would u wanna see from him his consistently a top tackler and jackler

[@Dan1973100]

Brilliant Analysis, thank you

[@insiderugbywithmark]

My pleasure!

[@SW60845]

Red and Yellow card 💯👍 good on you mate keep it civil.

[@KJTmethod]

I totally agree with you Mark about the ABs selection, I feel like Scott Robinson is a amateur at this level and the cracks are getting bigger, really enjoying your channel 👌👍😊

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you for the comment

[@boondog8504]

Kiwi in Guatemala here. Hello neighbour. Nice summary. Subscribed.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Gidday Bro, hope all is well down south. Thanks for the feedback, and for your support.

[@Mumbo_Jumbo_Kiwi.1]

Barrett - 10. Proctor - 13 Jordan - 15 Ioane wing & DMC - impact. Ratima & Hotham 9 respectively. Can't fathom why Razor is bent on players out of position

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Can't disagree with your thoughts here. Thanks for sharing

[@jesseparker198]

I would like to see Harry Plummer given a go at 1st 5, he's not flashy but a calm player with great game management and better kicking. Dmac, Jordy, and Beaudy would be great impact players be like an abs version of the bomb squad. Agree with your midfield ours isn't firing and had always been a strength. Compared to the other top 5 teams our 9,10,12,13 just not at the highest test level. Razor will get hammered if we lose our Eden park crown.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Jesse, I havent seen a lot of Harry Plummer, but what I have seen I like. So yes, I am on board with you there. Impact bench, thats what it should be about, the ability to win you the game, period. And yes, Razor will feel the wrath of the rugby world if he is the man thats loses the AB record at the hallowed Eden Park. Thank you for the comment, enjoy the game.

[@darveed62]

Great observations Mark. I’m becoming disillusioned with the All Black selection choices. Was really excited to see Scott Robertson taking over from Fozzie but I’m now starting to become confused at the selections. I thought we were looking to blood new players and change our strategies. None of this is happening and if it continues I think many All Black fans will lose faith. Agree that Harry Plummer should be the starting 10 and Beauden should be on the bench. Centres ALB and Proctor. Half back Ratima with Hotham on the bench. Ardie at 6 with Cane at 7 and Sititi at 8. Sigh ….. oh to dream of a team like that 😂😂😂

[@kwuae118]

I am an AB fan, but New Zealand has absolutely no chance whatsoever against South Africa when they meet. Of course, when the top teams meet, anything can happen on the day - but assuming common sense prevail, SA should win by a big margin. ABs lack speed, power, motivation, strategic coaching, kicking, and even the hunger to win. They really need to reinvent themselves - the rest of the world has caught up. Their lack of speed and almost walking speed line-up was badly exposed when they met Argentina. Against England, it was a lucky survival. Look at the speed of SA, Ireland, England, France or even Fiji. Sorry ABs, fire the over-rated coach, get a proper coach, get your act together with some talented (quick) players, and get a reality check to begin with.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

There is a lot here that makes sense, thanks for taking the time to write it. Tonights game will be very telling.

[@jimbokiwi9322]

Dmac is amazing at super level. Because he has the time and space to work his magic. At international level that time and space doesn't exist and he becomes below average. He can get that time and space, by coming on later in the game. When forwards are starting to slow down a bit.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

I like this comment a lot, and see him as the perfect sub who can come on and do as you say. Thanks for sharing.

[@johncatsicas101]

Senor Mark - it is time that NZ starts experimenting with different combinations. That is what happened to the Boks when Rassie took over - he was not scared of loosing to find the right talent and combinations. It is time the AB's start loosing battles in order to win the 2027 RWC. John McEnroe always said - all you need is to break one game of your competitor to win a set

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Hola Amigo. I love the tennis analogy, indeed, there is not enough get out of your comfort zone with this team, put Rueben Love at 10 and let him sink of fly. Worked for Sacha Feinberg. Lets see what happens. Thanks for the comment

[@fabiangroom3228]

💯 what's more important than winning a game is the amount of positives you take out of it. For example we could win a game and almost all the ref decisions were in our favour. That's not good. Going back to the Argentina game, there were many positives especially in our attacking game which we can only improve on in our next one. Mark is right when he says that we have a problem at halfback however I think Razor is smart enough to notice that and we will see improvement over time. Overall I have confidence in our coach but my only worry is that he gets all the support from within NZR and our fans.

[@markcleaver6573]

The All Blacks will bounce back, always do. The first Selection is heart and pride which will remerge at The Garden of Eden..

[@cesarebaartman9483]

I'm in full agreement with your views on the midfield, which has been a huge problem for years now. Both Barrett and Ioane are one dimensional. They are not natural midfielders. Anton Linnert Brown should start

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Great, thanks for taking the time to comment and for sharing your views, appreciate it.

[@MarkCampbell-qt1cv]

Young Quinn from the cheifs could be the answer

[@kylerein2034]

Good video , I like hearing your take on rugby, you make many good points. The yellow and red card thing for offensive comments could be an issue in my view as people can often find things offensive which shouldnt be offensive.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you for the comment and for the feedback. On the card system, look common sense will prevail here. As a content creator we are always the ones on the firing line and it is my own goal to protect my mental health as well as respecting my audience. That's it. I am not going to be some sensitive nanny on this.

[@kylerein2034]

@insiderugbywithmark @insiderugbywithmark Hi , cool to get a reply from you , yes fair enough, good to hear that you will use common sense and not be too sensitive like some people who moderate comments can be. Yeah usually truly offensive comments are clear and obvious so I do agree with the card system for those ones, its a good idea. Have a great day and go the ABs :)

[@ricardoprovan5159]

I see that most Kiwi comments agree with you. As an Argie I have so much admiration for the ABs that SR can field his 3rd. best Team and still beat any one on a normal day. Frankly I don´t care how the lineup will be, but I expect a huge improvement from 6 days ago. Los Pumas are consistently inconsistent, and emotion and tears during our National Anthem won´t cut it if their discipline is poor. On the other hand, no one is considering the forecast is rain....and, if so, we can expect handling errors, more scrums, and therefore argentine energy will suffer towards the last 20 minutes. In any case, to be realistic, I´ll be happy if the Pumas show up, even if they lose. Nice work, Mark. Many thanks!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Hola Ricardo...thank you for your comment. Much respect to your team and I think the version of Los Pumas will surprise many people in 2024. Believe. Enjoy the rugby

[@williamphillipus4087]

Scott is a great guy, i supports the All Blacks from South Africa, i believe 1 - 5 is great, but my opinion is get Sititi in on 8 ardie at 7 and cane on 6, backs i will be very creative with the backs. 9 Retima, 10 Jordie 11 Riko 12 ALB 13 Proctor 14 Will 15 Damien

[@insiderugbywithmark]

OK great, thanks for sharing your views on those positions. Excellent stuff.

[@christinethomas1591]

Hi Mark I think the team should be front row as the same as your choice. Locks dary and lord. Loose fowards Savea and Blackadder. No.8 sititi . Half back ratima. Then mc McKenzie, brown ,proctor. Wings Clarke, tales.fullback Jordan. And the bench amua,newel,ofusa,via,pupaleki. Backs barrett and barrett, and noah

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for sharing this, some good calls there

[@aydensmith7800]

Yeah, I have said for years that BB's best position is as a Super Sub (check the 2015 WC for reference)...for some reason we seem to think 60mins of OK rugby is better than 20mins of brilliance (BB showed the way against England). We used to have the best bench in world rugby - we don't anymore....

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Can't disagree with that, thanks for the comment

[@iallso1]

Some interesting points there Mark, I agree that the front 5 are the correct picks, if De Groote were fit I would have him on the bench. Josh Lord is so short of game time it's hard to assess his level, and maybe the search needs to go a bit wider. While Papali'i isn't Richie McCaw, I really don't see a place for Cane except maybe in a mentoring role. Blackadder did have a poor game, but is, when fit, bring some mongrel that is sadly missing. We are on the same page through the pivot, centres and full back roles. There are enough wing options without wasting Jordan out there. Proctor needs more opportunity and linked well with ALB. It will be interesting to see how the Mo'unga situation plays out, but right now, there is no option but to stick with McKenzie.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@iallso1 Hola, thanks so much for sharing this. Some interesting points. You say there are no other options for 10.....but there are. Rueben Love wants and loves to play 10, so why not try him and see how that goes. Harry Plummer could be the AB´s version of Handre Pollard , dependable, solid skill sets gets the job done. Then Stephen Perofeta, has played a lot of 10 but isn´t given chances. I guess when you are loyal to a player, in like DMAC I get it, but we do have other options. This is world cup building phase surely we should be trialing all out to see who owns the roles and then they pick themselves. What do you think?

[@iallso1]

@insiderugbywithmark personally I'm not a DMac fan, I'm definitely in the Mo'unga camp. I just haven't seen enough from Love, Plummer and Perafeta to convince me that they are in the same league. My concern with McKenzie is that while he is a magical open field runner he still makes too many bad decisions when under pressure, which is just when you need that level head.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

On DMAC yes, look I want the guy to succeed, its gut feel for me, he is far better for us to come in off the bench with 25mins to go and smoke the tiring opposition. Leave the starting of the game to someone else who has the skill sets to manage it for that period of time and to get the ABs on the scoreboard so they can play their style. Lets see what happens. Thanks for the comment

[@054CTT]

Totally agree with everything you've said. Well done.

[@rogertallentire2961]

Shannon Frizell and Richie Moanga are sitting in Japan watching. Why are Rugby NZ not letting them and others be available. Bloody stupid. A lot of money, time and effort was put into those players. Wake up. South Africa and Argentina are picking overseas based player and are both destroying the All Blacks.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Here here. Well written

[@owenmalcolm4033]

Thanks Mark. Very insightful commentary!

[@Natedawg38]

Very good video mark, i think everyone agrees and another acid test could be on the way for razor.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you kindly

[@antonypaterson2051]

I’m not convinced that Jordan is an effective fullback at test level or even that his form is good enough to be in the team at the moment. My beef with him at fullback is that his catching of the high ball is “iffy” at best. His general kicking for position is often poor and bit aimless and no attacker will be concerned about his tackling as the last line of defence. His strength is his speed into space and kick chase and I just think wing is the right position for these skills.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Hola thanks so much for your comment. Will Jordan has started 60% of his games at fullback the rest on the right wing. Limited exposure in that role for the ABs as you say. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Will Jordan.

[@JimmieCooper-le6vj]

Will Jordan must start at fullback.He is devastating from there,and can see the openings to run into from fullback.This must surely be TJ Perenara's last chance to prove himself.And Amua really has to get his throw ins right.A few years ago ,Malcom Marx also could not find his jumpers ( In more than one game though ) That is why Dweba from SA is not in the SA group.He battles to find his jumpers in literally every game.And that is not good enough.But Amua maybe,just had a off day with his throw ins.Love the All blacks.From SA.👌

[@Biiri-oc8ti]

The very real & honest Cruel reality to this selection is this, if the All Blacks get it wrong "Again" what then, would be the fate of those 15 players?. Hypothetically speaking.

[@jessetamati7136]

I love Jordie I'm a Hurricane Supporter. But he is not a international 12. If U watched RWC Jordie got stopped every time.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for sharing

[@saliemoses5720]

No AB backline player is playing in its rightful position besides Clarke. That's the reason why they were struggling so much against the Boks in the WC final. And they still make the same mistakes

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for sharing your views on this one, appreciate it. Enjoy the rugby

[@jessetamati7136]

Real talk ALB at 12 BP at 13 U said it

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you

[@shaneellison3562]

Alb and proctor definitely the best combo

[@sharkbait6631]

I agreed with having Ioane back at 13. Ioane may have challenges in attacks at times but he is solid in defence at the line. Scoring tries wins games so as keeping opposition sides scoreless. His phase at speed is what makes Ioane a good defender.

[@shaneellison3562]

I also have to say I think razor has too many coaches saying alot of different things which is confusing the players about the gameplan they are soppose to be playing

[@emmanuelwayoe1]

Hi Mark, I agree BB should be a super sub. Perhaps if the game is as tight as it was last week Scott will move BB to flyhalf (I still don't think he is a flyhalf) to sub Damian and Will Jordan at fullback. We also need to understand that the Boks have the luxury of losing at times but because they have won all the world cup finals they have been in they can be forgiven when they are on a bit of a losing streak. As for our AB's, the brand is centered around win % consistency, flair, stupendous skill and talent , all of this from a very limited pool. If all this could have been combined with a couple of extra World Cup wins, I think we would have been a bit more patient with Fozzie and Razor. I echo your sentiments around being nervous for tomorrow but I believe the boys can put one over the Pumas. Go AB's!!

[@4WDNightTracker]

So, if Damien McK is not the preferred starter at fly half, I didn't hear any other names mentioned??

[@klagoshaya5517]

I never understand why the AB’s don’t use Cam Roigard and Will Jordan both of them are amazing game-breakers. What athletes with amazing pace, I would definitely have Cam at scrum half and Cam at full back fully agree. Also agree with your centre selection

[@Jase1000-p2f]

Couldnt agree more mate spot on with each point.Best players in best position!!

[@Manihiki275Ez]

Obviously have come here after the game and we have won pretty convincingly! Really just seems like a mental attitude from the boys going off Ardie's responses from questions after the game. He was pretty adamant on the team not being up to the standards they have created for themselves. I believe Will Jordan not going to FB starting as of yet is because he is undercooked literally just coming back from injury! I'm not a fan of throwing players into the deep end especially coming back from injury. He was put back at FB when D-Mac came off and BB moved to Fly half - He didn't look good and made poor decisions for that short period in saying that again guy is "Undercooked".

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Excellent, thanks for sharing your views right here, great stuff.

[@paulmulryne8405]

I really like Marshall - totally fair, humble punditry. Also loving the card system Mark. As an England fan, I just want another thriller. Watched Squidge Rugby's analysis of the 1st test and he highlighted NZ's exit strategy and decisions around the kicking game which caused them real problems. What are your thoughts?

[@fidget2020]

I could not agree more with ALL of your comments.

[@jacques7891]

Hi Mark would like to hear what you think. I am a Saffa living in Wellington,NZ. I especially love schools rugby and often watched the top school games in Paarl, South Africa. Sure you know about the Paarl interschools attracting over 20 000 supporters. Other schools across the country also often have crowds of a couple of thousand for first team games. Saturday school sport is a big thing in SA with all hockey, netball and rugby etc games being played from under 14 to under 19 level on the same day with the schools singing etc. Which brings me to my point. I have been to a couple of first team games in Wellington,NZ where only the first team plays before a very small crowd standing around the field. Schoolboy rugby and the honor of playing for the first team is the foundation of SA rugby. Boys want to play first team rugby. I think the way school sport is run in NZ should change to make it a big occasion on Saturdays including the whole school and all the sports with families, foodstalls, music singing etc. It will create a bigger culture for students to participate and an honour play for the first team. NZ rugby would benefit like SA rugby does. Cheers.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

A great sharing thank you for making it. Speaking from experience in the 1970s in NZ when I was in that process First 15 rugby was huge and what you described about SA these days, albeit smaller scale due to population size. I left NZ in the 80s so I don't know what's transpired and why it's changed so much. But yes, it would indeed be a great way to rebuild from the ground up. Thanks so much for sharing what you did.

[@murrayclarke2171]

I’d almost suggest we’ve gone backwards overall since we stopped playing a larger rangy 8. Ardie is an open side and isn’t big enough at 8, as much as we love him and his work rate. Not sold of Vaai and hope he can step up. Reality is though, if Ardie didn’t have a brain fart and try to play half back when the halfback was right there, we would not have lost that game last week. Also agreed of TJ. Over rated massively.

[@salemmurray711]

I really do think Jordie Barrett is performing below par. I disagree with your Ioane call though, his speed on defence is exceptional and quite frankly i think the distribution issue lies with JB. Also, as a Chiefs man Id like to disagree with you over McKenzie, but you're entirely right, he isnt playing at the standard required of an All Black fly-half. Tj shouldnt be there either, maybe if Ratima started Dmac would look better with quicker ball, but its really our kicking game that looks ridiculously bad.

[@ntlearning]

Hi Mark. I agree with you about McKenzie. However, if he does play well this weekend, then he further cements his position there. That's a problem

[@AR-vy4oe]

Razor if he carries on like this with 5 coaches is going to lose the plot, his selections have been poor, and if he cannot figure out to play Bb, Ardie and Jordan in the right roles and get a decent 9 the saffa's will destroy us. Come on Razor you're the coach the buck stops with you not your other 4 coaches as they said grow a pair !! Because if you loose to the saffas yoour just another mitchell, FOS, FFS grow some balls

[@insiderugbywithmark]

OK, OK, I hear you. Everyone deserves a chance and this weekend is his litmus test as far as I am concerned. He has put his faith in those players, so lets see how it goes. Thanks for the comment

[@mkc68]

I totally agree with your views on this team selection, and your suggested alternatives. Keep up the great work 👍

[@unclejezza]

Agreed. On everything actually.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you

[@25Silver]

If the ABs forwards dominate then DMac and the backs can cut loose ! Simple! Get those forwards be ruthless🎉

[@whakatane6298]

Why have two slow props on the bench when last week there were no scrums, Tosi is impact, a running prop who was a number 8, perfect bench impact player for this game

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Great point , thank you for making it.

[@bingleification]

I feel the same way about Saturday night. I think Sam will make a big difference and should be starting, BB at 10, Rikeo at 14. TJ is starting because there is not enough tough in the loose and Darry, Vaii are not experienced enough to have developed their natural game. Saying that I cannot see ABs dropping at the park...if they do it will be devastating for the coaching team, and so much harder to beat boks at home

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks very much for the comment. Many of us appear to be thinking the same.

[@EdgarJnrJnr]

Rieko is a centre for razor we gotta accept

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Until he isnt

[@markreilly105]

@@insiderugbywithmark Reiko is a center, just give him a 12 who compliments the midfield like ALB. Reiko was good when he had Havilli because Havilli could distribute. Jordie can't, ALB can.

[@Osprey6m]

I agree with your comments and team. The loose forwards need to impose themselves on both sides of the ball, we need a better game manager and we need composure.

[@nz-bass-head6306]

Good view points bro i agree with you mate

[@user-rr3pu9tl5j]

Lov your channel .. we have similar thoughts .. AB miss Mounga !! Next best I think should have been Plummer ... Front 5 does improve with Tamati .. loose forwards really disappointing .. hardly saw Papali'i apart from one steal ... Perenara just not sharp enough .. my back 3 Def Clark Ioane and gotta be Jordan 15 .. ALWAYS !! Jordi definitely been off since RWC .. maybe needs a break .. I have seen enough Super rugby to know AB could field awesome skilful 12 and 13

[@insiderugbywithmark]

I havent seen enough of Plummer to make even an educated comment at that one, but what I did watch on Super Rugby he seemed steady and dependable.

[@robertpendergrast2500]

I think Reiko needs ALB inside him. Jordie isn’t creating any opportunities for Reiko.

[@shaneellison3562]

Hey man I totally agree with all your non selections and selections I've been getting hammered over here in nz on media posts about certain players etc like dmac,and shifting aride to 7 and satiti at 8,but ur totally right and I agree with all

[@Edgycoo]

I cannot for the life of me think of why TJ is in there. The combo is and should be ratima and Dmac. Also razor started well by "unearthing" perofeta and proctor and now.........Where are they? Its as if he has been scared into not losing again and in doing so does not field the future or the best. Reiko back in? why? Our entire backline bar the half back is an outside back. From start to finish.

[@SW60845]

The ALB and Proctor midfield combination is the best NZ have. They have the potential to be possibly one of the best combinations NZ has produced. NZ need a playmaker at 10, it is not touch rugby….. territory and forwards going forward not having to run back from bad kick placement. TJ Perenara? Ran off the back of Smiths hard work as a replacement. Was and is not a starter. Along with his mad outburst on his political views earlier this year at the Hurricanes, it appears what support he may have had has diminished completely. Trust Roiguard will be back soon has the potential to be a great. 👍

[@insiderugbywithmark]

I'm pretty much in agreement of what you said. Roigard, Ratima and Hotham appear to be the future 9s for the All Blacks.

[@SW60845]

@@insiderugbywithmark ALB and Proctor combination brings back memories of…. Bunce/Little Smith /Nonu and of course Mr silky skills Bruce Robertson and Bill Osbourne 💯👍

[@miguelangel3254]

So, for the current AVAILABLE crop who would be your starting 10?

[@insiderugbywithmark]

For me with RWC 2027 always in mind I would try Rueben Love at 10 and see how he goes and then Plummer from Auckland.

[@miguelangel3254]

You mean the guy who's played fullback all year? Strong call. Also giving him his first cap on another position and with a pack that goes backwards.

[@jeffreytan-yf6qt]

Good and accurate to the point, Mark. It’s shocking DM is still in the team instead of camping with the girls scouts.

[@davidrichmond7446]

you are right selection is far more critical than coaching-agree with nearly all of your comments especially in the backline

[@Tuatara587]

The Pumas will see this as a beatable AB side - in general the ABs have better players but the Pumas have a better team.

[@hilmarevansamuels6567]

Richie Mo’unga at 10 and Cortez at 9. Frizell at 6, Ardie at 8 and Lakai at 7. Locks need to be more physical.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

If only, that would be good, thanks for the comment

[@skisikivou8624]

Id like prefer ALB and BP at 12 & 13.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Me too

[@jessetamati7136]

I liked Jamie Joseph & Tony Brown as Coaches...

[@insiderugbywithmark]

That's a sound option

[@phillipsugwas]

ABs need to decide on where their focus lies. Itz great to have a great win /loss ratio going, but when that is the focus and not RWC results...? 2011 and 2015 ABs were fortunate in having really more key top players in key positions than any other country... but I get the feel they have relapsed into the win loss focus as a measure of quality( which of course it is).. but my sense is that Ireland, France, England and SA are all focussed on RWCs. Think. Who on the planet is going to remember Chile's win loss ratio were they to win the next RWC... ABs should stop this self flagelation along with all Kiwi's . Just set a course for 27

[@olbenklassen9285]

Brilliant assessment..Jordi is not a 12

[@andrejacobs5199]

There should be a playoff for the 3rd place - the Bledisloe Cup for the winner :)

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Ha ha......sad, actually