All Blacks v Wales: The player who could emerge to claim the All Blacks’ right wing
The All Blacks are unlikely to grasp definitive answers to pressing positional questions in their final test of the year but Wales must be seized as a chance to grow experience in those with genuine, long-term prospects.
As the All Blacks seek to finish their season with a statement performance in Cardiff after their humbling Twickenham defeat, selection is expected to strike a balance between injecting energy and retaining an experienced core.
Front rowers Pasilio Tosi and Samisoni Taukei’aho could be elevated for rare starting opportunities. Likewise, openside Du’Plessis Kirifi and the largely unseen Ruben Love.
George Bower, Cortez Ratima, Finlay Christie, George Bell and Christian Lio-Willie also appear likely to feature in some capacity.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett could be among the senior leaders retained, though, after he missed the Scotland test through injury and as he prepares to sit out most of next year’s Super Rugby season on sabbatical break.
With only two matches expected against tier two opposition in this World Cup cycle, opportunities to usher in widespread rotation are fleeting for the All Blacks.
Wales don’t fall into that category but after slumping to 12th in the world rankings, and after scraping past Japan for their first home win in 11 games last weekend, the All Blacks must embrace this chance to promote and grow their depth.
As inconsistent performances pose lingering questions, many positions throughout the All Blacks squad – from right wing to blindside flanker, centre, No 8, prop and first five-eighth – could be considered contestable.
In his rookie test season, Simon Parker has been largely favoured at blindside flanker but he is yet to consistently convince on both sides of the ball.
Peter Lakai was the All Blacks’ best performer at Twickenham with a tireless ball carrying effort to stake his claim as the long-term No 8, but with Wallace Sititi another generational prospect, it’s too early to say the position is his alone.
Richie Mo’unga’s return mid-next year leaves the first-five reigns delicately poised, and centre remains up for grabs too.
The All Blacks’ propping rotation is highly contestable, with Tyrel Lomax to return from injury next year while Tamaiti Williams and Ethan de Groot will continue to go head-to-head for the starting loosehead role.
Right wing is another position the All Blacks are, not through a lack of trying, yet to solve.
In this regard, Mark Tele’a’s absence has been telling after he elected to cash in on a lucrative three-year Japanese deal.
Leroy Carter started the last six tests on the wing but after initially impressing in back-to-back outings against the Wallabies, his form has faded on this northern venture when the prevalence of the aerial game has vastly increased.
Carter’s speed and work-rate remain valuable assets but he didn’t help himself with his foot trip against Scotland and while he doesn’t lack bravery on defence, English midfielder Ollie Lawrence pushed him off en route to scoring at Twickenham.
This weekend, the All Blacks could opt to hand Ruben Love his second start at fullback, with Damian McKenzie directing the team from first-five, and Will Jordan possibly moving to the wing.
Jordan has twice started on the right edge this season and should remain a genuine long-term option there, particularly when Mo’unga returns.
Sevu Reece began this season as the All Blacks’ preferred right wing – starting four of the first five tests – but after sliding well down the pecking order, it would be a backward step to thrust him into the No 14 jersey against Wales.
With Emoni Narawa to return from injury next year and Caleb Tangitau looming, Reece is unlikely to feature in the All Blacks’ long-term plans and was fortunate to retain his place in this touring squad.
Chiefs wings Carter and Narawa were the form finishers in Super Rugby Pacific but the All Blacks lacked faith in the latter before injecting him for the Springboks test at Eden Park.
Narawa claimed a stunning try to open that notable victory – after diving to catch a cross-field kick and crawl through a defender’s legs to score – only to then suffer a punctured lung that left him hospitalised and ruled out for the year.
With a strong aerial game and silky skills, Narawa could well emerge as the All Blacks’ preferred right wing next year.
Ioane joined Reece as the starting All Blacks wings to start this year after his shift from centre, but he, too, has fallen out of favour with Caleb Clarke nailing down his first-choice status on the left edge.
Depth is important, and Ioane’s versatility holds appeal. But whether he starts or emerges from the bench, Ioane could do with leaving a lasting impression before departing for six months with Irish club Leinster.
The All Blacks back three continues to be in the spotlight as they struggle to solve their high ball issues.
While there’s no shortage of options, the final chance of the year to edge closer to solutions can’t be squandered.
Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.