All Blacks roundtable: NZME rugby experts answer the big questions from the 2021 season

OPINION:

NZME's stable of rugby experts answer the burning questions from the All Blacks' 2021 season.

The most concerning part of the All Blacks' two losses against Ireland and France was...

Liam Napier: The lack of a response. We've grown accustomed to All Blacks teams bringing fire and fury following defeats to immediately rectify results. Instead, the All Blacks dished up another lacklustre start to concede their largest halftime margin in history in Paris where they were caught out by the pace of the game. Being beaten in the physicality stakes against Ireland was a recurring theme, as was the flustered attack that doesn't appear to have evolved.

Elliott Smith: Firstly, that lessons from previous defeats didn't seem to be taken against Ireland. Secondly, that France were able to beat them almost a different way entirely with almost a hybrid model of Ireland and South Africa's play. Teams are finding multiple ways to beat the All Blacks and the inability to adapt is worrying. Also concerning was that there didn't seem to be many lessons taken week to week, a lot of the aimless kicking from Dublin jumped on the plane to France.

Kate Wells: The team not being able to bounce back when under pressure. We've seen the All Blacks make great comebacks in the past, but the current playing group hasn't had the ability to make something out of nothing to turn a game around. But I also think that comes down to selection. Changing the 23 week in and week out does nothing for combinations, which was detrimental for the All Blacks in their final two games of the tour.

France's Antoine Dupont is presented with the David Gallaher Cup by Sam Whitelock of the All Blacks. Photo / Photosport

Which All Blacks will return home from the northern tour more valued then when they left?

Napier: Samisoni Taukei'aho was the big mover, emerging from outside the squad to surpass Asafo Aumua and put incumbent hookers Dane Coles and Codie Taylor under serious pressure with his dynamic ball carrying. Ardie Savea, the standout player of the year, was a consistent presence. And Will Jordan proved his class with 15 tries in 11 appearances.

Smith: Aaron Smith, having played only an hour of rugby on the tour wins this one. None of the other three halfbacks have really closed the gap despite having nine tests to do so before Smith played against France. He is streets ahead of the rest in New Zealand and the return from injury of Folau Fakatava in 2022 under Smith's tutelage will have the other No 9s worried. In addition, Ardie Savea - probably the All Blacks' best in their two losing causes. Was never necessarily under-valued but his importance to the forward pack can't be missed now.

Wells: Dalton Papalii and Finlay Christie. Papalii was excellent throughout the tour, continuing his form from Super Rugby. Like many other rugby fans, I don't think it was wise leaving him out of the 23 against France. And for Finlay Christie, he's quick, agile and accurate, putting our halfback stocks in good stead. Christie too should've picked up more game time.

How much of a factor do you believe tour fatigue played in the two losses to end the season?

Napier: Significant. It's not just the length of time away but the restrictive Covid climate the All Blacks operated in. Three months of effectively being confined to hotels and training grounds is a hugely limiting experience that doesn't provide balance or help escape the pressures of an at times all-consuming rugby bubble. It adds up to a heavy mental burden. That doesn't excuse consistent performance flaws, but it also can't be dismissed.

Smith: Some. When I asked Ian Foster about the toll the other day in the media conference after the loss to France, I suggested it was 10 weeks but he politely reminded me that it was actually 12. It's a long time whichever way you look at it, so I'm sure it played a role and perhaps a fresher All Blacks side would have performed better in the two tests if they'd had some time at home post Rugby Championship.

Wells: I don't believe physical fatigue played a big factor as most players weren't overloaded. Heck, their Super Rugby schedules would be tougher with the amount of minutes they'd play. Mentally and emotionally I'm sure it would be challenging, but then again they are professional rugby players. Playing away from home is nothing they aren't used to.

The pressure is rising for All Blacks head coach Ian Foster. Photo / Photosport

The All Black who will have the most uncomfortable summer is...

Napier: There will be a few. TJ Perenara, David Havili, George Bridge will all share degrees of concern. After a disappointing end to the tour where he struggled in two starts and one significant stint off the bench, Richie Mo'unga's delayed return for the Crusaders next year is not likely to help him make up ground on Beauden Barrett either.

Smith: Going to take this one in a slightly different direction but probably the big boys up front who wear No 1, 2, 3 or 16, 17, 18 - apart from Samisoni Taukei'aho. And not even necessarily because any of them performed badly per se or didn't fulfil their role as asked. But look at the way Ireland and France used their front-rowers over the past fortnight. The game has evolved and more mobile props are going to be licking their lips ahead of a chance to impress at Super Rugby time. Scrummaging and line-out throwing will always be vital skills, but you've got to keep pace with the trends in the game.

Wells: It's a toss up between Sam Cane and Damian McKenzie. After hardly any rugby this season, Cane will have a big pre-season and Super Rugby Pacific campaign ahead of him, especially with Dalton Papalii and Ardie Savea breathing down his neck. As for McKenzie, this could be a critical time for him. Playing overseas could be detrimental, as we've seen with Beauden Barrett earlier this year. It gives other players a chance to overtake him, and it seems Jordie Barrett's already locked in the 15 jersey.

Fans are demanding a change of coach - would Scott Robertson be the quick fix solution the All Blacks need?

Napier: I'm not convinced Robertson would wade in, wave a magic wand and lead the All Blacks to glory. Sure, his infectious character and fresh ideas would be welcomed but the global test landscape is now a highly competitive beast among the top five nations. Anyone thinking Robertson would suddenly turn everything to gold is deluded.

Smith: The drums are certainly beating but it seems unlikely they'll change over summer. What Robertson would bring is a change in approach, but I think that is needed regardless of who is at the helm. A clean slate if Foster remains in charge is required around tactics. Robertson has coached the Crusaders to title wins under pressure against South African, Argentinian and New Zealand franchise sides - three different styles of play which shouldn't be under-estimated.

Wells: There's no doubt that a good coach can turn a team around in just a matter of months, just look at Dame Noeline Taurua and the Silver Ferns. I think Razor is a coach who can do just that – but New Zealand Rugby chose Foster instead. Cutting to the chase, I think Scott Robertson is exactly what the team needs. He brings innovative ideas, plenty of passion and puts a big emphasis on team culture. The game is constantly changing and evolving and the All Blacks need someone who is willing to adapt and bring new ideas to fruition.

How concerned should we be with the Black Ferns ahead of next year's home World Cup?

England's Abby Dow evades the tackle of Dhys Faleafaga of the Black Ferns. Photo / Photosport

Napier: Very. Four successive losses for the first time paints a bleak picture but so, too, does the lack of improvement. Those results reflect several challenges for the Blacks Ferns - a lack of test matches in the past two years and comparative pittance of investment into professional contracts and competitions. Next year's Super Rugby Aupiki is a great start, but it's likely to come far too late for the Black Ferns to transform before England and France arrive for the World Cup.

Smith: Very. It appears while they were in a Covid-enforced hiatus, England and France have shot ahead. It's not an insurmountable task but Super Rugby Aupiki is going to need to deliver some serious competition to get the players battle hardened before the pre-tournament campaign and World Cup. A home crowd will help too. The ball skills and speed of the English in particular was frighteningly good.

Wells: I'm very concerned. With just 11 months to go, the Black Ferns aren't anywhere near their best. And I don't think Super Rugby Aupiki is going to be the saviour. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a women's professional competition, but four weeks of rugby isn't the answer. NZR haven't invested enough in the women's game, and it's showing. If the Black Ferns are to stand a chance at World Cup victory they need to make big inroads, especially on defence.