All Blacks Forwards Coach John Plumtree on channeling the team's hurt, and whether star halfback Aaron Smith will play against France. Video / All Blacks
Changes are coming for the All Blacks' final test of the year. Just how many is the question.
Forwards coach John Plumtree has effectively confirmed Beauden Barrett will join Anton Lienert-Brown on the sidelines this week, paving the way for Richie Mo'unga to start the season-defining test against France inParis, where the All Blacks last lost to the French in 1973.
Barrett left the field 21 minutes into last week's loss to Ireland after sustaining a head knock and, in line with the All Blacks' previously cautious approach to concussions this season, will not be risked.
After struggling to impose his presence off the bench in Dublin, and battling in the face of similar defensive line speed pressure against Italy, this is a pivotal week for Mo'unga to reignite the All Blacks attack.
"Right at this point he hasn't trained fully," Plumtree said of Barrett. "He did a bit of jogging so hasn't completed all his protocols. He's in doubt I would say especially with it being Wednesday and Thursday our final prep day.
"It's the last test match of the year, it's a massive game for us, and there's going to be some changes."
Richie Mo'unga is set to replace Beauden Barrett at first-five. Photo / Photosport
The most intriguing selection calls this week will be at halfback, in the loose forwards, the problematic second five-eighth role and hooker, where Dane Coles may be promoted to start.
Plumtree confirmed all four halfbacks were available for selection, with Brad Weber overcoming the head knock he suffered two weeks ago against Italy that prevented him playing Ireland.
TJ Perenara's laboured delivery and rash quick tap under his sticks hindered the All Blacks in Dublin so it would not surprise if they turn to Weber and Aaron Smith to inject speed into their game.
Smith will be short of match fitness, having missed the Rugby Championship and only played a couple of games for Manawatū since his last test in mid-August but his return, whether it is off the bench or starting, would provide a significant boost as the All Blacks prepare to confront influential French halfback and stand-in captain Anton du Pont.
"It would have been nice for him to have a couple more games but family commitments around having his new baby boy have prevented that," Plumtree said of Smith. "He's been here eight or 10 days now and training really well so it's certainly nice to have him here with his experience. He's in contention. That's something for us to consider.
"All the nines are available so we've got a choice to make there. They've all got different strengths and weaknesses and offer something to our game. Aaron has played over 100 tests so he's an experienced campaigner. We know TJ has played 60 or 70 tests too. Brad Weber has played really well on this tour, and Finlay Christie is up and coming so we've got some nice choices to make.
"That selection will be based around how we want to play and how the others are playing."
Aaron Smith could make his return to the All Blacks side. Photo / Photosport
Lienert-Brown's absence, after starting at No 12 last week, leaves the All Blacks with a straight choice between David Havili and Quinn Tupaea.
In changes to the pack that failed to deliver a dominant platform against Ireland, Sam Cane is expected to return in some capacity, and Akira Ioane may force his way into the starting side.
A ruthless review session earlier this week identified several flaws the All Blacks must swiftly amend as they seek to avoid suffering three losses in a season for the first time in 12 years.
At the heart of the quest for immediate improvements are seemingly simple solutions: punching over the gain line with dominant carries, generating quick ruck ball and building more than two attacking phases.
France presents a similar challenge to Ireland in terms of feeding off a sold-out arena and possessing a big, powerful pack that will come hard and fast off commander du Pont who sucks in defenders around the ruck with his lethal running game threat.
The French, building nicely ahead of their home World Cup in 2023, are expected to reinstate Romain Ntamack at first five – moving away from the Matthieu Jalibert-Ntamack partnership used in recent weeks – with Jonathan Danty coming into the midfield.
Romain Ntamack, of France. Photo / Getty Images
"This week has been interesting," Plumtree said. "When the All Blacks lose it's certainly not the greatest environment to be in for the first couple of days. Everyone is pretty down and grumpy but by the time we get to Thursday the edge gets sharper.
"When they feel they've perhaps let the jersey down that will turn to hurt and anger, and the best way to channel all of that is to use it for the game that's coming.
"We reviewed the game and it was pretty clear we didn't get the momentum we needed for our attack to function as well as we wanted to.
"We know we've got some really good, strong ball runners in this team but it's always a little bit harder when you get caught behind the gain line. That's been our big focus this week."
