Three key questions: What would it mean if the All Blacks lose?

Herald online

23 Jul, 2015 09:44 PM3 mins to read

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Herald rugby experts Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry answer three key questions ahead of the All Blacks' Rugby Championship international against South Africa.

1. Who has the most to gain or lose in terms of World Cup selection in this test?

Patrick McKendry:

Another strong game from Charles Piutau on the left wing could see him on the plane. His case has been strengthened by Waisake Naholo's injury, but on a positive note the selectors have been impressed with Piutau's form in recent weeks.

Gregor Paul:

James Broadhurst and Lima Sopoaga are the two have most to gain. If they can show the composure and temperament to cope with the pressure, they may suddenly be very much in the running. Another strong effort from Codie Taylor and he may be hard to budge. Conversely - that means Jeremy Thrush will be nervous, as will Hika Elliot while Ryan Crotty - who hasn't put a foot wrong - will be under threat from the emergence of Sopoaga.

2. Does this mean Israel Dagg has the inside running at fullback?

Patrick McKendry: Yes. It's hard to get a read on Julian Savea's situation from afar - he suffered an asthma attack at training in Johannesburg, and has not been selected - but Steve Hansen's best outside backs must be considered as Savea, Israel Dagg and Ben Smith, with Charles Piutau next in line.

Gregor Paul: The selectors don't necessarily look at the back three in such rigid terms. They are after the four best equipped players. What's becoming clear is that Dagg is on track to be considered one of the four best equipped.

3. What would it mean if the All Blacks lost this test?
A grumpy trip home and the usual bad feeling that comes with any defeat. Other than act as a sharp reminder - one they don't need - that South Africa are a superb side, it won't do or mean anything more. Extra motivation to beat the Wallabies in their next test? Not really - the All Blacks have never needed defeat to motivate them.

Patrick McKendry: It would depend on the nature of the defeat. If Lima Sopoaga performs poorly the spotlight will fall on him and the decision to name him at No10. Apart from that it would set up the All Blacks' next test against the Aussies in Sydney as a probable Rugby Championship decider.

Gregor Paul: A grumpy trip home and the usual bad feeling that comes with any defeat. Other than act as a sharp reminder - one they don't need - that South Africa are a superb side, it won't do or mean anything more. Extra motivation to beat the Wallabies in their next test? Not really - the All Blacks have never needed defeat to motivate them.