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Adam Pretty / Getty Images
Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett have a battle for the No. 10 All Blacks jersey.
Calls are mounting for Beauden Barrett to replace Richie Mo’unga at No. 10 for the second round of the Bledisloe Cup in Auckland this weekend.
The never-ending debate over the two playmakers has been rekindled in the wake of the All Blacks battling to a 16-16 tie in the series opener in Wellington, where Mo’unga was in the top five.
Barrett was originally selected as a fullback, but had to withdraw the eve of the test with an Achilles tendon problem. He is expected to be fit and available for the sequel at Eden Park, where the All Blacks need to win before the four-round series heads to Australia via Tasmania.
RICKY WILSON / THINGS
Aaron Smith of the All Blacks says it was too erratic, while Dane Coles says the team is looking to change things.
Mo’unga had a mixed performance in Wellington, where he came under intense pressure from Wallabies defenders and his unwillingness to attempt a stop-time drop goal to break the deadlock has been questioned.
READ MORE:
* All Blacks vs Wallabies: Beauden Barrett ruled out, Damian McKenzie as starter
* Ian Foster lights the fuse: it’s Richie Mo’unga v Beauden Barrett for All Blacks at 10
* ‘What a pickle’ – All Blacks join Mo’unga v Beaudy debate
Former All Blacks hooker James Parsons thinks Barrett should start at No. 10 this weekend, voicing his views in another animated New Zealand rugby pod that always touches the themes of the week.
“I’d be interested, is the door ajar so I can open a crack at 10 now?” Parsons said of Barrett, with whom he played alongside the Blues in this year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa championship.
AP
This photograph emphasizes how the Wallabies attempted to put down Richie Mo’unga’s first five-eighths of the All Blacks in Wellington.
“Has experience. He has been World Player of the Year twice. Put him in the general’s seat [let him] run it. Run the cutter, great friend, you are so good! Give him a chance … he has shown that he plays very well at 10, people seem to have forgotten.
“I love him at 10, I love him at first receiver. Defensively, slow down your defense. It’s like a game of attack kicks. When there is a quick defense, you put it behind and it will make people think. When he’s there, you rush him, you’re going to create a hole and he’s good enough to escape. If you stay away from it, it will deflate and put [in space].
“I’m not saying that Richie doesn’t have that ability. He’s the best of the top five to sit behind a forward capsule and split that gate between two defenders when there are three forwards and a short ball runner and a forward takes it out of Richie; there’s no one better in the game on that play than Richie. [But] I would love to see Beaudy at 10. “
Breakfast
Beauden Barrett is back in training after missing the first Test against the Wallabies in Wellington.
Parsons felt that Barrett’s brother Jordie, who was selected at wing in Wellington, should play fullback in Auckland.
“Jordie played very well as a fullback all year. Let’s try it, “Parsons told the New Zealand rugby pod.
Like many, Parsons was baffled by the All Blacks’ attempts to win the Wellington event with a late try as they positioned themselves in front of Australia’s posts for an ideal drop goal attempt.
“Just take the three points and win the test. Even if he fails, I’d rather he try a drop and miss than keep doing what I think is 50-50 plays. “
It will be fascinating how new All Blacks coach Ian Foster will react to the rusty starting effort in terms of picks.
