‘The people hope but they no longer believe.’
Down New Zealand way, some are hoping a first ever Test defeat to Ireland on home soil is enough to rouse Ian Foster into some big personnel and tactical changes. Knowing ‘Fossie’ well, though, they are not holding their collective breath.
The overriding Kiwi mood, heading into the Test Series, was trepidation. The All Blacks had lost their last two games, against Ireland and France, last November, and Andy Farrell was bringing a strong touring squad that had beaten them three times since 2016.
Some of those tremors were settled when the ABs came out and ruthlessly exploited Irish errors and the loss of Johnny Sexton [after 30 minutes] to record a resounding 42-19 win. There was a large sigh of relief and some of the local pundits and reporters started debating if fresh faces should be brought in for Wellington if the Second Test sealed a series win.
Those tremors are pure, seismic shifts now, following the All Blacks’ 23-12 loss to Ireland in Dunedin. Not only was it their first ever home ‘L’ against Ireland, it was their heaviest home defeat in 29 years. Ireland out-fought and out-thought their hosts in that second game, and were leading 10-0 when New Zealand lost their discipline and got three players carded in a 14-minute spell.
Local media in New Zealand gave Ireland ample credit for their victory, despite some refereeing grumbles, but are demanding changes. They also paid homage to four Irish forwards but must have run short on time/column inches because there is a distinct lack of Peter O’Mahony awe for our liking.
Tadhg Beirne of Ireland makes a break away from the All Blacks defence. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)Caelan Doris hailed as “exceptional”
On Sky Sports NZ’ weekly show, The Breakdown, the expected return of Sam Whitelock to second row – allowing Scott Barrett to return to blindside – was discussed by former All Blacks Jeff Wilson and Steven Bates.
The pair also mentioned the possibility of Will Jordan and David Havili, both of the Crusaders, coming into the backline. Liam Napier of the New Zealand Herald discussed all three of those XV changes, as well as tighthead Ofa Tu’ungafasi [yellow-carded in the Second Test]. 31-year-old Nepo Laulala is an option at No.3, with Angus Ta’avao now suspended for three weeks after his red card.
“There were some stand-out performances in that Irish pack,” said Napier. “[You had] Tadhg Beirne, I thought Caelan Doris was exceptional, Josh van der Flier, Andrew Porter – two tries from a prop, you don’t often see that. The Irish dominated up front.”
On ‘Rugby Direct’, host Elliot Smith asked Napier if Jack Goodhue, another Crusader, could partner Havili in midfield, with Rieko Ioane moving to the left wing. Napier does feel Havili will come in for Quinn Tupaea but that Ioane will retain the 13 jersey.
In Stuff, another Kiwi outlet, columnist Mark Reason is a bit more far-reaching with his Third Test selection calls. Reason wants Richie Mo’unga in at No.10, with Beauden Barrett missing out. He also wants Will Jordan at fullback, with Ioane and Jordie Barrett on the wings.
For all that he is highly regarded and known as a collaborative coach, Ian Foster is not known for ripping up entire play-books and going to scazzy with his team selections.
Whereas we are predicting Ireland will go with only one change to their starting XV, New Zealand will make more. Expect fresh bodies, but not a raft.
POSSIBLE NEW ZEALAND XV FOR THIRD TEST
15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Rieko Ioane
12. David Havili
11. Sevu Reece
10. Beauden Barrett
9. Aaron Smith1. George Bower
2. Codie Taylor
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Scott Barrett
7. Sam Cane
8. Ardie Savea
Stream the biggest sporting moments with NOW, including all the Test match between Ireland and New Zealand, on Saturday July 16.
“Keith Earls ain’t finished yet.”
Darren Cave and Greg O’Shea talk about their past experiences training and playing with Keith Earls and think that the people who don’t rate him as a great player don’t know what they’re talking about.
WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?
