The All Blacks, a powerhouse in rugby, are facing a crisis, according to former player Murray Mexted. He claims the team's loose forward positions are in disarray, despite a seemingly successful 2025 season.
With 10 wins out of 13 matches, one might assume the All Blacks are in top form. However, Mexted argues that their failure to secure the Rugby Championship and a Grand Slam reveals deeper issues. He questions the team selection, particularly in the loose trio, suggesting that the team's success has been more luck than strategy.
Head coach Scott Robertson's decision to shift Ardie Savea's position from number eight to openside flanker at the beginning of the year is a controversial move. Mexted believes this is just one example of the coaching staff 'fooling around' with positions, indicating a lack of a clear game plan.
The article highlights the experimentation with various players in the back-row, including Tupou Vaa'i, Wallace Sititi, Simon Parker, Peter Lakai, and Christian Lio-Willie. Mexted is critical of this approach, stating, 'I still think they're fooling around with the positions...'.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Mexted suggests that the team's success in the past may have been due to individual brilliance rather than strategic planning. He argues that the current loose forwards are not up to par with the world's best, a bold claim considering the All Blacks' reputation.
The jury is still out on the effectiveness of players like Lakai and Sititi, according to Mexted. He questions their suitability for the positions they've been assigned, which could spark a debate among fans and experts alike.
Mexted's preference for a bigger number six and his suggestion to look at locks like Naitoa Ah Kuoi from the Chiefs as potential blindside flankers offer an interesting counterpoint to the current strategy.
As the All Blacks gear up for the Rugby World Cup, this honest assessment raises questions: Is the team's success built on a shaky foundation? Are the coaching staff making the right calls? And will the All Blacks' luck run out on the world stage?
