New Zealand Rugby are in the midst of creating an NZ A or a second NZ side to shadow the All Blacks from 2022 onwards.
With a huge breadth of players vying for a spot in the national squad, administrators believe that a secondary side will enable enhanced experience and playing time at the highest level for those who miss out on All Blacks selection.
Former All Black Jeff Wilson broke the news on SENZ.
Wilson is a huge supporter of the concept, believing that the addition of a secondary top-level team will change the mindset of selectors, and will inevitably aid the All Blacks in their preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“I would say this, NZ Rugby … they’re looking at a New Zealand A, or a second NZ side playing a number of games this year,” Wilson said on SENZ’s Super South.
“I think that group is going to be critical, because there’s going to be a lot of guys who have worn the All Black jersey in the last 18 months who may miss out, and they’re going to get really important rugby.
“There’s going to be another tier, which is going to be really well coached and have a number of games I believe this year.
“That’s what I'm hearing and if that’s the case, that’s great. That is really, really important.
“So then all of a sudden, the selection debate might change a little bit about … who am I carrying, who am I developing, who do I really want to keep playing?”
The opening Test for the All Blacks in 2022 will take place in July as they take on Ireland in the three-test Steinlager Series.