Former All Blacks express concern for New Zealand’s “slim pickings” at first five-eighth
Former All Blacks Israel Dagg and Stephen Donald have expressed their concern about the nation’s depleted first-five stocks.
In recent years, star playmakers Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie have held down the No.10 role but with each now pursuing, or having already pursued, opportunities overseas, Dagg fears New Zealand may have slim pickings in future seasons.
“A country that has been so blessed with 10s I feel is about to be hit with a big old shock,” Dagg told SENZ Breakfast.
“You just have to look at the latest signing of Freddie Burns at the Landers and around the country, that we might just be about to experience a slim picking in terms of 10s and playmakers.
“(With) the departure of Mo’unga, D-Mac McKenzie (and) an ageing Beauden Barrett who probably will look to cash in overseas, we see our stocks are very, very slim.”
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Former England playmaker Burns was announced as the Landers’ latest international recruit last week, adding more competition for rookies Cam Millar and Sam Gilbert.
Former Chief Donald is equally concerned about the depth of the nation’s five-eighths, believing the cracks will begin to show following September’s World Cup.
“I think we might be able to paper over the cracks maybe for a year or two more,” Donald told SENZ The Run Home.
“Even once Richie leaves, maybe Beaudy stays for another stint – he’s certainly indicated that he’s not beyond looking at another World Cup and you’ve also got McKenzie there but he’s (Dagg) right, who’s going to emerge?”
While each franchise has impressive young fly-halves in their squad, Donald fears that if their experienced teammates move on, no one will remain to teach them the ropes.
“The Hurricanes have two that for Hurricanes rugby and New Zealand Rugby, it would be nice if one of them emerges this year … they’ll (Hurricanes) want one to emerge this year in Aidan Morgan or Ruben Love,” Donald added.
“Obviously Ruben Love dices between 15 as well but you’re right, the fact that we have (few top options) … I guess it’s been really highlighted (by) the fact that we’ve had to go and get someone from England to fill in a Super Rugby spot.
“That’s the thing for me; I don’t think we should be doing it regardless of what our talent looks like, I just don’t think we should be doing it, but I don’t think we should have gone down that route.”
Mo’unga will depart New Zealand at the close of the 2023 Rugby World Cup while the futures of Barrett and McKenzie are uncertain, as both have previously accepted overseas opportunities.
Before the World Cup begins in September, Super Rugby Pacific will kick off in February, where young five-eighths will look to assert themselves on the Super stage.
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