Former New Zealand Test fly-half Carlos Spencer has given his backing to Crusaders playmaker Richie Mo’unga to be the All Blacks’ first choice number 10 at the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.
There has been plenty of debate in New Zealand in recent weeks over who should start at fly-half for the All Blacks this year with Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie all in the running for the position.
After seven rounds of Super Rugby Pacific, All Blacks head coach Ian Foster and the rest of his selection panel should have an idea of potential candidates to be in New Zealand’s squad for the World Cup which kicks off on September 8.
All Blacks fly-half debate continues
Although the debate amongst the New Zealand public about who should wear the number 10 jersey for the All Blacks at the global showpiece continues, Spencer, who represented the Blues at Super Rugby level, is confident that Mo’unga is the right man for the position.
“I have already got confidence to pick my number one right now – and that’s Richie,” Spencer said on Sky Sport’s The Breakdown programme.
“I just think he’s earned that. I think he’s the form first-five at the moment and has been all year, for me. Okay, Damian has been pretty good as well but I think we have to go for an outright first-five with the World Cup.
“But in saying that I would also like to also have D-Mac there, on the pitch as well, as my second No 10 but playing at full-back. We can set up a double-sided attack with those two either side.”
Mo’unga and Barrett were in action for the Crusaders and Blues respectively at the weekend while McKenzie and the Chiefs had a bye.
The Crusaders were made to work hard for a 38-21 win over Moana Pasifika in Christchurch while a superb second-half performance helped the Blues to a 54-17 victory over the Rebels in Melbourne.
Both Mo’unga and Barrett impressed for their respective teams in those matches but Spencer feels that the Crusader deserves to start for the All Blacks, although he would also have McKenzie and Barrett involved in the three-time world champions’ matchday squad.
“Beaudie has got to be in there somewhere,” Spencer added. “I think we are going to need that experience, we are going to need his composure, we are going to need his leadership.
“Especially in big games and tight games.”
Blues head coach Leon MacDonald praised Barrett, after he shone in the win over the Rebels, and suggested the 112-Test veteran didn’t deserve the criticism he received after his team suffered a 20-13 defeat to the Chiefs in their Round Six clash in Hamilton the previous week.
Mo’unga’s attacking threat
But Spencer believes Mo’unga is a busier ball carrier and better at beating tacklers. He also said Barrett was less likely to take on the defence and seemed shy to make contact.
“He’s (Mo’unga) more of a threat,” he said. “Beauden to me at the moment looks hesitant. He is lacking a little bit of confidence.
“It looks like to me he doesn’t want to take contact, so he is not taking the ball to the line. I can’t remember one instance last night (when the Blues played the Rebels) where he actually took the ball to the line and got tackled or made contact with a defender.”
Spencer also questioned the All Blacks’ game plan to bring out the best in Mo’unga and his attacking abilities.
Unlike at the Crusaders, where Mo’unga has the freedom to attack, Spencer said the All Blacks were more structured.
When asked if Mo’unga was given the “car keys” to the All Blacks, Spencer said: “I don’t think he has, no. I think they have got a bit of stranglehold on the way he is playing at the moment.”
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