We are firmly into the selection season. Today it’s New Zealand’s privilege to announce their squad for the World Cup
It’s now possible to compare the different approaches of the managements of the leading contenders.
The NZ staff, consisting of four men, has opted, like Canada, for the wiser split of 19: 13 in favour of the forwards.
The division of forces makes a striking contrast with the England squad, most obviously a prop – 7 against 5! Much depends on versatility; and there the English have the advantage. But front-rows are the pillars of society.
The addition of a 33rd name only adds to my point. Unlike their Canadian and English rivals, they offer Krystal Murray as a non-travelling replacement. That makes 8 potential props, though asking a player to fly halfway across the world at some unspecified stage of the competition seems an unreasonable request.
Like John Mitchell and Kevin Rouet, the Kiwi selectors have been happy to rely on senior players with majestic records, led by Kelly Brazier making her fourth RWC appearance.
It’s noticeable that the four most experienced are all backs. That means the exclusion of Hannah King, long seen as the heir presumptive to Ruahei Demant’s No 10 shirt.
At the other end of the age-range we find Braxton Sorensen-McGee, at 18 three years younger than England’s equivalent, Lilli Ives-Campion.
People worldwide point to the presence of so many outstanding 7s players, led by Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. In that respect they are matched by Canada with seven silver medallists. And their watchword is “One Team”, points to the need for full integration.
In this respect England are unconcerned, their 7s players having been deserted by the RFU and forced across to the 15s squad, where they are now indistinguishable from the rest.
The presence of so many great 7s players in the Canadian, Kiwi and (still to come) French squads adds more savour to the recipe.
Recent history
Here’s a brief list of test matches played across the past year:
v Canada 27-27; v USA 79-14; v Oz 38-12 and 67-19; v Canada 19-22.
It points to the ongoing weakness the Kiwis suffer, lack of meaningful competition. They were grateful for the introduction of WXV, but in the 2024 version they came third behind England and Canada. The Pac-4 series hardly benefits them; they win easily. The twice-yearly contests with Oz now stand at 29-0.
The recent inaugural trip to South Africa was a chance for the selectors to look at the less obvious contenders.
On balance it helped the Boks far more.
Calls keep coming for more tests to be offered, as per the All Blacks; the NZR board remains deaf to entreaties.
So once again the players have to rely on their own undoubted talents. They used to be all-sufficient; not any more.
Afterthought
We still await news of the French squad, but the FFR is pulling out all the stops to encourage fans to give their full support.
