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'If they lose against Scotland, I'm okay with that': Muliaina on All Blacks' Northern Tour priorities
By Ned Lester
Ex-All Black Mils Muliaina has revealed how he would manage the All Blacks' playing time over the Northern Tour, which includes fielding the strongest possible team against Japan but not against Scotland.
Muliaina was debating the best way to execute New Zealand's Northern Tour with former All Black Jeff Wilson and Black Fern Chelsea Semple on The Breakdown when his claim to be unbothered by the All Blacks potentially losing to Scotland for the first time in history was met with disbelief.
The major discussion point was finding the balance between exposing young players to test-level rugby before next year's World Cup and building momentum and confidence within the first-choice XV.
"This isn't a Rugby World cup practice run," Muiliaina stated. "What we've got to get out of it is, there's two things; get momentum, which is what we want, we want to be winning games. But, also introduce guys.
"So when do we introduce guys? I don't think it's the first game against Japan, because of the layoff that the guys have had.
"I think it's the Scottish test."
Scotland finished fourth in this year's Six Nations after beating England to retain the Calcutta Cup in round one, then defeating Italy in round 5. The Scotts then lost their three-game series against Argentina in July.
In Japan's four matches this year, they have beaten Uruguay twice but also lost twice to France.
"I think you go in there (to Japan) and you say 'well let's put our best team available.'
"Perofeta probably gets in there because you know, Barrett's out. It's a great way to introduce someone into that.
"You lead into the Welsh test and you're humming."
Ian Foster will be forced to make some changes for the Japan test regardless of his initial plans, due to a number of players being ruled unavailable through injury and bereavement leave.
"Ok, the Scottish test you might want to say 'well Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, do we bring him off the bench? Do we introduce another couple of other guys?'
"Because then there's a short turnaround before... I think that England game has got to be the one that they win.
"Japan, let's get a lead on after a five-week break, then you go into Wales and you're really humming, maybe pull a few guys out and test a few guys against Scotland, if they lose in Scotland, mate, I'm ok with that.
This statement caused Jeff Wilson to interject "stop it, you are not ok with us losing to Scotland!"
"I will be ok with that, if they come away with the English test and they're really humming, I think they'll go into 2024 really confident."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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