Justin Marshall Criticizes All Blacks’ Back-Row Selection Strategy
Former All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall has voiced strong disapproval of head coach Scott Robertson’s decision to retain Ardie Savea at number eight throughout the recent mid-year series. Marshall’s critique centers on Robertson’s choice to overlook Savea for the openside flanker position, which Marshall believes could have offered valuable tactical insights and development opportunities.
In a series that saw Savea consistently playing at number eight in matches against England and Fiji, Marshall argues that the Fijian test was a missed opportunity to explore alternative back-row configurations. He suggests that moving Savea to openside flanker, with either Ethan Blackadder or emerging talent Wallace Sititi at number eight, could have tested new combinations and addressed pressing squad questions.
Marshall points out that players like Luke Jacobson, though reliable, do not provide new insights, whereas Blackadder, who has been underutilized recently, needed game time. Additionally, Sititi could have been assessed in a significant role.
“Ardie Savea’s versatility could have been better leveraged by shifting him to openside flanker,” Marshall said. “The Fiji game was the perfect chance to experiment. Instead, they opted for familiar faces and missed out on testing different combinations.”
Marshall also expressed concern over the lack of a settled back-row trio for the All Blacks, drawing comparisons to the successful combinations of past teams, such as Mike Brewer, Zinzan Brooke, and Michael Jones. He emphasized that a strong, cohesive back-row is crucial for the team’s performance.
“The synergy of a back-row trio is essential,” Marshall added. “The game has evolved, and the role of the openside flanker has changed, but we need to find a combination that works well together and complements each other’s strengths.”
Marshall’s comments highlight ongoing debates about team selection and strategy as the All Blacks prepare for future challenges on the international stage.
