All Blacks Icon Drops a Bombshell: What's Really Holding Back Scott Robertson's Squad in Their Quest for Rugby Glory?
Imagine the thrill of watching New Zealand's All Blacks gunning for a Grand Slam—a rare feat where they sweep all four home nations in a single season. It's the stuff of legends, and fans worldwide are buzzing. But legendary back-rower Murray Mexted, a true icon of the game, has just thrown a curveball, pinpointing what he sees as the only major flaw in head coach Scott Robertson's carefully selected team. In his eyes, the All Blacks' loose forwards—those versatile players who charge into tackles, win turnovers, and support the scrum—lack the sheer bulk needed to dominate in the air. And this, he argues, could be the difference between triumph and heartbreak on their upcoming tour.
But here's where it gets controversial... Mexted isn't just nitpicking; he's calling out a perceived imbalance that could undermine their performance. The All Blacks kick off their campaign against Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago on November 1, a clash that promises fireworks. From there, they'll jet to the UK for matches against Scotland at Murrayfield on November 8, England at Twickenham on November 15, and Wales at the Principality Stadium on November 22. It's a grueling schedule against some of the toughest teams in rugby, where every possession counts.
Robertson has assembled a 36-man squad, balancing 20 forwards with 16 backs. For beginners, forwards are the powerhouse players who handle the rough-and-tumble up close, while backs add speed and flair from behind. Yet Mexted, speaking on the DSPN podcast with Martin Devlin, is vocal about the seven loose forwards in the mix. These are the flankers and number eights who roam the field, but he believes only two—Simon Parker and Samipeni Finau—have the height and strength to reliably snatch opposition lineout throws. (For those new to rugby, a lineout is like a restart after the ball goes out of play; teams throw it in, and the bigger players jump to catch it, giving their side a huge advantage.)
Mexted emphasizes this isn't just a minor detail—it's crucial. He points out that in recent series against Australia and South Africa, New Zealand struggled to secure over 50% of the ball, leaving them on the back foot. 'You’ve got to have the ball,' he insists, echoing a timeless truth in sport. Without possession, victory is a pipe dream. And this is the part most people miss: in today's high-scoring rugby, where tries (touchdowns, essentially) are king and defenses are relentless, kicking goals for points like in the old days just doesn't cut it anymore. Scores have skyrocketed, making ball control essential.
Yet, Mexted praises the selectors for their overall choices—they've tested numerous players and gotten most of it spot-on. But the loose forwards? That's where he's frustrated. 'They’re still experimenting,' he notes, highlighting examples like Tupou Vaa'i, who was shifted to blindside flanker and showed promise, only to be moved back to lock. Now, with four locks but seven loose forwards, and specifically four or five openside flankers (the ones who specialize in stealing the ball from rucks), Mexted wonders if the team is hedging bets because sizes are so comparable among the likes of Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali'i, and others. It's a bold stance—some might argue versatility and skill trump raw size, sparking debate on whether modern rugby favors finesse over physicality.
Interestingly, this isn't new for Mexted; he's been banging the drum about this issue for the past year, responding to critics who ask why he keeps 'harping' on it. His response? It's simple: without dominating aerial possession, the All Blacks are fighting an uphill battle against elite opposition.
And this is where you come in—what do you think? Is Murray Mexted spot on, or is the All Blacks' strategy more nuanced than he gives credit for? Could experimenting with different players actually pay off, or does size remain the undeniable edge in lineouts? Do you side with tradition, emphasizing physical dominance, or do you believe technique and agility can overcome it? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take! For more insights, check out this related piece: 'All Blacks Rookie Reflects on Debut Against Rugby's Speed Demon, Cheslin Kolbe'.
