‘All Blacks fly-half rivalry not a boxing match’ – Ian Foster

Colin Newboult

Richie Mo’unga of the All Blacks celebrates his try during the third Bledisloe Cup Rugby match between New Zealand All Blacks and Australia Wallabies at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Saturday, October 31, 2020. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster insists that there is a friendly rivalry between Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett as they battle for the fly-half jersey.

The All Blacks have shelved the idea of them playing together following their World Cup elimination in 2019 and the team’s mixed 2020 campaign.

They are therefore competing for the same spot, with Mo’unga getting the nod against Tonga and Barrett taking the reins last weekend.

The Crusaders star has been preferred for this week, however, and Foster says that the 27-year-old is slightly ahead in the pecking order.

Mo’unga ahead on points

“It’s not like we’re trying to design a big boxing match with one against the other,” Foster told reporters. “We’re trying to grow our 10s in terms of understanding how to play.”

“I’d give Richie the points based on the first two games but to be fair, we always expected that.

“I thought Beauden made a lot of really good decisions (last week against Fiji) but his instincts were probably just a fraction off and that’s why we’re keen to keep playing him and keep getting him more and more time.

“He’s not far off where we need him to be.”

Mo’unga will form a familiar partnership in midfield as the Crusaders’ David Havili once again gets an opportunity at centre.

Havili plays alongside Anton Lienert-Brown as the All Blacks attempt to find a solution to their troublesome centre pairing.

“I think it’s good for David to have another run as I was impressed with him last week in his composure and his decision-making,” Foster said.

“And clearly with Anton, he’s had an injury that’s kept him out so it’s important to get him back in.

“So it was a reasonably simple selection for us this week.”

Rieko Ioane has been tried at centre while talented youngster Quinn Tupaea was handed his debut against Tonga, but the All Blacks have yet to find the right combination.

“It’s that awkward balance of having a look at all the different combinations but also growing what we want to do,” Foster added.

“If you look at the combinations, the exciting thing is – everyone is going to focus on what the No.1 combo is – but Quinn has come in and played really, really well at 12 and also we’re really pleased with the progress of Rieko.

“It’s given us some nice options looking forward.”