Dave Rennie reveals how Will Jordan conversation led to surprise All Blacks back three selection: ‘Two best full-backs in the world’
Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie in action for the All Blacks.
All Blacks boss Dave Rennie insists that Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan are the “best full-backs in the world” after he named his side to face France on Saturday.
New Zealand’s head coach, who will take charge of his first game this weekend, sprung a few selection surprises, including picking both McKenzie and Jordan in the starting XV.
With the latter recovering from injury, many expected him to feature in the 15 jersey but Rennie has decided to select the duo in a back three which also features Caleb Clarke.
That effectively gives them three out-and-out playmakers in the backline, alongside Ruben Love at fly-half and Jordie Barrett at centre, but the right wing also has an excellent ability to see opportunities and call plays.
Conversation with Will Jordan
“Yep, the two best full-backs in the world both on the field at the same time,” the All Blacks boss told reporters when asked about his 23-man squad.
“I spoke to Will about a couple of months ago when I was down here with the Crusaders and spoke to him about full-back versus wing.
“He said a couple of years ago he would have always said full-back but now he’s happy with either.
“I think the type of game that Will plays, he will get his hands on the ball a lot and having a couple of guys in the backfield with that sort of skill set – great aerially, excellent kicking games – I’m optimistic we’ll have a crack when it’s on.
“It’s really exciting for us. Damian’s covering 10, Will covers 15 but it’s exciting to have of those guys on the park.”
Those individuals will look to help the in-form Love, who will be playing his first Test at fly-half after a stunning season for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific.
The pressure will be on for the 25-year-old to perform this weekend but he is helped by having two club team-mates alongside him in the key decision-making positions.
“He’s been outstanding. I’m sure there won’t be too many arguments about that selection. He sits in amongst Cam and Jordie, which will give him a lot of comfort. There is combination and communication,” he said.
“He’s done a fantastic job has Ruben, he’s really confident, really clear, has spent a lot of time with [attack coach] Mike [Blair], so his ability, even in the meetings running things, has been impressive.”
Breakout star on the bench
Rennie resisted stacking his backline with players from the Super Rugby champions with Billy Proctor, Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby not in the run-on side.
Proctor and Fineanganofo have made the bench, however, and there will be particular intrigue over the latter given his exploits this season, but Rennie has gone with experience and aerial skills for the Nations Championship opener.
“We’re expecting a lot of contestable kicking from the French. Caleb Clarke’s excellent going both ways, obviously with Will and Damian in the backfield, we felt that was the best mix for the French,” he added.
