Israel Dagg has given his thoughts on who should start in the number 10 jersey for the All Blacks in their upcoming match against the Springboks.
Dagg identified Richie Mo’unga as the ideal starter, who becomes available after completing quarantine after the birth of his second child.
Mo’unga was chosen over Beauden Barrett as he provides pace and security to the team, meaning Barrett would have to slot into a bench role following Saturday’s tight victory.
“His ability to shut down the ball with speed out wide and use his speed to defend was an unbelievable asset for him being at centre (earlier this year),” Dagg said of Mo’unga on SENZ Breakfast.
“That’s the reason I feel like they put him at centre to shore up that midfield role.
“We know how lighting quick he is, he is unbelievably fast.”
Mo’unga has previously been the All Blacks first choice for the number 10 position, starting there for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“For us, it was easier to chuck Richie Mo’unga (at number 10) just to give us some surety … he can make tackles, if he couldn’t, he wouldn’t be part of the equation,” Dagg said.
Barrett has played 97 matches with 36 tries to his name, while Mo’unga has played 26 with seven tries scored.
The All Blacks are scheduled to play the Springboks at CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Saturday, following their narrow 19–17 victory in Townsville last week.