Justin Marshall’s All Blacks against France: ‘The best full-back in the world is a load of boll*cks’

Former international scrum-half Justin Marshall has named the All Blacks XV he believes can beat France when they play next week.

Speaking on the Sky Sport programme, SeparationMarshall made his choice clear, saying: “If the French were there next week and we didn’t have Ardie Saveas, Richie Mo’ungas and Scott Barretts and we had to put that aside. you as a nation, and we as rugby fans would love to support you and know that they can continue to win…

“I think it’s very important. The second part of that is: are we going to be ready to change? Are we going to be able to take that first big step? And it’s going to take a little pain to do that, but also to sweep the cloth a little bit, that’s why I decided that if you put this side, can we hope for the future?

The All Blacks are far from the world-beating side they once were and, in recent years, have been overshadowed by their bitter rivals, the Springboks, who, in 2023, won a record fourth World Cup, more than the All Blacks’ three.

Since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, we have played in South Africa between then and now; they won seven, we won four,” continued Marshall.

“They are still the number one team in the world, however they have created more depth as they manage us. The likes of Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-MngomezuluGrant Williams and Damian Willemse come all in.”

The All Blacks made a major change in leadership, sacking their coach, Scott Robertson, and bringing in D.ave Rennie to lead the club to the 2027 World Cup just 18 months away. He has a big job ahead of him, but Marshall believes now is the time to bring some new blood into the team.

“France, who I had trouble getting out of their B group [to New Zealand]but Fabien Galthienow, since the players who played in New Zealand have gone very well, they are already using it Theo Attissogbe, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Pierre-Louis Barassi in institutions. They are all part of the starting group, so they have changed. So are we willing to take that collective step of faith?

“So, throw it away, it’s a wash. There are other players out there who you’ll see who are part of the All Blacks core in recent days. But there’s also a great, big step towards the future.”

Justin Marshall’s All Blacks XV

“There’s been a lot of discussion about where that No.10 jersey goes, and have we replaced Dan Carter? Beauden Barrett has obviously been central to that jersey, but if we’re going to go into the future, can we do that?

“The midfield is still a big problem in the middle. I think Jordie is playing the best rugby he has played in a very long time. But I think a guy like Quinn Tupaea is playing very good rugby. He could play in the middle well, and Leicester Fainga’anuku needs more time in the jersey,and one obvious one is Caleb Tangitau.”