Whitelock’s absence provides selection conundrum

Amateur selectors’ brains will be whirring over the next 24 hours as they try to predict what sort of All Blacks team will be named for the second test in Dunedin.

The possibility of naming an unchanged starting XV following the 42-19 win at Eden Park has been wrecked thanks to the absence of Sam Whitelock with delayed-onset concussion.

That means a tricky call for coach Ian Foster at lock to go with debates in a couple of other positions.

Scott Barrett
Scott Barrett
Presumably, Scott Barrett will return to his regular place in the second row, although his appearance at blindside in the first test was generally well reviewed.

The alternative is inserting recalled lock Patrick Tuipolotu straight into the pack.

That seems unlikely, given the Aucklander has been playing in Japan and his only recent action has been a game for the Ponsonby club in Auckland.

So, if Barrett returns to lock, who plays on the blindside?

Akira Ioane — who has the height to provide another lineout option — could be a straight replacement, or captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea could make a dual-openside combination with Hoskins Sotutu named at No 8.

Or does Foster leave Savea, the All Blacks’ most influential forward with ball in hand, at No 8 and try Dalton Papalii alongside Cane?

The front row might have at least one change, Nepo Laulala (if he is fit) replacing Ofa Tuungafasi at tighthead, and two if it is determined Samisoni Tukei’aho really needs a start at hooker to harness all of his explosiveness.

Otago prop George Bower has been solid at loosehead and will relish a start at his home stadium.

Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece and Jordie Barrett will surely keep the same jerseys in the backline.

That means big calls to make at No 12 and wing.

Quinn Tupaea was decent in his sixth start at second five on Saturday, but there will be a temptation to get Jack Goodhue or David Havili back into the mix if it is determined they are up to it after time out with Covid.

That assumes the All Blacks are not yet ready to give Roger Tuivasa-Sheck his test rugby debut.

It should be more clearcut at wing, with star man Will Jordan likely to return — if he is ready after his own Covid spell — in place of the promising Leicester Fainga’anuku.

Naturally, Highlanders fans will be eager to see halfback Folau Fakatava given a chance to make his test debut off the bench at home.