Analysis: Impressive utility wing Leroy Carter could be set for his All Blacks debut in Wellington this weekend as the All Blacks search for further improvement following their hard fought 24-17 win over the Springboks at Eden Park.
Carter’s selection could be at the expense of veteran Rieko Ioane who has battled to make an impact since switching from the midfield to the left wing, while Will Jordan could be retained on the right, making way for Damien McKenzie to start at fullback.
Carter’s initial call up to the All Blacks was not without drama, discovering just days before the team’s scheduled departure for Argentina that his dog had eaten his passport.
Boasting more than 100 appearances for the All Blacks Sevens side, Carter made 11 appearances for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific this season, crossing for nine tries.
The Bay of Plenty flyer was called into the All Blacks squad as injury cover for Caleb Clarke who, adding further intrigue, is also available for selection this week.
The All Blacks have an opportunity to change up their game plan this week after taking a kick-heavy approach at Eden Park. The home side scored three tries in the match, two through planned moves that will have given them a confidence boost following a scrappy and disorganised showing against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
With the Springboks making wholesale changes to their backline, Scott Robertson and his coaching staff may consider green-lighting an attack plan that allows the team to keep the ball in hand for longer periods, thus providing more opportunities to attack with width.
This would suit the likes of Carter, and McKenzie, who proved a formidable combination at Super Rugby level with the Chiefs.