NICK CAIN
Rumours that New Zealand are in a state of flux heading into their two-Test summer series against England should be handled with care. Even without All Blacks on Japanese sabbaticals, or post World Cup retirees, new coach Scott Robertson has plenty to play with.
New Zealand had three teams in the Super Rugby semi-finals, with the Blues beating the Brumbies and the Chiefs seeing off the Hurricanes to set up an all-Kiwi final.
England will face not just a new crop of rising stars, but also 13 of the of last year’s World Cup final 23, including Scott Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, and Mark Telea. Add to that Ardie Savea, and possibly Shannon Frizell, and they will be ready to roll.
