Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina have slammed NZ Rugby’s refusal to fast-track the return of Japan-based stars into the national set-up.
Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga and flank Shannon Frizell are back in New Zealand after stints with the Toshiba Brave Lupus.
However, despite new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie wanting Mo’unga available as soon as possible, NZ Rugby insists he must first play for Canterbury in the NPC before becoming eligible.
That means October’s Bledisloe Cup clashes are currently the earliest Mo’unga could feature for the All Blacks – and he will miss the home Nations Championship Tests in July as well as the Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa in August and September.
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Speaking on The Breakdown, Wilson argued that the pair would benefit far more from training with the national side than playing NPC rugby.
“They need to be with the All Blacks,” said the former All Blacks wing. “Training with the All Blacks, 15 minutes of 15-on-15 versus multiple NPC games, you will get so much more benefit out of that in terms of preparation.”
“The sooner that a Shannon Frizell, Richie Mo’unga can get into the environment to prepare themselves for what is coming up for them [the better].”
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Muliaina was even more direct in his criticism.
“What’s the benefit of this rule that they’ve got to play an NPC game? It’s our own rule, it’s not a global rule. Come on,” said the former All Blacks fullback.
“You’re doubling down on this and it’s a rule they can actually change. I’m dumbfounded as to why they don’t just roll with it.
“They’re coming back and they’re going to be in the All Blacks environment, so why do they need to tick this box?”
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Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
The post Ex-All Blacks ‘dumbfounded’ by NZ Rugby stance appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina have slammed NZ Rugby’s refusal to fast-track the return of Japan-based stars into the national set-up.
The post Ex-All Blacks ‘dumbfounded’ by NZ Rugby stance appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
