Overview

• New Zealand closed an inconsistent Rugby Championship with two wins over the Wallabies but lost the title on points differential after a record defeat to South Africa and a first loss in Argentina.
• Scott Robertson has used 43 players and nine rookies to build depth, with the lineout a relative strength and the scrum, breakdown and aerial work still flagged as vulnerabilities.
• A reshaped back row is forming around Ardie Savea with Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi and Simon Parker pushing established options such as Dalton Papali’i and Ethan Blackadder to the fringes.
• Form risers include Leroy Carter with three tries in three tests, Quinn Tupaea after a standout shift at centre in Perth, and Leicester Faingaʻanuku as a renewed midfield or bench option.
• Injuries to Tupou Vaa'i and Tyrel Lomax remain significant as Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke and Ethan de Groot are expected to return, with the squad to be named early next week before opening against Ireland in Chicago.