England vs New Zealand: Changes to All Blacks' back division show Steve Hansen's wonderful imagination

World Cup winner Israel Dagg speaks to Will Macpherson about the threats posed by New Zealand's dynamic backs in Yokohama
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Israel Dagg24 October 2019

A year ago, you wouldn’t have picked this All Blacks team. You’d have had Ben Smith at full-back, Rieko Ioane on the wing and Beauden Barrett at No10.

Just one of the backs who will start against England in Yokohama on Saturday started the knockout matches at the World Cup in England four years ago.

Only Aaron Smith, the scrum-half, remains but coach Steve Hansen and the All Blacks’ management team have a wonderful imagination. World Cup years do that.

The tournament brings something different, guys come from nowhere. It happened in 2015, too.

Here’s my guide to the men who will be playing outside Smith…

Israel Dagg

No10: Richie Mo'unga

For the last three years, he has been player of the year in Super Rugby. You have to have both him and Beauden Barrett in the team.

Richie kicks all his goals, and you need someone to keep building that pressure. He didn’t miss a kick in the play-offs of Super Rugby this year.

No12: Anton Lienert-Brown

England will know all about this guy because he is up there with the best centres in the world. Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams can’t get in the team, which shows how good Anton and Jack Goodhue are.

No13: Jack Goodhue

He is defensively sound, very fit and is a great offloader. Just quality.

His mullet is disgusting, he needs to cut that off! I think he’s getting married later in the year, so it will be interesting to see if he is still wearing it then. He is a serious player, though.

His biggest attribute is his defence. He’s like a Conrad Smith: not the most explosive, but absolutely key.

Jack Goodhue
Getty Images

No11: George Bridge

He's my wife’s cousin and went to the same school as me. He was a little battler, liked his rugby, played Second XV until his last year, when he made the step up. He shows what hard work can do.

He didn’t have all the skills, but his work ethic is amazing. He gets off his wing, is quick, can finish and his defence is as good as any winger.

No14: Sevu Reece

He was playing in Waikato and was about to move to Connacht, in Ireland. Then I had to retire and my Crusaders contract became available, so he moved to Christchurch.

If the All Blacks win the World Cup, I can say I’ve played my part! Straight away, he was top try-scorer for the Crusaders. What a story!

Beauden Barrett
AFP via Getty Images

No15: Beauden Barrett

I think he’s the best player in the world at the moment. Playing full-back gives him so much time on the ball and that makes him more of a game-breaker. I don’t know if England will kick him the ball, but if they do, then good luck.

He has pace to burn and can spot a hole the size of an ant from miles away. He kicks with both feet, can play golf with both hands. He’s an absolute freak, it makes me sick!

Land Rover is Official Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2019. With over 20 years of heritage supporting rugby at all levels, Land Rover is celebrating what makes rugby, rugby. #LandRoverRugby

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