The All Blacks are getting their band back together, but will the veterans strike the right notes? With the Bledisloe Cup on the line, Dave Rennie has recalled Richie Mo'unga, Scott Barrett, and Shannon Frizell, all of whom played in the 2023 World Cup final. This move raises questions about the team's rejuvenation and the longevity of its key players. While the Springboks have a similar issue with their veterans, the All Blacks have a lower average age and fewer players in their late 30s. This could be a strategic advantage, but it also means that the team needs to be careful about over-relying on these players. One of the key talking points is the decision to appoint Codie Taylor as captain, despite his age and competition from other players. This move shows Rennie's faith in an older athlete, but it also raises questions about the team's leadership and the emergence of new leaders. The All Blacks have a low turnover in this cycle, but the question remains about how much they have refreshed the team. The returning trio of Barrett, Mo'unga, and Frizell will be 33 at the World Cup, and the team needs to be careful about their fitness and form. Rennie has hinted that Frizell needs to get himself fitter to play the game the All Blacks want, and he is confident that the old guard can still squeeze out some more juice. The fly-half stakes are also competitive, with Rennie committed to Ruben Love as the first choice 10 and Mo'unga mentoring the youngster. The All Blacks need to find a balance between experience and rejuvenation, and the question remains about how they will approach the upcoming Bledisloe Tests and the World Cup.
