All Blacks v South Africa: Wallace Sititi puts hand up to answer troublesome No 6 questions

Since Jerome Kaino’s exit in 2017, the All Blacks ’ No 6 jersey has at times been a revolving door for players wanting to make it their own. Just as quickly as someone has laid claim to being a mainstay on the blindside of the scrum, they’ve either faded or lost in a challenge to the next man up. Akira Ioane always showed promise, but could never consistently string a series of world-class displays together.

Vaea Fifita did the same before he said goodbye to New Zealand. Luke Jacobson’s form at Super Rugby level has warranted an extended spell, only for his versatility to pencil him in as a perfect bench player - capable of covering any of the loose forward trio. Samipeni Finau started this year at No 6 but was badly exposed in Johannesburg.



Meanwhile, players like Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea and Dalton Papali’i were all trialled at No 6, despite their best positions being elsewhere..