All Blacks can mount World Cup tilt, if they can keep Jordie Barrett and Cam Roigard fit

Gregor Paul argues that the All Blacks' World Cup ambitions rely heavily on keeping scrum-half Cam Roigard and inside centre Jordie Barrett healthy. Both players proved pivotal during New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia, where Roigard's tactical kicking and Barrett's physicality shifted momentum after an early 7-0 deficit. Head coach Dave Rennie praised Barrett as the best midfielder in the world following the victory.

However, Paul highlights that scrum-half and inside centre remain the squad's primary areas lacking adequate depth. Backups Kyle Preston and Cortez Ratima reportedly trail Roigard in kicking precision and execution. Meanwhile, shifting Quinn Tupaea to cover Barrett at No 12 would leave the midfield vulnerable at outside centre.