New Zealand rugby is in chaos — and one of its most respected legends isn’t holding back. Former All Blacks star Murray Mexted has slammed the current state of New Zealand’s loose forward lineup, calling it nothing short of a “bloody mess.” Despite a largely successful 2025 season — with ten wins in thirteen matches — the All Blacks fell short where it mattered most: missing out on both the Rugby Championship crown and a coveted Grand Slam. But here’s where it gets interesting — Mexted believes the root of the problem isn’t performance, but direction.
The Ardie Savea Shift
Under head coach Scott Robertson, the All Blacks made a bold move at the start of the year by shifting Ardie Savea from his usual number eight role to openside flanker. Robertson’s experimentation didn’t stop there; he rotated a series of players through the remaining back-row spots, searching for the perfect combination. According to Mexted, however, this constant shuffling has created confusion instead of clarity.
“The loose forwards are a bloody mess,” the 71-year-old said bluntly in an interview with DSPN’s Martin Devlin. “We used to be so strong in that area that two of our three starting players could make a world XV. Now, that’s simply not the case.” He went on to argue that the global stage has caught up — or even surpassed — the All Blacks in this traditionally dominant area. “They’re still fooling around with the positions,” Mexted added. “No one seems to have found the right formula yet.”
Searching for the Right Combination
Throughout the season, a host of players were tested alongside Savea, including Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi, Simon Parker, Peter Lakai, and Christian Lio-Willie. Toward the end of the Test season, Lakai seized the number eight jersey, while Sititi alternated between number eight and blindside flanker. Mexted praised some of their athletic qualities but remains unconvinced whether either player has cemented his role.
“The jury’s still out,” he admitted. “Lakai has experience across six, seven, and eight, but what’s his real position? Honestly, his future might be at openside flanker — and that worries me. If that’s true, who becomes our next genuine number eight?” He even suggested looking to younger prospects or converting locks to fill the gap in balance and power.
The Size and Skill Debate
Mexted noted that lately, players like Vaa’i and Parker have been tried as blindside flankers to bring more height and strength around the breakdown — a tactical move he supports. “I prefer a bigger number six,” he explained, pointing to Chiefs forward Naitoa Ah Kuoi as an example of underused versatility. “He’s not tall enough to be an international lock, but he’s an outstanding ball player. He should be lining up at blindside flanker in Super Rugby.”
This view might ruffle some feathers among fans who believe positions should stay consistent, but Mexted’s argument taps into a longstanding rugby debate: should the modern loose trio prioritize explosive power or all-around agility? It’s a question that could reshape how New Zealand rebuilds its forward pack heading into the next World Cup.
And here’s the part most people miss: even after a nearly 80% win rate, New Zealand is still wrestling with identity issues in the pack — the very area that once made them untouchable. So what’s really wrong? Is Robertson’s tactical experimentation a sign of innovation, or proof that the All Blacks are losing their grip on global dominance?
What’s your take — does Mexted have a point, or is he resisting necessary evolution? Where do you stand on the All Blacks’ selection gamble in the loose forwards? Drop your thoughts below — this debate is far from over.