Mark Reason: Strengths and weaknesses of the All Blacks first-five contenders

Michael Cheika : It doesnt really concern me I suppose but what I do know is this â“ Beauden Barrett has been the best player in world rugby for the last two years in a row and hes an exceptional player, Cheika told Australian media.Ive coached teams that have felt his wrath personally and his skill and ability.Why are we even debating this?

Im sticking with Steve Hansens reasoning, Reason. At this stage, Beauden Barrett, world rugby player of the year the last two years, that award is not given out lightly, so hes earned it. Moungas pedigree is yet to be proven at Test level, he is a quality player and will get his chance, lets just see how this pans out, shall we.....

I am so glad that you are never going to be an ALL BLACK selector .

haha better defender than Carter?

That seems a pretty fair assessment to me .........at super rugby level which is a whole world away from test rugby. Until I see a lot more of how RM performs at test level I reserve any real opinion.

i laugh you say barrett was best full back in the world sorry but in my opinion benn smith has been hands down and i agree with the comment barrett worlds best two years in a row yet you have richie is points ahead. wowee no words just that!

Possibly Canterbury in England, yes.

why would you play him ahead of Barrett though when Barrett has performed outstandingly at test level...I could understand your argument if Barrett was playing poorly at test level but he has been awesome...world rugby recognized that 2 years running...the mounga cheerleading team just cant see it...take a deep breath and calm down..barrett could get injured next weekend and then mounga is in like Flynn..be patient as his time will come

Well he cannot perform at test level until he gets the chance now can he?!

The best piece I have ever read from Reason. For once 1 to his name. Analytical and probing.

All the comments saying that Mounga isnt that good because he hasnt performed in the ABs are funny as. He hasnt really played for them and the debate is that he should because he has been in such great form!! I understand you people dont like him because his Crusaders team is better than your team - but grow up.

Barrett will lose us the next world cup??wow do you read tarot cards and have a crystal ball as well?

We will need all three (+ at least another two?) between now and the WC. They will all get plenty of game time and will be used in ways to highlight their strengths. It is unlikely that all of them will be injury free, so I hope they can be managed well and we can give a couple more players some international experience.

Because his being very good doesnt preclude other players from being better. Thats why top players eventually get dropped. So despite Cheikas view, which as far as we know could be a tactical comment because he wants Barrett to play, and despite your frustration, the debate will continue.

Im sure that will happen at some stage..just a matter of when

Lol mate until mounga and dmac get more tests at 10 you cant really compare those two to b.b lol hes the reigning two time player of the year, one good season in super rugby and apparently mounga is 8 points better than Barrett?hahahaha what a joke

The stats show that Barrett missed 27% of tackles he attempted in Super Rugby this year, and Mounga missed 27.8%. Not exactly the earth-shattering difference you imply.You also seem amazed that Mounga is rated as a leader, despite the fact that he is seen directing his forwards and, as Reason notes, leading the half-time huddle in the final. Barrett is a very good player, as you say. Theres no need to get wound up just because someone suggests another player is equally good.

Probably a fair summary, but no mention of the guy who steered Waihi Athletic to their first Thames Valley finals victory in the Clubs history. How good is that !!

How about we just include all 3 in game day 23: Barrett 15 (Smith 14) Mounga 10 Makenzie bench.

yes saders but why would you replace someone thats in form?..barrett has to have a bad run of form for him to be replaced..cant understand peoples logic that want to see mounga replace barrett when barretts in test form???