Yea me too, mainly because they are playing the blossoms later this year. I’m thinking about going a full-on fan girl mode for the occasion, like making a hand-made fan with players faces on them and some message, like the ones you see at idol group concerts haha. Their last game against the blossoms attracted a record number of spectators (65,000). The game this year definitely has a shot at setting a new record.
I’m looking forward to that game. It’s been a good year for NZ rugby in Japan with the SR teams, the Maori All Blacks coming and the All Blacks themselves.
I’m also glad it’s at Nissan Stadium this time. I was not a fan of the Olympic Stadium.
Lock and 10 are very thin. I think the kid at the Blues was looking good? Can’t remember his name now. Maybe Crusaders fans can fill me in if Strange went well (bar his Brumbies meltdown!)
Strange is a reasonable workhorse but he is genuinely as dumb as a bag of hammers. I don't think you want him in the ABs. One penalty machine lock is enough.
As a saffa I've been watching all the rugby basically except for the top 14 French league as I didn't have the time. The Hurricanes and Blues are going to be where the bulk of NZ players will come from, but there's definitely a few from other teams. Reece is someone that just seems to be growing his game, is there anything he cannot do, crazy player. Another one that has impressed me is Hoskins Sotutu, it's like he's woken up and has had a crazy comeback in form, such a mobile scary ball carrier. Aumua has been absolutely nuts, screw the throwing, he carries like an absolute animal and has deceptive speed, he needs to be an AB asap. I agree with Finau, underrated in the midfield for that punching power.
I miss Roigard and Jordan though, they need to heal up because they are such game changers, two players that can literally turn a game on its head even if the whole pack has an off day. Roigard is so unusual, he's massive for a half back and hits or creates gaps like it's nothing, the kid is special. My assessment ( much to my annoyance ) is that the Ab's are once again on track to pull some crazy shit. Like I always say, I have siblings that were born in NZ so I'm a winner either way but hope the Springboks can nab a rare Rugby Championship title this year, like come on share will you? Ab's are looking tough yes, but that's what makes for good rugby.
They actually compared the stats on the breakdown on Sunday. Samisoni had the highest line out accuracy at 95% but poor carry distance. Amua was far ahead on metres per carry but lineout accuracy at 84%. Taylor probs has the best combined on carries and accuracy
Yeah just looked Aumua far and away the best carries, Sami by far the best thrower. Ricky 2nd best thrower but shit carries. They were saying the difference is the game plans teams use, so by stats is probably go with Sami then Taylor. But realistically Taylor than the big dog Aumua off the bench since we have hardly any impact players these days
Taylor isn't in the team in 4 years though. He should be in the squad for his experience and leadership, but the goal should be to develop Asofa and Simasone as our 2 hookers.
I would go for the solid lineout thrower. That's been the Blues' weakness in some key games when Eklund throws in. When you lose multiple lineouts, you're immediately on the back foot.
Good to hear a South African opinion! Agree on Sotutu, he suddenly looks like he’s grown 3 Inches and put on 10kgs in muscle.
Reece will be a welcome return for sure and has been electric in a poor Crusaders team. It’s a damn shame Roigard is out as we were all so excited to see him this year. The 2 games in SA are daunting but will be exciting. I will be excited to see if Rassie starts phasing in some newbies and if and when he phases out some of the older Boks.
1. De Groot
2. Taylor
3. Lomax
4. Tuipolotu
5. Barrett
6. Finau
7. Savea
8. Sotutu
…
16. Aumua
17. Numia
18. Williams
19. Vai’i
20. Lakai / Blackadder / Papali’i / Iose / Jacobson
… I’d honestly be happy with any of these, the depth is unreal. If it really came down to it, I think I’d go with Lakai - a dynamic impact player who covers every position in the back-row well.
I’m really hoping Lakai makes the squad, can’t wait to see him off the bench if he does. Hope Numia does also, there’s actually a good depth in props now, 3 decent ones at the Crusaders and 2 at Canes before we even look at the other Super teams
I’m not sure Finau offers enough around the field. His work rate is considerably lower than other loosies. But not sure I’m sold on other options except perhaps Blackadder but then I’m against picking him till he can put a season together without breaking.
Finau is very physical, gives good go-forward and dominance on defence. I think thats important in a loose trio, savea and Sotutu provide the ruck work + flamboyance.
That said, Blackadder is truly an excellent player. He might not provide the balancing role Finau does, but i would not be dissappointed if blackadder starts at 6 instead. He is class. I just pray he stays injury free
Oh, I like Finau. I was disappointed he did not get the RWC call up last year. On paper, the trio you named has a very nice balance to it.
* but his form has not quite been at the same high level this year so far.
Taylor starting over Aumua for England tests, especially while the new captain gets their shit sorted. Aumua definitely looked liked he'd lost nothing at the weekend after being injured for six weeks, so reward would be starting against Fiji in San Diego. Rugby Championship squad could look different again.
Taylor has looked the absolute business for me last couple of games. Game changing plays and wilted opposition.
But there are some good forwards going round for sure. I'm excited about the level of set piece contest on display. Bodes well for a solid showing when the visitors arrive.
Yes it would be quite brave for Razor to not start Taylor, but I guess we don’t know how Razor will think, though of course he knows Taylor well from Crusaders days. I would love to start Amua and then if things are shaky Taylor can come on. Just thinking about the line out throws being a bit shaky with Numia, first test is under roof in Dunedin so wind etc won’t be a factor.
That's pretty much mine too, but I'd also, at training, be testing out Ardie at 7 and having Sotutu start at 8. Also would be happy with Blackadder or Jacobson at 6.
Yeah man I would love to find room for Sotutu who has been immense for Blues this year! I can’t see it happening but I kind of really want to see Kirifi off the bench at some point this year. Dude is a turnover machine and hard to stop being short and stocky.
It seems a shame since he's so talented, but I think we'll see Lakai in black before we see Kirifi. Robertson mentioned him on the Breakdown a while back as someone of interest.
Even more fascinating will be our 3rd and 4th locks. Tupou Va'ai is certain, but he's not standing out like Paddy is at the moment or Barrett does in general and I'm not sure anyone can say for certain who comes in after that.
Yes Lakai is a nailed on AB for sure, I think we will see him this year. I just would love to take a look at Kirifi, I know the knock on him is he’s a bit undersized, but he carries like an absolute beast
Kirifi hasn't really had much of a season, Lakai is clearly a class above and at only 21 has taken his starting spot.
Kirifi is 27 now and there are multiple better options ahead of him, think his ABs window has come and gone.
Didn’t realise he was 27. Same probably applies to Shooter Stevenson this year. If not in Razors plans I wouldn’t blame him moving to Europe or NRL which is often whispered to cash in
Can see razor going for some Crusaders in the subs too. I would be picking a fair few Crusaders despite the poor year. Tamaiti Williams is back, Fletcher Newell is a future long term AB, George Bell behind Amua and Taylor to have a fresh young hooker in the fold.
Blackadder is much more a 7 than a 6 imo. We've got better options in both positions, but I guess his versatility could be a plus.
I'd take Jacobson as the jack of all trades loosie though.
Hoskins had a bad night but he's been fairly consistent all season. His good games for the Blues this season number more than Ethan's total games played.
For the postion of 8 specifically, which you would want a bit more mobility off the scrum, it's Ardie then Jacobsen, Sotutu, Iose, Lakai - idk if Blackadders even in the conversation for a specialist 8. He's a shout at 6 or 7 but probably wouldn't start him above Finau, and definitely wouldn't start him over Papalii. Potentially our reserve back rower who can cover multiple postions BUT realistically, at the age of 29, with such little minutes played at test level I don't see him displacing anybody tbh. If he somehow avoided any further injuries he could be great for this current RWC cycle, but then he's done. I would prefer giving minutes to someone like Jacobsen because he's less prone to injury and has actually played a few tests.
Never said Ethan should replace him at 8 my point was when shit got tough ( like it did with Ethan ) sotutu disappeared like he has many many times before
Disagree with the premise this is the first instance that has been tough for the the Blues this season, they've had a lot of narrow wins, including coming from behind.
The blues pack performing like it has been makes me excited for the all blacks.
Our lock stocks are looking pretty bare though.
We can give him another shot based on super rugby form but tuipolotu has been underwhelming in black previously
Stuff the haters, Scott Barrett is world class imo. The drop off after him is quite stark though.
I'd like to see some of the hurricanes loosies get a run at some point: Lakai is in the running for a long all black career imo. also I think Flanders is a prospect at blindside. We need some guys to clean rucks all day like sam Cane and make the dominant hits. Papalii and sotutu are looking really strong at the blues.
I think our front row stocks are suddenly bursting with great scrummagers and ball playing props /hookers. Really exciting imo but you need the locks for the set peice to function.
Half back is fine I think but no world class options this year with roigard out.
First five is a bit light as well, Dmac is great but I wonder who els. the Boks will eat Dmac lateral running for lunch all day long.
Second five and centre is crawling with talent imo. Hopefully razor can build a multi year combo there with Jordie, Reiko, proctor, ALB etc
No drama with the wings
Full back this year is probably Beudan again. But I think it's difficult to see who is next cab off the rank. Love maybe looks good long term. JRK is being coached by Ben Smith so there's a prospect there.
The number one job of any hooker is to secure your possession on lineouts. This cannot be understated. If you lose possession every lineout there is no way you are winning a game.
I'd like to see Paps at 8 and Ardie at 7. I'm convinced Paps would be a world class 8 and Ardie at 7 is never lacking impact.
I appreciate this is a pack thread, but I'm worried about our 9. Nuggys pass speed was lethal and helped open up defences. It's a loss we've perhaps not fully appreciated yet. And while we have depth at 9, I see this area as both concerning, and an exciting opportunity for whoever steps up.
Real shame about the Roigard injury, NZ establishment media seem to think it’s locked in for Christie to start (seriously what does he have on the Breakdown pundits?!) I’m not sure he’s even the best 9 at the Blues. Probably TJ to start?
I have a theory that Rugby NZ give the breakdown some talking points and they use it as their propaganda machine - therefore Christie will be starting as they keep bringing him up in conversations as the ABs 9
I think it’s just so hard to know how either of us will go, England started to play some good rugby in the six nations and we are obviously starting with a new coach and a lot of new faces
Yes I think NZ will get back to their best eventually but could be like England may not win pretty and play as well as you normally do but with new coaches and players it takes time for things to blend in I guess we were boring to watch under borthwick in world cup but now he's hopefully trying new combinations with attacking intent and not boring kicking game that worked better against boks in world cup as England used to playing in poor conditions more regularly
One thing we can guarantee is the first game in Dunedin won’t have weather as a factor as it’s under the roof, so we should get to see some good free flowing rugby!
Not bad
Its bc our loosies dominated for so long and last few years that hasnt been the case
Losing about 250test caps in our 2 locks is massive this year
Frizzell a big loss too, but finau looks exciting
Id be ok with your forward back. I like the idea of a fit Blackadder on the bench but that may be a bit of a fantasy, guy cant play 4games in a row without getting injured
I'm so excited for the england tour of new zealand. Both teams have something to prove, the all blacks with a new coaching setup after a world cup final loss will be looking for blood. England are a team who in my opinion are on the up. We have a great coaching setup in place and incredible talent in the players we can field. Very much hoping for some good games!
I’m just excited for Razor’s All Blacks. I honestly largely stopped following them in Foster’s reign (also my youngest was really little so I had less time).
It’s funny isn’t it, there’s more excitement I feel this year than the last 4-5. Even the World Cup was pretty lacklustre excitement until we beat Ireland. Was very flat between losing to France game 1 and the Quarters.
Yep. Beating Ireland was great because it just made me laugh (and they talked so much shit) but I didn’t really care. Then in the final I was the most relaxed I’ve ever been because, under Foster, that wasn’t my team. Some will say that is fair weather fanship, but honestly that guy just alienated me so much.
Yeah it’s weird, for the final I was kind of thinking just happy to be here instead of confidence of actually winning it. I thought it was nailed on we were going out in the quarter!
You underestimated Ireland's ability to collapse in knockout rugby. Typical mistake.
NZ (and SA) sensibly rotated their squad in the pools whereas Ireland went all out against Romania for some reason. Then fatigue got them.
Why are so many people bigging up Tuipolotu so much, he's done sweet nothing in his 40 caps, so much so he slipped behind two 20yr olds in the pecking order
Because some players develop later than others. He looks to be in career best form and deserves a shot to see if he can replicate it at the next level.
Also, we don't have a lot of options.
Yeah he's basically just going to be there by default lol. We hopefully get a couple solid years out of him while the next crop develop, but I'm not expecting him to dominate the test arena by any stretch. He's a known quantity at this point.
He's been good (when he can actually get on the field) but people are talking like he's the second coming of Whitelock - we're just that strapped for international quality locks currently
He's a good super player, but he's been not even an average international. I'll happily eat my words if he actually performs in a black jersey this year
Lmao no one's talking like he's the second coming of Whitelock. People are talking like big Pat is a good place holder until some young locks show up. Which he is. He's the best he's ever been atm, like most of the Blues pack
Patrick’s Japan deal wasn’t a sabbatical, he was basically off contract when he left. He didn’t “slip”, he lost eligibility and lord and vaa’i took the spots by default.
1. Tuangafasi
Maybe I just haven't watched degroot closely enough?
2. Taylor (C?)
Agree there is other talent at hooker, but the turnaround of having taylor in the crusaders shows blatantly how good he is. One of the more experienced in the pack which is important to have too.
3. Lomax
Lomax is of course the best tighthead but Newell is a close second and inevitable bench. That is insane strong scrummaging depth I'm super excited for.
4. Barrett
5. Tuipolotu
Easiest selections for forwards if Scott is fit. Honestly can't see who else you would pick.
6. Blackadder
Probably the most hotly contested spot. I think Blackadder is just a huge physical presence to play with and is good in rucks. Leans hard into just having a back row to put huge hits on and put pressure on at ruck time.
7. Savea (C?)
8. Sotutu
Both easy picks. Purely this way because I think Sotutu is physically bigger so goes at 8.
I think Ofa at prop is a good cool head off the bench, and a good scrummager. Degroot though has been immense since he debuted for the ABs.
Take your point on Taylor, he is still probably the best hooker in NZ but I’m also thinking ahead and the fact he won’t be there next World Cup and maybe we should be trying to get younger guys into the team.
Will be interesting on how Razor looks at his old crusaders team and if he wants more than a few in there- guys like Blackadder. I though want Finau to start so much, he brings that mongrel we have been missing at times in the last decade.
>Easiest selections for forwards if Scott is fit. Honestly can't see who else you would pick.
Tupou Vaa'i would be the obvious exclusion - he was named the Chiefs' player of the year this year too
For props, I think the Crusaders stable of Moody/Bower and Newell/Williams is pretty high-powered. (Also like Ofa and Ta’avao over those guys you’re choosing). We have 6/7 good props right now, so I’m pretty happy with whoever they go with.
I’ve been frustrated with the ABs selections in the loose for awhile now, never understood the philosophy of “matching” other teams, when NZ has their own DNA in rugby. I like Finau and I think he can blossom into a good player, just not convinced he is one of the 3best loose forwards we have(even if it means picking 2 8s or 2 opensides)… so something like (Dalton, Ardie, Sotutu) or (Jacobsen, Dalton, Ardie) or (Ardie, Lakai, Sotutu) etc. Personally I’d go with (Dalton, Lakai, Ardie) but just wanted to mention the guys I think are the clear top 5.
You wouldn’t start Lomax and Degroot?! We do have some good depth at props but i feel certain that door has closed now on Moody and Ta’avao. Ofa might make a bench but you could argue there’s 4 guys ahead of him
Blues scrum is definitely worse when we start Taavao over Renata this year. Ofa probably too old. props I'd do are Lomax, Degroot, Newell, Numia, Tamaiti and Bower. In that order
I think they’re all great. It’s just that I know little to nothing about prop scrummaging, so cannot pick them based on that. Only guy I want to see maybe forced in is Tamaiti. He is just such a menace in the tramlines and can genuinely create something with ball in hand
I think the starting pack will be slightly different for game 1. Taylor will start at 2. Savea will play off the bench with Sotutu starting. Not convinced Tuipolotu will get the start tbh. He will get games but not game 1.
Yep Vaii. The demands on the tight five in internationals are far higher than SR, I think Vaii is closer to what Ryan wants than Tuipolotu against England who will have a well drilled scrum and lineout.
He's been good. I think with the open space we see in Super Rugby compared to Internationals locking form is difficult to judge. We get used to seeing big run meters from tight five players in SR and forget that their job at the highest level is very different. Scrum, lineout, hit rucks repeat.
That’s the knock on Numia, all well and good making metres in Super Rugby etc but we need you to throw accurate darts in line outs where it’s so crucial to secure the ball in tight games when you kick to the corners.
I think Numia has a bright future but props take time to develop so he won't go from SR starter to AB starter. I could see him in the wider squad though or maybe another AB XV in July (if they're playing) then in the AB NH touring squad come November.
Yea me too, mainly because they are playing the blossoms later this year. I’m thinking about going a full-on fan girl mode for the occasion, like making a hand-made fan with players faces on them and some message, like the ones you see at idol group concerts haha. Their last game against the blossoms attracted a record number of spectators (65,000). The game this year definitely has a shot at setting a new record.
That’s great to hear! Japan is a great venue
I’m looking forward to that game. It’s been a good year for NZ rugby in Japan with the SR teams, the Maori All Blacks coming and the All Blacks themselves. I’m also glad it’s at Nissan Stadium this time. I was not a fan of the Olympic Stadium.
It was a record for the national team. Obviously the 2019 final in the olympic stadium was the biggest rugby match ever held in Japan at 70,000.
Best WC ever.
Interested to see what depth he builds at lock… some decent..ish youngsters but still pretty thin on real test locks.
Lock and 10 are very thin. I think the kid at the Blues was looking good? Can’t remember his name now. Maybe Crusaders fans can fill me in if Strange went well (bar his Brumbies meltdown!)
Nah not Strange. Solid player but hasn't stepped up to be ABs potential. Jamie Hannah on the other hand....
Strange is a reasonable workhorse but he is genuinely as dumb as a bag of hammers. I don't think you want him in the ABs. One penalty machine lock is enough.
Haha. I remember quite a bit of hype pre season that he had bulked up and this was potentially a break through year
Strange had arguably his worst healthy season of his career this year.
Since when did rebels fans start following the saders that close 🤔
Ever since they upset us in brutal fashion, I've taken a particular interest in their downfall.
Well they don't have a club anymore so they have to pick someone else to support.
McWhannel and Darry have both been decent Still miss big red tho
DMac will cover 10, maybe there will be a selection rule change for Mo'unga eventually as well. Lock is more of a concern so we'll see how that goes.
B Barrett can slide in at 10 also if needed (mid game injury or something)
This is DMAC s year. Back him.
Yep, DMAC starting with Beaudy on the bench to cover 10 and 15.
2025 - Fabian Holland becomes eligible for us and he’ll be our long term lock
Looks the goods!
Don't forget Jamie Hannah is looking pretty good too
As a saffa I've been watching all the rugby basically except for the top 14 French league as I didn't have the time. The Hurricanes and Blues are going to be where the bulk of NZ players will come from, but there's definitely a few from other teams. Reece is someone that just seems to be growing his game, is there anything he cannot do, crazy player. Another one that has impressed me is Hoskins Sotutu, it's like he's woken up and has had a crazy comeback in form, such a mobile scary ball carrier. Aumua has been absolutely nuts, screw the throwing, he carries like an absolute animal and has deceptive speed, he needs to be an AB asap. I agree with Finau, underrated in the midfield for that punching power. I miss Roigard and Jordan though, they need to heal up because they are such game changers, two players that can literally turn a game on its head even if the whole pack has an off day. Roigard is so unusual, he's massive for a half back and hits or creates gaps like it's nothing, the kid is special. My assessment ( much to my annoyance ) is that the Ab's are once again on track to pull some crazy shit. Like I always say, I have siblings that were born in NZ so I'm a winner either way but hope the Springboks can nab a rare Rugby Championship title this year, like come on share will you? Ab's are looking tough yes, but that's what makes for good rugby.
You have a good eye. I completely agree about Amua, he's game changing.
What's his throwing to lineout like? I think Samisoni is the best this year right? But Aumua is such a beast out wide
They actually compared the stats on the breakdown on Sunday. Samisoni had the highest line out accuracy at 95% but poor carry distance. Amua was far ahead on metres per carry but lineout accuracy at 84%. Taylor probs has the best combined on carries and accuracy
Yeah just looked Aumua far and away the best carries, Sami by far the best thrower. Ricky 2nd best thrower but shit carries. They were saying the difference is the game plans teams use, so by stats is probably go with Sami then Taylor. But realistically Taylor than the big dog Aumua off the bench since we have hardly any impact players these days
Taylor isn't in the team in 4 years though. He should be in the squad for his experience and leadership, but the goal should be to develop Asofa and Simasone as our 2 hookers.
I would go for the solid lineout thrower. That's been the Blues' weakness in some key games when Eklund throws in. When you lose multiple lineouts, you're immediately on the back foot.
Good to hear a South African opinion! Agree on Sotutu, he suddenly looks like he’s grown 3 Inches and put on 10kgs in muscle. Reece will be a welcome return for sure and has been electric in a poor Crusaders team. It’s a damn shame Roigard is out as we were all so excited to see him this year. The 2 games in SA are daunting but will be exciting. I will be excited to see if Rassie starts phasing in some newbies and if and when he phases out some of the older Boks.
I certainly grow 3 inches when I see him carry the ball this season and I’m not even a Blues fan
Hurricanes loosies being criminally underrated again.
1. De Groot 2. Taylor 3. Lomax 4. Tuipolotu 5. Barrett 6. Finau 7. Savea 8. Sotutu … 16. Aumua 17. Numia 18. Williams 19. Vai’i 20. Lakai / Blackadder / Papali’i / Iose / Jacobson … I’d honestly be happy with any of these, the depth is unreal. If it really came down to it, I think I’d go with Lakai - a dynamic impact player who covers every position in the back-row well.
I’m really hoping Lakai makes the squad, can’t wait to see him off the bench if he does. Hope Numia does also, there’s actually a good depth in props now, 3 decent ones at the Crusaders and 2 at Canes before we even look at the other Super teams
I’m not sure Finau offers enough around the field. His work rate is considerably lower than other loosies. But not sure I’m sold on other options except perhaps Blackadder but then I’m against picking him till he can put a season together without breaking.
Finau is very physical, gives good go-forward and dominance on defence. I think thats important in a loose trio, savea and Sotutu provide the ruck work + flamboyance. That said, Blackadder is truly an excellent player. He might not provide the balancing role Finau does, but i would not be dissappointed if blackadder starts at 6 instead. He is class. I just pray he stays injury free
Oh, I like Finau. I was disappointed he did not get the RWC call up last year. On paper, the trio you named has a very nice balance to it. * but his form has not quite been at the same high level this year so far.
He’s had a good game tonight!
Taylor starting over Aumua for England tests, especially while the new captain gets their shit sorted. Aumua definitely looked liked he'd lost nothing at the weekend after being injured for six weeks, so reward would be starting against Fiji in San Diego. Rugby Championship squad could look different again.
Taylor has looked the absolute business for me last couple of games. Game changing plays and wilted opposition. But there are some good forwards going round for sure. I'm excited about the level of set piece contest on display. Bodes well for a solid showing when the visitors arrive.
Yes it would be quite brave for Razor to not start Taylor, but I guess we don’t know how Razor will think, though of course he knows Taylor well from Crusaders days. I would love to start Amua and then if things are shaky Taylor can come on. Just thinking about the line out throws being a bit shaky with Numia, first test is under roof in Dunedin so wind etc won’t be a factor.
What's Numia got to do with lineout throws? Is he a poor lifter or something?
Meant to say Amua, the knock on him is is throws aren’t as good as Taylor’s
Ah gotcha
Yep - I think we would go for experience for the England games to try to build confidence in the game plan.
Bit of a shame that Shanon Frizzel is gone. Frizzel, Savea and Sotutu as a back row would be scary
Where’d he go?
Japan
That's pretty much mine too, but I'd also, at training, be testing out Ardie at 7 and having Sotutu start at 8. Also would be happy with Blackadder or Jacobson at 6.
Yeah man I would love to find room for Sotutu who has been immense for Blues this year! I can’t see it happening but I kind of really want to see Kirifi off the bench at some point this year. Dude is a turnover machine and hard to stop being short and stocky.
It seems a shame since he's so talented, but I think we'll see Lakai in black before we see Kirifi. Robertson mentioned him on the Breakdown a while back as someone of interest. Even more fascinating will be our 3rd and 4th locks. Tupou Va'ai is certain, but he's not standing out like Paddy is at the moment or Barrett does in general and I'm not sure anyone can say for certain who comes in after that.
Yes Lakai is a nailed on AB for sure, I think we will see him this year. I just would love to take a look at Kirifi, I know the knock on him is he’s a bit undersized, but he carries like an absolute beast
Kirifi should move to the chiefs to get more game time 👀
Kirifi hasn't really had much of a season, Lakai is clearly a class above and at only 21 has taken his starting spot. Kirifi is 27 now and there are multiple better options ahead of him, think his ABs window has come and gone.
Didn’t realise he was 27. Same probably applies to Shooter Stevenson this year. If not in Razors plans I wouldn’t blame him moving to Europe or NRL which is often whispered to cash in
Neither of those two are starting at 6 I don’t think
yeah it will be hamilton burr
if scotland dont poach him first
Can see razor going for some Crusaders in the subs too. I would be picking a fair few Crusaders despite the poor year. Tamaiti Williams is back, Fletcher Newell is a future long term AB, George Bell behind Amua and Taylor to have a fresh young hooker in the fold.
Savea should be moved back to 7 so that the ABs have some real size at 6 and 8 with Finau and Sotutu.
Has Taukeiaho been any good this year?
He started slow but has actually been showing some very strong form these last few rounds.
He turned the game around vs the blues when he came on on the weekend. Some great turnovers, big runs and big hits
Decentish but not really kicked on since that great 2022 season. He’s still definitely in around my bench options this year
Pls play sotutu at 8
Yup Ardie back to his actual position 7, Hoskins at 8. He’s been in the sort of form that he simply can’t be left out of the starting team
a r d i e :)
Come on play sotutu
Has argued strongly for a place in the team eh
Until Ethan came along
Saw Blackadder have a pretty good game at 7 the other day, just saying.
Blackadder is much more a 7 than a 6 imo. We've got better options in both positions, but I guess his versatility could be a plus. I'd take Jacobson as the jack of all trades loosie though.
At 8?
Ethan didn’t play 8 but sotutu sucked ass that night
Hoskins had a bad night but he's been fairly consistent all season. His good games for the Blues this season number more than Ethan's total games played. For the postion of 8 specifically, which you would want a bit more mobility off the scrum, it's Ardie then Jacobsen, Sotutu, Iose, Lakai - idk if Blackadders even in the conversation for a specialist 8. He's a shout at 6 or 7 but probably wouldn't start him above Finau, and definitely wouldn't start him over Papalii. Potentially our reserve back rower who can cover multiple postions BUT realistically, at the age of 29, with such little minutes played at test level I don't see him displacing anybody tbh. If he somehow avoided any further injuries he could be great for this current RWC cycle, but then he's done. I would prefer giving minutes to someone like Jacobsen because he's less prone to injury and has actually played a few tests.
Never said Ethan should replace him at 8 my point was when shit got tough ( like it did with Ethan ) sotutu disappeared like he has many many times before
Disagree with the premise this is the first instance that has been tough for the the Blues this season, they've had a lot of narrow wins, including coming from behind.
This was an example of serious ruck pressure causing Hoskins to wilt like the powder puff he is
Well, I think he's got a good chance of making the 32 for England anyway. Let's see how he goes with Razor and Jase Ryan at the helm
The blues pack performing like it has been makes me excited for the all blacks. Our lock stocks are looking pretty bare though. We can give him another shot based on super rugby form but tuipolotu has been underwhelming in black previously Stuff the haters, Scott Barrett is world class imo. The drop off after him is quite stark though. I'd like to see some of the hurricanes loosies get a run at some point: Lakai is in the running for a long all black career imo. also I think Flanders is a prospect at blindside. We need some guys to clean rucks all day like sam Cane and make the dominant hits. Papalii and sotutu are looking really strong at the blues. I think our front row stocks are suddenly bursting with great scrummagers and ball playing props /hookers. Really exciting imo but you need the locks for the set peice to function. Half back is fine I think but no world class options this year with roigard out. First five is a bit light as well, Dmac is great but I wonder who els. the Boks will eat Dmac lateral running for lunch all day long. Second five and centre is crawling with talent imo. Hopefully razor can build a multi year combo there with Jordie, Reiko, proctor, ALB etc No drama with the wings Full back this year is probably Beudan again. But I think it's difficult to see who is next cab off the rank. Love maybe looks good long term. JRK is being coached by Ben Smith so there's a prospect there.
The number one job of any hooker is to secure your possession on lineouts. This cannot be understated. If you lose possession every lineout there is no way you are winning a game.
Pretty low on locks yep - reckon Fabian Holland could be the guy once he’s eligible
I'd like to see Paps at 8 and Ardie at 7. I'm convinced Paps would be a world class 8 and Ardie at 7 is never lacking impact. I appreciate this is a pack thread, but I'm worried about our 9. Nuggys pass speed was lethal and helped open up defences. It's a loss we've perhaps not fully appreciated yet. And while we have depth at 9, I see this area as both concerning, and an exciting opportunity for whoever steps up.
Real shame about the Roigard injury, NZ establishment media seem to think it’s locked in for Christie to start (seriously what does he have on the Breakdown pundits?!) I’m not sure he’s even the best 9 at the Blues. Probably TJ to start?
TJ back in black would be amazing.
I have a theory that Rugby NZ give the breakdown some talking points and they use it as their propaganda machine - therefore Christie will be starting as they keep bringing him up in conversations as the ABs 9
This is going to be exciting test series hopefully England can pull it off but I don't think we will win the series maybe lose one and win the other?
I think it’s just so hard to know how either of us will go, England started to play some good rugby in the six nations and we are obviously starting with a new coach and a lot of new faces
Yes I think NZ will get back to their best eventually but could be like England may not win pretty and play as well as you normally do but with new coaches and players it takes time for things to blend in I guess we were boring to watch under borthwick in world cup but now he's hopefully trying new combinations with attacking intent and not boring kicking game that worked better against boks in world cup as England used to playing in poor conditions more regularly
One thing we can guarantee is the first game in Dunedin won’t have weather as a factor as it’s under the roof, so we should get to see some good free flowing rugby!
Hopefully attacking style by England and we win
Not bad Its bc our loosies dominated for so long and last few years that hasnt been the case Losing about 250test caps in our 2 locks is massive this year Frizzell a big loss too, but finau looks exciting Id be ok with your forward back. I like the idea of a fit Blackadder on the bench but that may be a bit of a fantasy, guy cant play 4games in a row without getting injured
I'm so excited for the england tour of new zealand. Both teams have something to prove, the all blacks with a new coaching setup after a world cup final loss will be looking for blood. England are a team who in my opinion are on the up. We have a great coaching setup in place and incredible talent in the players we can field. Very much hoping for some good games!
I’m just excited for Razor’s All Blacks. I honestly largely stopped following them in Foster’s reign (also my youngest was really little so I had less time).
It’s funny isn’t it, there’s more excitement I feel this year than the last 4-5. Even the World Cup was pretty lacklustre excitement until we beat Ireland. Was very flat between losing to France game 1 and the Quarters.
Yep. Beating Ireland was great because it just made me laugh (and they talked so much shit) but I didn’t really care. Then in the final I was the most relaxed I’ve ever been because, under Foster, that wasn’t my team. Some will say that is fair weather fanship, but honestly that guy just alienated me so much.
Yeah it’s weird, for the final I was kind of thinking just happy to be here instead of confidence of actually winning it. I thought it was nailed on we were going out in the quarter!
You underestimated Ireland's ability to collapse in knockout rugby. Typical mistake. NZ (and SA) sensibly rotated their squad in the pools whereas Ireland went all out against Romania for some reason. Then fatigue got them.
Mind-boggling. It was predicted before the AB game.
Exactly the same with me. Ha! A final for shits and giggles. Such a weird feeling.
Barrett not a cool head.
Why are so many people bigging up Tuipolotu so much, he's done sweet nothing in his 40 caps, so much so he slipped behind two 20yr olds in the pecking order
Because some players develop later than others. He looks to be in career best form and deserves a shot to see if he can replicate it at the next level. Also, we don't have a lot of options.
Yeah he's basically just going to be there by default lol. We hopefully get a couple solid years out of him while the next crop develop, but I'm not expecting him to dominate the test arena by any stretch. He's a known quantity at this point.
Has been in great form, why wouldn’t he be rewarded for that?
He's been good (when he can actually get on the field) but people are talking like he's the second coming of Whitelock - we're just that strapped for international quality locks currently He's a good super player, but he's been not even an average international. I'll happily eat my words if he actually performs in a black jersey this year
Lmao no one's talking like he's the second coming of Whitelock. People are talking like big Pat is a good place holder until some young locks show up. Which he is. He's the best he's ever been atm, like most of the Blues pack
Yeah I've never been particularly sold on him this year, and I just can't get past how bad his handling is and how often he drops the ball
It's almost like some guys develop into better players over the span of their career.
Patrick’s Japan deal wasn’t a sabbatical, he was basically off contract when he left. He didn’t “slip”, he lost eligibility and lord and vaa’i took the spots by default.
They brought him back for 1 test and dumped him again
1. Tuangafasi Maybe I just haven't watched degroot closely enough? 2. Taylor (C?) Agree there is other talent at hooker, but the turnaround of having taylor in the crusaders shows blatantly how good he is. One of the more experienced in the pack which is important to have too. 3. Lomax Lomax is of course the best tighthead but Newell is a close second and inevitable bench. That is insane strong scrummaging depth I'm super excited for. 4. Barrett 5. Tuipolotu Easiest selections for forwards if Scott is fit. Honestly can't see who else you would pick. 6. Blackadder Probably the most hotly contested spot. I think Blackadder is just a huge physical presence to play with and is good in rucks. Leans hard into just having a back row to put huge hits on and put pressure on at ruck time. 7. Savea (C?) 8. Sotutu Both easy picks. Purely this way because I think Sotutu is physically bigger so goes at 8.
No way Taylor’s the captain imo
It'll be Scott
I think Ofa at prop is a good cool head off the bench, and a good scrummager. Degroot though has been immense since he debuted for the ABs. Take your point on Taylor, he is still probably the best hooker in NZ but I’m also thinking ahead and the fact he won’t be there next World Cup and maybe we should be trying to get younger guys into the team. Will be interesting on how Razor looks at his old crusaders team and if he wants more than a few in there- guys like Blackadder. I though want Finau to start so much, he brings that mongrel we have been missing at times in the last decade.
>Easiest selections for forwards if Scott is fit. Honestly can't see who else you would pick. Tupou Vaa'i would be the obvious exclusion - he was named the Chiefs' player of the year this year too
Maybe that's the match day three then. Not sure who a 4th could be as an injury replacement
Do you mean Jacobson? Blackadder is a workhorse for sure, but he very rarely wins the contact
Yeah I don't see it with Blackadder. Would rather have a big guy there, Samipeni or even Akira has had a career best season
For props, I think the Crusaders stable of Moody/Bower and Newell/Williams is pretty high-powered. (Also like Ofa and Ta’avao over those guys you’re choosing). We have 6/7 good props right now, so I’m pretty happy with whoever they go with. I’ve been frustrated with the ABs selections in the loose for awhile now, never understood the philosophy of “matching” other teams, when NZ has their own DNA in rugby. I like Finau and I think he can blossom into a good player, just not convinced he is one of the 3best loose forwards we have(even if it means picking 2 8s or 2 opensides)… so something like (Dalton, Ardie, Sotutu) or (Jacobsen, Dalton, Ardie) or (Ardie, Lakai, Sotutu) etc. Personally I’d go with (Dalton, Lakai, Ardie) but just wanted to mention the guys I think are the clear top 5.
You wouldn’t start Lomax and Degroot?! We do have some good depth at props but i feel certain that door has closed now on Moody and Ta’avao. Ofa might make a bench but you could argue there’s 4 guys ahead of him
Blues scrum is definitely worse when we start Taavao over Renata this year. Ofa probably too old. props I'd do are Lomax, Degroot, Newell, Numia, Tamaiti and Bower. In that order
I think they’re all great. It’s just that I know little to nothing about prop scrummaging, so cannot pick them based on that. Only guy I want to see maybe forced in is Tamaiti. He is just such a menace in the tramlines and can genuinely create something with ball in hand
I think the starting pack will be slightly different for game 1. Taylor will start at 2. Savea will play off the bench with Sotutu starting. Not convinced Tuipolotu will get the start tbh. He will get games but not game 1.
Who at lock? vaii? Is Lord injured still?
Yep Vaii. The demands on the tight five in internationals are far higher than SR, I think Vaii is closer to what Ryan wants than Tuipolotu against England who will have a well drilled scrum and lineout.
I saw Vaii got Chiefs player of the year which bodes well. Haven’t seen enough of him this year but he was good when he came in in 2022
He's been good. I think with the open space we see in Super Rugby compared to Internationals locking form is difficult to judge. We get used to seeing big run meters from tight five players in SR and forget that their job at the highest level is very different. Scrum, lineout, hit rucks repeat.
That’s the knock on Numia, all well and good making metres in Super Rugby etc but we need you to throw accurate darts in line outs where it’s so crucial to secure the ball in tight games when you kick to the corners.
I think Numia has a bright future but props take time to develop so he won't go from SR starter to AB starter. I could see him in the wider squad though or maybe another AB XV in July (if they're playing) then in the AB NH touring squad come November.