The devastating thing for NZ is not knowing how Razor would have gone with the 2019-2023 AB’s. One thing we do know is there wouldn’t have been post World Cup excuses.
Fainga'anuku's got an 18 month contract at Toulon so won't be available at all in 2024. Will hopefully be back in New Zealand for the 2025 June internationals and rugby champs.
Razor exudes enthusiasm and posiitivity. I think NZ will have a "golden" period under him. His coaching record is unparalleled. In short, he is a winner.
I think you'll find Leicester's gone to France. Signed up prior to rwc. Big loss. I love Ethan Blackadder (and his dad) with all my heart, but I'm keen to see Samisoni Finau get a good shot at 6. I'd consider NZ reshapes it's game and tries Blackadder at 7. And I think there's a gaping hole at lock. No one has really forced themselves into the team for years. As you say, plenty of talent and hopefully Razor can bring something out of the younger guys
I think the All Blacks could do with a beast of a centre, especially in modern day rugby to get that advantage line. I personally think calling Ngani Laumape back would solve half of their problems.
I'm a Kiwi. That's exactly the team I wrote down apart from Blackadder at lock and Frizzel at 6. Nkwara on the wing over Faia. But you said those 2 wouldn't likely be around. The 2 things that stick out to me is the sheer attacking force that lineup has. There's gamebreakers in every back position which is something no team has ever had! Add on top of that, Scott's ABs will be out to restore the unbeatable AB aura and revenge for a debatable RWC loss. So much fuel to put on that AB fire. World rugby is about to witness something special over these next 4 years imo.
The only debatable about that final is whether Frizzell should have received a red card and a sanction or just a red for his hit job on Bongi Mbonambi. I hope your new coach does away with this culture of underhanded tactics that has been a constant in AB culture.
Something I have seen Razor talk about before regarding selection and building squads is he looks heavily at combinations and guys that have played together right as far back as high school all the way up to the highest levels. Will be interesting to see how he applies this to the All Blacks
Razor won a lot of titles with a very unflashy solid consistent system with players who were far more heart than flair. I would be highly surprised if we don't see the same in his ABs team. So I would expect Cody Taylor to maintain his mantle as first choice hooker (being a Crusader) and to see other veteran Crusaders like Sevu Reece (if he comes back from injury to his usual form) and some of their emrging talents like Cullen Grace getting their chance ahead of the likes of Tuipolotu. I don't think Cane gets his jersey back unless he earns it with a stellar season this year in Super Rugby, but there are some really good young guys fighting over the back row spots. If B.Barrett is not in NZ for the season, Razor's selection for the 10 Jersey is going to be really interesting. D Mac is brilliant but I can't quite see him fitting into the kind of team I am expecting Razor to want to build.
I look back at this now and you are 95% on the money. Fainga’anuku is in France and Aumua is not playing well. But I think your spot on with Tuipulotu and Ratima. Awesome work.
@@rugbyanalyst tbh I’m not sure. I’m happy we have a new coach and opportunities for young up and coming players to finally get time. We might have players overseas, who are unavailable for selection, but i’m excited for a whole new environment. Because it’s gotten stale. I think Ratima a great choice.
Great video. Great to hear good analysis about the SH teams . Difficult in England to get this information from the newspapers or mainstream media . Looking forward to seeing Borthwick go up against Razor this summer and Be good to have your thoughts Tim on Englands two test matches against the all blacks.
I personally think Razor will not be picking Cane as Captain, and that will impact his ability to retain his role at 7. I think this ultimately will be a straight shoot out between Jacobson or Papalli’i.
While I'm sure you have a good overview of the game in NZ, there are a few players worth a mention. At Hooker, Asafo Aumua, very dynamic and explosive #2 in the style of Coles. Kirifi is a great loosie and always a threat at the breakdown.
Scott robertson has the coaching potential to push the next all blacks team into number 1 spot in the world, even rivalling the 2011 squad(richie mccaws squad) Exciting days ahead for the All Blacks
The system shouldn't give up on Asafo Aumua, Caleb Clarke, Hoskins Sotutu and Folau Fakatava. I'd pick Cullen Grace over Papali'i (I just don't see Papali'i getting any better, hope I'm wrong, whereas Grace has so much potential). Overall perfect squad. Oh and Finau (Chiefs Flanker) is kinda hardy, can offer something different from all the other backrows
Leicester is unavailable - 3 yr contract in France. Highly likely for the rest of the picks to be in/around the 23 - and hopefully a bolter in there to spice things up.
I would agree with about 80 percent of that team, although for me, I think Josh Lord should be given the five jersey and let rip, I think he could be special, and Fainganuku won’t be able to play untill at least 2025 due to playing in the Top 14 for Toulon. I would go 1 De Groot 2 Taylor 3 Lomax 4 Barrett 5 Lord 6 Blackadder 7 Papalli 8 Savea 9 Roigard 10 McKenzie 11 Telea 12 Barrett 13 Ioane 14 Stevenson / Narawa 15 Jordan 16 Taukeaho 17 Williams 18 Newell 19 Tuipolotu / Vai 20 Cane/Finau 21 Ratima/ Perenara 22 Barrett 23 Aumua/ Lienert Brown If Frizzel returns 2024/ 2025 then I’m fairly sure he’ll be in an All Black 23 going forward. I also believe the type of Coach Robertson is well definetly see a few bolters getting a chance in the black jersey over the next 4 years, with Hansen laterally and Foster you felt it was due to necessity of public pressure, but Super Rugby form will really be taken into consideration under Robertson I reckon. I will also be interested to see Fergus Burke get time in a Black jersey over the next cycle.
Lock--the problem is that NZ had only 3 world class locks going into RWC 2023 : Barrett, Whitelock and Rettalick and they are losing 2 of them after the RWC. Thus far, no outstanding player has put his hand up to accompany Scott Barrett in the 2nd row. Backrow : NZ sorely need a genuine 3rd line out option and need more size/speed and go-forward in their back 3. They should consider playing Ethan Blackadder at 7 and be their 3rd line out option.
I personally think Finau would make n explosive no.8, with Blackadder at 6 and Savea at 7. Cane is just a liability with red cards at critical times. Barrett has been Robertson's captain at the Crusaders this year, and the responsibility seems to kerb his reckless play. I personally don't want to see his brother Beauden play again; he was the best player in the world in his prime, but that was years ago. This of course opens the door for NZ's best fullback Will Jordan. See what Robertson makes of Stevenson and McKenzie.
When it comes to big family events (think a wedding) then" give a trouble maker a job." Sure Scott has a past, but give him a go. He will lead, he's a great communicator a la Kieran Read.
We need to find another number 7. Maybe Savea. We have several very promising number eights. Love Sam Cane but we need to move on. You will find that we unearth some excellent new locks. Razor is an excellent selector.
Razor has stated that he's open to changing the selection policy of the AB's though many Kiwis are against the idea as they believe it will ruin the Super Rugby competition, and/or encourage players to accept the big money offered overseas, but the sport is professional now and we need to accept this. It will also take away the incentive for Kiwis to play for other nations - the four NZers in the 2022 Irish test team springs to mind. Change is inevitable...
Good team but there is only one lineout specialist in Scott Barrett. This loose forwards combo is far too small. There is a need of a tallish 6 (Finau, for instance, who is a good target at the lineout).
A club championship would be great. Unfortunately I can't see it being financially viable. We're on the cusp here in NZ of not having our domestic competition, televised.
Good analysis. As an All Black supporter, I think you’ve overlooked a few Crusaders that Robertson might like to see in black. Cullen Grace is one at 8 who could allow Savea to return to his favoured position at 7. Dallas McLeod was on the radar at centre for the All Blacks earlier this year before he suffered a head knock. He’s similarly built to Jordie Barrett and would be a good second option. At lock, I think Quintin Strange offers potential.
Mate have a look a samipemi finau for blindside flanker I generally think he could be a modern Kaino, also folou fakatwa on the bench at scrum half is a great young player. Great video keep it up 👍
Samipeni Finau, so early on in his career is showing the hard hitting dominance it’s taken Frizzel a few years to develop. I think he can be even better, how exciting.
Good effort mate well done. We have about 10 props who could wear the jersey-those 4 are the incumbents. Taylor and ST at hooker-look out for Bell and Aumua breaking through. Lock is the position that needs work. Barrett will be great, Vaai and lord are the real deal and i doubt Ryan will move on from them. PT is a good player but struggles for fitness and consistency. We have ridiculous depth at loose forward but keep an eye out for Blackadder,Finau and Grace. I think finlay christie has played his last test. He was Schmidts man and we have so much talent coming through. Fakatava, Hotham, Ratina and Lennox. TJP is coming back from injury too and may be a squad option. 10 will take some work but there are options,Burke,Sullivan, Perofeta, Cameron. Midfield is stacked but Aumua could be a game changer. I expect to see sevu reece back too. If theres a change in captain i think it will likely be Savea that gets the nod. Taylor, Savea, Cane and BB will all be back mid year. I would be surprised if frizell, mounga or LF come back and we need to plan to not have them. Retallick in theory could hibernate for three years and come back for one last wc but his body probably wont let him.
more than anything Will Jordan finally at FB is what we are looking fwd too. Savea back to 7. And maybe Reiko back to left wing, and develop a new center
I was the biggest advocate for Scott Robertson to be the next coach for England Rugby, instead they went with Borthwick. We have a locker of great players, problem clearly for England is getting them to play for the team. Arundell I feel being the biggest example.
It would be surprising to see DMac as a starting fixture at 10 given his style of play, he's a great option to have off the bench or maybe to share the spot with a player like Mo'unga who's skills are in game management.
The selection assumes that Robertson will go for continuity from experienced players but he probably has his own ideas. Don’t be surprised if the Super Pacific competition throws up some new candidates, and I also wonder whether they may look at an out and out No.8 like Cullen Grace. This would shift Savea to the open side possibly, while Samisoni Finau could also still make an impact at the highest level. In all, there is still a lot of candidates for the ABs and a number of players may want to make a claim in the light of a new coaching regime, or feel they were overlooked for the WC squad. The selection you’ve made looks solid, but is a bit lacking for line out jumpers I feel, up front.
I can't for the life of me see Same Cane continuing to start into the next world cup. He'll be straight up old by then and won't be able to get around the park. Dalton Papali'i seems the heir apparent and tbh he's just a better player than Cane albeit without the experience.
Thinking there’ll be a few more players from his Crusaders days. Also wouldn’t be surprised if overseas players are available for selection. Interesting days ahead. Note, the Crusaders never had a standout halfback during Razors tenure but the players he did pick were perfect for the system he implemented.
Boks get 2 more cracks at the AB's in 2024. History shows that the AB's usually put the sword to RWC Champion's immediately after they lose a RWC championship. So the AB's apply the pressure no matter what. Hopefully they'll hardened up more than this year.
There is a bit of a hole at lock with the loss of our greatest two locks since Meads, and some real good youngsters who are probably a bit young atm. As well as Lord and Vaai, I would mention Holland and McWhannell. Those at the middle level of experience look more club level good than international to me. I would not bring back Tuipolotu, never quite made it at this level. I think they need to start giving the young guys experience beside Barrett.
minus injured Roigard that's a powerful 15 alright. Caleb Clarke ended the season with a bang so he'll be in. Read something a month ago about NZR working to get Richie back to NZ sooner than 3 years...not sure on latest news
Its going to be interesting to see where Razors going to get power from to outmuscle the likes of SA France and other countries with behemoths in their team or will he continue with and improve where the ABs ended at the World Cup strong mobile forwards and speedy backs
I don't like the idea of Scott Barrett being captain, I haven't seen anything from him that shows me he's a leader. Ardie Savea on the other hand has shown that he'd be a great captain. The big bonus with him is he'll be able to go the whole 80 if needed and he has the ability to lift the play of those around him. As an example look at the job he did in the RWC Final, being a man down could have lead to a blow out but he got them focussed on playing at their very best and they nearly pulled off a stunning win. A very very fine player held in very high regard amongst Springbok and other opposition supporters.
Do you think England, Ireland, Soctland or Wales could beat them? Interesting to hear of the All Black player drain to Japan. You’d think that club rugby in NZ would be awash with money. Diolch thanks again.
I am not going to give my opinion on who's going to be in any posistion in the team this year. I will just defer to the new coach. I don't think he has a bias or prejudice for any player from any region. He is only open to having the best player for the team.
I think that the SH should get it into their heads that 1. The NH will be continuously improving. 2. If Ireland with the TINY playing numbers can deliver as they have done, ditto Scotland , then SH domination is not simply a given 3. If Erasmus and co could outthink their opponents dont assume that there are not others who will follow the same route and be even better? 4. Country first. Country second ,country third. Its not about ( any!) "jersey". 5. SR. Stop dancing.
Jordie will be the long range kicker. McKenzie on short range. I'm still worried about McKenzie's size as a 10, but this will be the time for experimenting. I do prefer Cane on the 7th jersey. Him and Savea were a very good combo. The centres stays the same. The only problem will be the no. 6 and 9.
We need to look at who has been resigned by the NZR to get a small idea who will be in the team. NZR wouldn't resign a player without Razor's approval. 2 players in there that will be lucky to survive are Cane and Vaa'i I would say we will see a new 1st-five and D-mack being a impact player. Your No.5 is a bit out there but I do like Tuipulotu. Also we do need a impact player off the bench and Aumua could be that player.
Correction- Fainga'anuku not available for selection having signed for a French club
Ardie should be Captain,the guy played every minute of the World Cup,an Absolute Machine,also he's disciplined,he doesn't give away silly penalties
really, no cards?
Love the idea of Will Jordan at fullback. The new Christian Cullen? I think he has the talent.
@chrisblockley5783 he's no where Cullen on a bad day!!!!!!
Watch out for Brayden Iose from the Canes. Very explosive back row and should get a lot of game time next season with Savea not around.
Great video mate, but Barrett as a captain is a bizarre idea, he is the player who got the most red cards in the history of the ABs
Would love Blackadder to stay healthy for a long stretch. He’s great. Also want to see Finau, though.
The devastating thing for NZ is not knowing how Razor would have gone with the 2019-2023 AB’s. One thing we do know is there wouldn’t have been post World Cup excuses.
Fainga'anuku's got an 18 month contract at Toulon so won't be available at all in 2024. Will hopefully be back in New Zealand for the 2025 June internationals and rugby champs.
I see him in the midfield, Clark as well and maybe Naholo
Razor exudes enthusiasm and posiitivity. I think NZ will have a "golden" period under him.
His coaching record is unparalleled. In short, he is a winner.
What's with Robertson hair?is it a wig or you're just scruffy...get with the program!!!
Club coach doesn't always make
Good international coach
I think you'll find Leicester's gone to France. Signed up prior to rwc. Big loss. I love Ethan Blackadder (and his dad) with all my heart, but I'm keen to see Samisoni Finau get a good shot at 6. I'd consider NZ reshapes it's game and tries Blackadder at 7.
And I think there's a gaping hole at lock. No one has really forced themselves into the team for years.
As you say, plenty of talent and hopefully Razor can bring something out of the younger guys
I think the All Blacks could do with a beast of a centre, especially in modern day rugby to get that advantage line.
I personally think calling Ngani Laumape back would solve half of their problems.
No reason to select Cane
Think Scott gonna get the AB’s on top again for along time !!!
I'm a Kiwi. That's exactly the team I wrote down apart from Blackadder at lock and Frizzel at 6. Nkwara on the wing over Faia. But you said those 2 wouldn't likely be around. The 2 things that stick out to me is the sheer attacking force that lineup has. There's gamebreakers in every back position which is something no team has ever had! Add on top of that, Scott's ABs will be out to restore the unbeatable AB aura and revenge for a debatable RWC loss. So much fuel to put on that AB fire. World rugby is about to witness something special over these next 4 years imo.
The only debatable about that final is whether Frizzell should have received a red card and a sanction or just a red for his hit job on Bongi Mbonambi. I hope your new coach does away with this culture of underhanded tactics that has been a constant in AB culture.
Something I have seen Razor talk about before regarding selection and building squads is he looks heavily at combinations and guys that have played together right as far back as high school all the way up to the highest levels. Will be interesting to see how he applies this to the All Blacks
Team looks great. Looking forward to seeing McKenzie work his magic
Razor won a lot of titles with a very unflashy solid consistent system with players who were far more heart than flair. I would be highly surprised if we don't see the same in his ABs team. So I would expect Cody Taylor to maintain his mantle as first choice hooker (being a Crusader) and to see other veteran Crusaders like Sevu Reece (if he comes back from injury to his usual form) and some of their emrging talents like Cullen Grace getting their chance ahead of the likes of Tuipolotu. I don't think Cane gets his jersey back unless he earns it with a stellar season this year in Super Rugby, but there are some really good young guys fighting over the back row spots. If B.Barrett is not in NZ for the season, Razor's selection for the 10 Jersey is going to be really interesting. D Mac is brilliant but I can't quite see him fitting into the kind of team I am expecting Razor to want to build.
I look back at this now and you are 95% on the money. Fainga’anuku is in France and Aumua is not playing well. But I think your spot on with Tuipulotu and Ratima. Awesome work.
How good do you think the ABs will be this year. With England playing them 3 times I'm hoping for a slow start 😅
@@rugbyanalyst tbh I’m not sure. I’m happy we have a new coach and opportunities for young up and coming players to finally get time. We might have players overseas, who are unavailable for selection, but i’m excited for a whole new environment. Because it’s gotten stale. I think Ratima a great choice.
Great video. Great to hear good analysis about the SH teams . Difficult in England to get this information from the newspapers or mainstream media . Looking forward to seeing Borthwick go up against Razor this summer and Be good to have your thoughts Tim on Englands two test matches against the all blacks.
I think we have got a dream team.
An Super Assessment! All Blacks would be Great side in The New year, With Razor to guide them .
Nice selection. A Coventry kid living in NZ. Team named hours ago - you were soooo close, well done.
I personally think Razor will not be picking Cane as Captain, and that will impact his ability to retain his role at 7. I think this ultimately will be a straight shoot out between Jacobson or Papalli’i.
While I'm sure you have a good overview of the game in NZ, there are a few players worth a mention. At Hooker, Asafo Aumua, very dynamic and explosive #2 in the style of Coles. Kirifi is a great loosie and always a threat at the breakdown.
As a springbok I think it’s game on Razor very good coach interesting to see how Rassie and razor clashes will be
Exciting!
you were making sense until you mentioned Tuipolotau
Young gun Peter Lakai is a case of when not if for the ABs. Hes a big boy with decent pace and x factor. Hoping he makes it as a bolter this year..
I'm not expecting consistent results in 2024 as the team needs to rebuilt. But I do believe he will have a formidable team come RWC.
Great Insight into Scott Robinson's choices. Cheers
Personally I am hoping that Razor calls in Tom Christie, that man tackles everything
Scott robertson has the coaching potential to push the next all blacks team into number 1 spot in the world, even rivalling the 2011 squad(richie mccaws squad)
Exciting days ahead for the All Blacks
Ardie Savea should hands down be the captain and to be fair should have been the captain going into the world cup
The system shouldn't give up on Asafo Aumua, Caleb Clarke, Hoskins Sotutu and Folau Fakatava. I'd pick Cullen Grace over Papali'i (I just don't see Papali'i getting any better, hope I'm wrong, whereas Grace has so much potential). Overall perfect squad. Oh and Finau (Chiefs Flanker) is kinda hardy, can offer something different from all the other backrows
Can’t wait for the first match of Razor vs Rassie!! It’s going to be epic
Josh Lord is next off the ranks for the second row...
Absolutely agree with roigard. He is going to be a beast. Almost another loosie
Ethan Blackadder, Ardie Savea, Cullen Grace (6,7,8)
Cane would be lucky to make the squad a backup number 6 at best.
Great roundup. Cheers
Leicester is unavailable - 3 yr contract in France. Highly likely for the rest of the picks to be in/around the 23 - and hopefully a bolter in there to spice things up.
Really interesting. Why you haven’t got more subscribers is beyond me 🇬🇧👍
I would agree with about 80 percent of that team, although for me, I think Josh Lord should be given the five jersey and let rip, I think he could be special, and Fainganuku won’t be able to play untill at least 2025 due to playing in the Top 14 for Toulon. I would go
1 De Groot
2 Taylor
3 Lomax
4 Barrett
5 Lord
6 Blackadder
7 Papalli
8 Savea
9 Roigard
10 McKenzie
11 Telea
12 Barrett
13 Ioane
14 Stevenson / Narawa
15 Jordan
16 Taukeaho
17 Williams
18 Newell
19 Tuipolotu / Vai
20 Cane/Finau
21 Ratima/ Perenara
22 Barrett
23 Aumua/ Lienert Brown
If Frizzel returns 2024/ 2025 then I’m fairly sure he’ll be in an All Black 23 going forward. I also believe the type of Coach Robertson is well definetly see a few bolters getting a chance in the black jersey over the next 4 years, with Hansen laterally and Foster you felt it was due to necessity of public pressure, but Super Rugby form will really be taken into consideration under Robertson I reckon. I will also be interested to see Fergus Burke get time in a Black jersey over the next cycle.
glad you included Tuipulotu, and Blackadder. I would like see Kirifi given a chance, I would drop Cane all together.
Lock--the problem is that NZ had only 3 world class locks going into RWC 2023 : Barrett, Whitelock and Rettalick and they are losing 2 of them after the RWC. Thus far, no outstanding player has put his hand up to accompany Scott Barrett in the 2nd row. Backrow : NZ sorely need a genuine 3rd line out option and need more size/speed and go-forward in their back 3. They should consider playing Ethan Blackadder at 7 and be their 3rd line out option.
I personally think Finau would make n explosive no.8, with Blackadder at 6 and Savea at 7. Cane is just a liability with red cards at critical times. Barrett has been Robertson's captain at the Crusaders this year, and the responsibility seems to kerb his reckless play. I personally don't want to see his brother Beauden play again; he was the best player in the world in his prime, but that was years ago. This of course opens the door for NZ's best fullback Will Jordan. See what Robertson makes of Stevenson and McKenzie.
Scott shouldn't be captain if he's always getting penalties lol.
adding jordan on 15 is perfect but in big games i would prefer barret super calm and loaded experience
Jordan is injured.
De groot, samasoni, lomax. Barrett, vaii, blackadder, savea, Cullen grace.
Roigard, mackenzie, talea, j Barrett, ioane, narawa. Jordan.
Reserves. Tamaiti, Taylor, newell. Lord, finau, papalii, jacobsen. Ratima 9. Tuipolotu is no chance. Sevu reece, Stephenson, plenty to choose from
When it comes to big family events (think a wedding) then" give a trouble maker a job." Sure Scott has a past, but give him a go. He will lead, he's a great communicator a la Kieran Read.
We need to find another number 7. Maybe Savea. We have several very promising number eights. Love Sam Cane but we need to move on. You will find that we unearth some excellent new locks. Razor is an excellent selector.
Sam Cane I very much doubt will be in Robertsons' XV....
This all blacks side under Razor is going to remind a lot of people who we are. Just incase this last World Cup didn’t when we were written off. 🇳🇿
I think he should get Vaa'i and Lord into the starting side, at this point in the world cup cycle there's no better time.
Levi Amua...Yes yes and Yes
Razor has stated that he's open to changing the selection policy of the AB's though many Kiwis are against the idea as they believe it will ruin the Super Rugby competition, and/or encourage players to accept the big money offered overseas, but the sport is professional now and we need to accept this. It will also take away the incentive for Kiwis to play for other nations - the four NZers in the 2022 Irish test team springs to mind. Change is inevitable...
Good team but there is only one lineout specialist in Scott Barrett. This loose forwards combo is far too small. There is a need of a tallish 6 (Finau, for instance, who is a good target at the lineout).
At last we got the best coach for the All Blacks Amen.
A lot of potential.
If you can convert it...
A club championship would be great. Unfortunately I can't see it being financially viable. We're on the cusp here in NZ of not having our domestic competition, televised.
Good analysis. As an All Black supporter, I think you’ve overlooked a few Crusaders that Robertson might like to see in black. Cullen Grace is one at 8 who could allow Savea to return to his favoured position at 7. Dallas McLeod was on the radar at centre for the All Blacks earlier this year before he suffered a head knock. He’s similarly built to Jordie Barrett and would be a good second option. At lock, I think Quintin Strange offers potential.
The centre pairing will change. Would like to see Telea have a crack at 13 in Super Rugby 🏉
Mate have a look a samipemi finau for blindside flanker I generally think he could be a modern Kaino, also folou fakatwa on the bench at scrum half is a great young player. Great video keep it up 👍
You could be right
Samipeni Finau, so early on in his career is showing the hard hitting dominance it’s taken Frizzel a few years to develop. I think he can be even better, how exciting.
Ruben love at fullback, Tungafasi is another big name
Leicester Fainga’ anuku is playing for Toulon, so unfortunately not available😢
Good effort mate well done.
We have about 10 props who could wear the jersey-those 4 are the incumbents.
Taylor and ST at hooker-look out for Bell and Aumua breaking through.
Lock is the position that needs work. Barrett will be great, Vaai and lord are the real deal and i doubt Ryan will move on from them. PT is a good player but struggles for fitness and consistency.
We have ridiculous depth at loose forward but keep an eye out for Blackadder,Finau and Grace.
I think finlay christie has played his last test. He was Schmidts man and we have so much talent coming through. Fakatava, Hotham, Ratina and Lennox. TJP is coming back from injury too and may be a squad option.
10 will take some work but there are options,Burke,Sullivan, Perofeta, Cameron.
Midfield is stacked but Aumua could be a game changer.
I expect to see sevu reece back too.
If theres a change in captain i think it will likely be Savea that gets the nod.
Taylor, Savea, Cane and BB will all be back mid year.
I would be surprised if frizell, mounga or LF come back and we need to plan to not have them.
Retallick in theory could hibernate for three years and come back for one last wc but his body probably wont let him.
more than anything Will Jordan finally at FB is what we are looking fwd too. Savea back to 7. And maybe Reiko back to left wing, and develop a new center
Wouldn't be surprized if Savea goes to 7 and the find a powerful runner at 8. Think Fainga'anuku is gone overseas as well.
I was the biggest advocate for Scott Robertson to be the next coach for England Rugby, instead they went with Borthwick. We have a locker of great players, problem clearly for England is getting them to play for the team. Arundell I feel being the biggest example.
It would be surprising to see DMac as a starting fixture at 10 given his style of play, he's a great option to have off the bench or maybe to share the spot with a player like Mo'unga who's skills are in game management.
Leicster may look to play with his brother and jam for Tonga
Ollie Norris, Fabian holland, Josh lord, Sam Darry, Cortez Ratima
Yeah, Aumua 🎉
Wow I like your picks this will be awesome 💜🖤🖤🖤Yep Will Jordan will be stunning at full back 🖤🖤
The selection assumes that Robertson will go for continuity from experienced players but he probably has his own ideas. Don’t be surprised if the Super Pacific competition throws up some new candidates, and I also wonder whether they may look at an out and out No.8 like Cullen Grace. This would shift Savea to the open side possibly, while Samisoni Finau could also still make an impact at the highest level. In all, there is still a lot of candidates for the ABs and a number of players may want to make a claim in the light of a new coaching regime, or feel they were overlooked for the WC squad.
The selection you’ve made looks solid, but is a bit lacking for line out jumpers I feel, up front.
1. De Groot 2. Taylor 3. Lomax 4. Barrett 5. Lord 6. Finau 7. Savea 8. Blackadder 9. Roigard 10. B.Barrett 11. Telea 12. J.Barrett 13. R.Ioane 14. Narawa 15. Jordan 16. Taukeiaho 17. Newell 18. Williams 19. Tuipulotu 20. Papalii 21. Ratima 22. Mckenzie 23. Stevenson
I can't for the life of me see Same Cane continuing to start into the next world cup. He'll be straight up old by then and won't be able to get around the park. Dalton Papali'i seems the heir apparent and tbh he's just a better player than Cane albeit without the experience.
Foster been sacked Scott Robinson waiting to be Sacked 😂😅
Fainganuku has gone to France so inelgible for selection. Narawa or Shsun Stevenson contenders for 14 I think.
Thinking there’ll be a few more players from his Crusaders days. Also wouldn’t be surprised if overseas players are available for selection. Interesting days ahead. Note, the Crusaders never had a standout halfback during Razors tenure but the players he did pick were perfect for the system he implemented.
Boks get 2 more cracks at the AB's in 2024. History shows that the AB's usually put the sword to RWC Champion's immediately after they lose a RWC championship. So the AB's apply the pressure no matter what. Hopefully they'll hardened up more than this year.
Man front row stocks are good! Moody may struggle to make it back in?? Sevu Reece shouldn’t be forgotten about
There is a bit of a hole at lock with the loss of our greatest two locks since Meads, and some real good youngsters who are probably a bit young atm. As well as Lord and Vaai, I would mention Holland and McWhannell. Those at the middle level of experience look more club level good than international to me. I would not bring back Tuipolotu, never quite made it at this level. I think they need to start giving the young guys experience beside Barrett.
Cane has never been the best 7 in NZ in his entire career, hopefully Razor puts Savea back to 7 and drops Cane completely.
minus injured Roigard that's a powerful 15 alright. Caleb Clarke ended the season with a bang so he'll be in. Read something a month ago about NZR working to get Richie back to NZ sooner than 3 years...not sure on latest news
Ardie Captain, Stevenson in for Fainganuku, Anton Leinert Brown 23
Agree.
Would include Quinton and ALB and SPero. In the fowds to include Cullen Grace an Landers 3P. Tks
Great team
Its going to be interesting to see where Razors going to get power from to outmuscle the likes of SA France and other countries with behemoths in their team or will he continue with and improve where the ABs ended at the World Cup strong mobile forwards and speedy backs
I don't like the idea of Scott Barrett being captain, I haven't seen anything from him that shows me he's a leader. Ardie Savea on the other hand has shown that he'd be a great captain. The big bonus with him is he'll be able to go the whole 80 if needed and he has the ability to lift the play of those around him. As an example look at the job he did in the RWC Final, being a man down could have lead to a blow out but he got them focussed on playing at their very best and they nearly pulled off a stunning win. A very very fine player held in very high regard amongst Springbok and other opposition supporters.
Do you think England, Ireland, Soctland or Wales could beat them? Interesting to hear of the All Black player drain to Japan. You’d think that club rugby in NZ would be awash with money. Diolch thanks again.
I am not going to give my opinion on who's going to be in any posistion in the team this year. I will just defer to the new coach. I don't think he has a bias or prejudice for any player from any region. He is only open to having the best player for the team.
I think that the SH should get it into their heads that
1. The NH will be continuously improving.
2. If Ireland with the TINY playing numbers can deliver as they have done, ditto Scotland , then SH domination is not simply a given
3. If Erasmus and co could outthink their opponents dont assume that there are not others who will follow the same route and be even better?
4. Country first. Country second ,country third. Its not about ( any!) "jersey".
5. SR. Stop dancing.
Finau 8 blackadder 6 ardie 7 imagine powerhouse back row abrasive a d aggressive shew id like to see that start atleast a few games 😎
Jordie will be the long range kicker. McKenzie on short range. I'm still worried about McKenzie's size as a 10, but this will be the time for experimenting. I do prefer Cane on the 7th jersey. Him and Savea were a very good combo. The centres stays the same. The only problem will be the no. 6 and 9.
BB just signed a contract to come back to the blues, through to the next WC 👌
We need to look at who has been resigned by the NZR to get a small idea who will be in the team. NZR wouldn't resign a player without Razor's approval. 2 players in there that will be lucky to survive are Cane and Vaa'i I would say we will see a new 1st-five and D-mack being a impact player. Your No.5 is a bit out there but I do like Tuipulotu. Also we do need a impact player off the bench and Aumua could be that player.
Is blackadder tough enough- many injuries unfortunately