I think you’ve pretty much hit the nails on the head, although the Captaincy still remains an issue, imo. The midfield is definitely our biggest issue, and ball distribution in particular. I think we’re going to see quite a few changes leading into the 2025 season with some big names not getting picked. I can’t wait to see Ritchie, Shannon and Leister back in the mix.
Doubt Leicester's going to get much international game time next year tbh. You have to remember how much he's been playing in the Top 14, not to mention when you sign for a Super contract affects when you can return to the All Blacks jersey. If he signs late, he won't be able to play.
Isn't it both exciting and amazing how much you Kiwis and us Saffas are so entrenched in the sport we love? FIRSTLY Love your positive content. SECONDLY There are 4 x teams that can currently rank # 1 : Boks, ABs, Irish and French. I do suspect that the ABs will reign supreme at #1 ranking again in 2025. It will all boil down to BMT (big match temperament) on the day, but having said that, it's not pleasant having the #1 rank as a target on your back. It's far better to have a low profile en route to the RWC! THIRDLY Is it just me or are the Irish slacking off a bit? They appear to have run out of gas. The Aussies are improving inch by inch and that is very heartening to see. FINALLY The ABs have always set the benchmark in rugby and history will reflect on their dominance in the game - I suspect the current status quo is but a mere glitch in their long reign supremacy - but by the beard of ODIN, I am enjoying this fierce battle between the two old foes! VIVA THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE!!!
What are your thoughts on Blackadder? I reckon he was a standout in the Championship before his injury. My ideal combo would be him, Sititi, and Savea in either formation.
I’m on record as being a big fan. When he is fit I think his work rate over 80 mins can’t be beaten. He almost always tops the tackle count and he is a good link man on attack. He needs someone next to him with more physicality and size as I don’t feel he’s the wrecking ball type. The issue with EB is one we’re all familiar with: durability.
Totally agree. Fainga'anuku looks to be the missing piece in the puzzle as I have a gut feeling that Razor felt Proctor wasn't. I'm optimistic we have all other areas covered and Reiko still needs to be in the mix but overall the midfield just didn't fire this year especially compared to the Boks. It's a big opportunity this coming SRP for midfielders to step up with an understrength French team ideal to test new combinations. 2025 will be the year we will really know if gains are being made, I just feel that this year still left questions. Can't wait though, there's a real chance we can close the gap with the Boks, the two games with them next year will be immense.
@@edsmith4160 Manu has no chance. You have to play Super Rugby to get in to the All Blacks, only returning ABs are allowed to get back into the black jersey early due to signing a contract a year in advance. Mounga finishes in Japan in 2026, so no, he will not be back next year.
Astute comments Julian. Biggest problem is backline. Yes, Fainga’anuku for 13. We need someone with distribution skills and able to break the line. Reiko is a great athlete but a wing. Frizell definitely. Ryan and Robertson want him back, along with Mo’unga. Would be nice to have depth in the middle row to boost the bench, but it’s not such a problem for me. Cheers.
@@eyeofrage7025 has to tidy up on defence, but, he needs exposure to achieve that, we carry on about development yet here's a prime example of the new brigade being left out again, NZR really talk a lot of shite ay....🤔
@@PeterRattenbury-h1e we need a coach who can utilise all resources available, not a super coach who can build Rome in a day because the talent within the squad is that good, he can not be both selector and coach either as one position influences the other and vice versa...
Hear me out: CALEB CLARKE at 12‼️ I’ve watched him closely this entire year, super rugby included. The AB’s midfield is their biggest problem area, lacking power, distribution, creativity. Would LOVE to see him get the opportunity to mould into a REAL 12.
My man, it's a no brainer, of the backline Caleb was easily the ABs most damaging ball runner and he also has the genes for midfield via dad Eroni Clarke, come on Razor, put Caleb midfield and chuck Rieko back to wing, that whole experiment of him at centre failed substantially, almost to the point of embarrassment as this years midfield sucked badly....
@@nepiahemopo1702 that’s the question the AB’s haven’t asked themselves in a long time 😂 Main purposes of 12: Direction & Distribution. Direction: Strong running, drawing defenders, breaking the advantage line. Distribution: high level Passing & vision, post contact skills like offloading, relieving pressure from 10 with tactical kicking and defensive responsibilities. The AB’s haven’t had this full package since Nonu.
@@NzInception It depends on whether Manu gets to his peak powers. At his best, his skillset would create so much more. Think of how Suaalii impacted the Wallabies but know Manu was much better when in form. He is a freak, up there with SBW.
Salivating over the Boks. They are a super team with a lot of depth. AB’s a distant 2nd in 2025. Might take 2026 to get the top level. Perhaps Santa can help find those gems!! Merry Christmas
Boks are losing dominance next year mark my words 😂 ALL their stars will be in their mid 30’s meanwhile the AB’s will be on the rise with most of the squad under 30 in only year 2 of Razor 🙌🏾😂
@@kobuslouw9533 no one said that. The AB’s were the same age in 2023 lol but what WAS said is the 2022-2023 AB’s were maybe “the worst ever” and yet they lost by a point in a final with 14 men to the ‘greatest’ Boks ever 🤣 The difference is now The AB’s are rebuilding. Brand new coach, brand new players, ALL getting better. Sititi and Roigard, are better than any new player the Boks have brought in 😂 AB’s are warming up.. the Boks are on their way out. I’ve seen this movie plenty times.. NZ always ends up on top lol Can’t wait.
@@Lesssvav bro, a literally kiwi "analyst" kept on hammering that. The Black Jersey is his channel. And thanks, you just reiterated what I said about the Kiwis 🤣🤣 Same stories, same excuses 🏆🏆🏆🏆>🏆🏆🏆
@@kobuslouw9533 You mean a UA-camr?!HAHAHA world cups are the only thing The Boks have over the AB’s as of now that’s why none of you saffas can complete a convo without brining it up 🤣🤣 check the Winning percentage, check the rugby championships, check the time ranking no1 👀🤣 where’s your excuses there. The REAL greatest ever is taking it all back and deep down you know it 🤣😎🙌🏾
Hey man. Being number one should be last on their wishlist cause World Cups over the years proved that it doesn't necessarily win you the title. Better execution of their skills should be high on the agenda.They're created enough opportunities and should have won all games in 2024. I do see growth in the whole team. Rico need a Sonny Bill like 12 to compliment his pace at 13. Razor realize that solid defense can win you games when the attack can't penetrate. Jordie is under performerming @ the moment. So yes , the midfield is problematic. Leister Fainganuka will be the one line breaker and hopefully Procter next to him. Rico to the wing , Barret to the bench @ 15. The All Blacks will " deliver " in 2025.
I watched this with interest, while the Boks are enjoying a rich vein of form we can’t rest on our laurels. That said, I think with one or two minor tweaks the ABs could have had a very different season. The minor tweaks Im referring to pertains to eligibility. You’ve got a generational coach in Razor (judging by his Super Rugby results), why not afford the team ever opportunity to maximise outcomes.
@@robvandenheuvel128 thank you bro, we were one dumb decision away from an unbeaten tour up north, and yes, it also makes sense to have all resources available for coach Robertson, surely, new coach, skipper, emerging talent and a new beginning, hopefully the NZR can come to their senses ay, for the sake of the diehard fans....
@@Spencer-z6k And one horrendous shot at goal from losing a second. Sorry but what ifs don't count. Razor is a great coach but he needs help in his ability to select. Some of the decisions for the teams and the choices for the end of year tour were, at best, misguided. No competition in the midfield. No competition at 10. Not willing to introduce players from the bench. He has a four year contract, ratified by RNZ, so they will not get rid of him after such big pay outs to assistants over the last 3 years. We have the players here, he needs to stop looking backwards, and if they come back, and are better than the incumbents then they get a shot. Holding a place for them isn't healthy for team moral, Plummer off to France is possibly the first consequence.
Doesn't even have to be a young bolter. If he doesn't try our 10's around the country, they will go where Plummer, and Burke went. Creating more issues than he started with. We have so many midfielders who deserve a shot but he won't pick them. Selecting, I feel, is his failing. Good coach, selector, not so much.
How do you think Jordie would go at 13? Relatively similar switch from the current 12, compared to Clarke from 11. Solid aerial skills, distribution skills, and sound on defence. How would the kicking dynamic look if his boot is out there?
It might take some time but I'm pretty optimistic with the young locks out there. Darry is still only 24, Holland is 22, Josh Lord is about to turn 24 and Zach Gallagher has loads of potential at 23. I'm praying at least 2 of these guys can step up because we will be in huge trouble if not. The only fear I have with our loose forwards is that we still are kinda small. Although Savea and Sititi have made up for it with their engine, I'm hoping that if we don't get Frizzell back, Sotutu can pull through if he can make the squad (I wish NZR kept Nelson Asofa-Solomona before rugby league picked him up could you imagine him at 8) Midfield is a big problem though because Rieko is not a centre. I'd rather play ALB at the 13 or if we can discover someone that plays the role of a Nonu/Laumape I'd even consider shifting Jordie to 13 although it might just do more harm than good spreading him out further into the backline. Next year will answer a lot of questions regarding where we are at but I do have a lot of trust in Razor to take us through the next world-cup cycle or two and find success.
The only issue I have, is that constant chopping and changing has its pitfalls. Yes, currently the Springboks have scary depth, but actually selecting your best side gets more difficult and you do sacrifice continuity. No matter how much depth you bleed, at the end of of the day, its a fifteen vs fifteen on the pitch. And when crunch time comes, you want to know who are the sure picks. So while Rassie Erasmus has undoubtedly made the Springboks a lot stronger this year, he is going to have to delineate who is first and second choice players are. The key issue for All Blacks supporters though, is accepting that you are currently not Number One and that you might need to experiment. And experimentation, unfortunately, brings a lack of continuity and cohesion. In everyone's mind, the guy that they talk up for selection, will just be a star right off the bat. How many games grace are you willing to give your team and your coach? If you are still #3 next year, would you be calling for Razor's head? What about #4? How many games are you willing to lose in order to build up a team that can win the 2026 test series, or the world cup? I get that you guys had an all-time great team 10 years ago, one that allowed you to have your cake and eat it, too; a team that you could count on to win almost every game and then blow everybody off the field come the world cup. But maybe its time to look at the rugby landscape realistically and admit that those are bygone days and that you are going to have to make a couple of concessions or sacrifices to get the team back where you want it to be.
Exactly what I've been saying. Rassie is wasting all this time and energy on "depth", yet how many of these fringe players will actually play in the World Cup? Not many.
@icefarrow7959 I think there might be a little more at play there - I call it the the Great Fall of 2028. The Boks have a very good squad with loads of experience, but most of their stars are in their early thirties; an age where a single injury can rule a player out for good. So to him, it might be a bigger gamble in the long run to keep playing the old war horses, over selecting new talent and making sure guys like Etzebeth, Kolisi and Malherbe have got their replacements in place. Even if this current crop doesn the unthinkable and wins the World Cup a third time in a row, come 2028, three quarters of this side is going to retire and the Boks would then struggle for years. Then there is the fact that World Rugby has tweaked some rules and it directly impacted the way South Africa plays. So maybe the new game plan under Tony Brown is to counteract that. All in all, it's really different to criticize Rassie too much - he did win every trophy there was to play for and only lost two matches by a point each, for a winning record of 85%.
@@randomlyfactual1943 uhm, yes, NZ have accepted where the All Blacks are in the world rankings, 3rd or 4th, us supporters pride ourselves on being #1 and that's what drives us diehard fans to get stuck into our national team when the quality in performance drops, although we do credit the opposition in certain cases as well......
You make some fantastic points and I appreciate the care and thought you’ve put into your comment 👏🏼 And in terms of the ‘depth trap’ you refer to - as an All Blacks fan I immediately think of 2007. There’s no doubt NZ had the world’s best depth at that point. They had two unique starting 15’s who could beat anyone on their day. But come the quarterfinals they didn’t have that one cohesive 15 to do the job when it mattered most and the rest is history. I also take your point well that the narrative of ‘New Zealand decline’ can be a tad solipsistic. In reality, the Irish, French and Argentinians have gone to a new level in the past decade.
I agree Julian. Need a Joe Stanley, Maa Nonu, Tana Umanga type player. That is the piece that is missing for sure. Midfield is too well Marked. Kirifi at 7 is one I would pick, even off the bench. Riki Rickatelli should be in the mix too.
Great analysis, I really think ABs will beat the Boks in NZ, and if NZRFU allows a few overseas players some leniency and get Richie Mounga and Shannon Frizell back “imagine”.
Sititi best position is number 8. Savea is our best 7.We need big tall mobile blindside. Fabian Holland looks like the lock we have been looking forward. Flyhalf is real weakness.We won’t win anything without world class fly half. Riley Higgins and Billy Proctor look like the midfielders we need.
I like. It's such a shame Finau got concussed and didn't get the chance to blowout against France I still believe he's worth the investment Razor needs to unlock the mentality the rest will come
Really Proctor is awesome in the defense line and rush defense. Reiko isn’t the best, what Reiko is good at is cover defense for me anyway. Proctor goes in on defense, Reiko shows them a gap then closes it. I personally prefer the first.
2025 should be focusing on finding the midfield combo for 2027, with the hope that Razor’s actually giving specialist midfield a chance (proctor, higgins, lam, tupaea). With Leicester coming back, we would be spoiled for choices and please.. no more Havili 🙏🙏🙏 Caleb looks like making the left wing his own, so that left us with who should be our primary right wing since it’s almost certain that WJ is our 2027’s 15. Telea needs to work on his aerial defence to add to his almost unstoppable attacking qualities. Another player I hoped to be given a chance is Cam Millar / Brett Cameron for the 10 jersey to build NZs depth in that department. Both of these blokes showed potential in 2024 SRP and if they can upped the game and stay injury free, should have a chance either as extended squad for July series or included in AB XV.
I hope our right wing is covered by Jordan. He showed this year how much his game lost when he went to fullback. We have plenty of Fullbacks and wingers to choose from so hopefully we will be ok. Perofetta, Miller, and Cameron, when he returns from injury will be the way forward. I just hope Razor looks behind him and remembers the 2011 world cup, when we lost our top 2 10's. That can happen in any position. So many midfielders. I am a fan of Rieko's but he and Jordie have to go. We have plenty of replacements even before our returning players.
Vaa'i has improved and I think he could be an option at #6 if he keeps improving which would free up a Lock spot for Holland. Vaa'i is a hard running and tackling athlete, key word being "athlete". Then shift Savea to 7 and Sititi to 8 with Lakai and Tuipolotu off the bench
I believe in Sititi at 6. We have had 8's who have been great 6's. The latest being Kaino. We have enough 8's around with Sotutu, and Lio-Willie, and as you say, what about the young guys who have yet to be in the environment. We have a bad habit of saying, Yes they were really good this year, but what if they aren't next year. We need to strike while the iron's hot and expose them to the big games. We did with Sititi and look how that turned out. We went for safe with Jacobson and Blackadder and it was a dismal failure. Should have left one of them and taken Sotutu, but no. Midfield is a problem. This year was Razors conservatism. Jordie needs to go, as much as I am a Rieko fan, so does Rieko. They can always force their way back in, but there need to be consequences. A J Lam, Riley Higgins, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Billy Procter, and Dallas McLeod are people we need to try and we still have Braydon Ennor, and Quinn Tupaea as options. We saw early on McKenzie being given too much latitude, even though he wasn't performing. He and Barrett are not our starting 10's now or in 2027. We need to forget Mounga coming back, if he does he may not be the one we need, and start Perofetta, Cameron when he comes back, if he is in the same form, and Miller from the Highlanders. Sorry, but I am still not convinced 15 is Jordan's best position for the All Blacks. He scored fewer tries on average this year than any other year he played at 14. Considerably fewer. For the team, he is better at 14, and with better distributers at 12 and 13 he will reap the rewards. We have 15's who are worth a try ready and waiting. Love, Sullivan, Stevenson. None have been tried in their Super Rugby position. Finally, Captain. Sorry, not Scott Barrett. The captain needs to be the best player in his position and that is not Barrett. Dispense with vice captains. We didn't have them before, we had a leadership team. If the captain goes off, everyone knows who takes over. Having a vice captain means they are given more latitude to play below their best as we have seen with Jordie. We have Savea, Taylor, Tuipolotu, who are all experienced as captains to take over as captain or to take over if he leaves the field.
mate imo proctor was the finest ball distributor in the backs for nz all year i cant see what he did wrong if u say tackling i say bullshit missing 1 or 2 tackles doesnt mean your rubbish. he had been sitting on the bench most the year after helping get all his domestic teams wellington to both the finals tells me hes a winner and deserves a bledisloe start to prove his the top 13. we need a straight hard to put down 2nd five with line breaking quality caleb clarke should get first go as hes established and internationally proven at going forward. this could be the difference between us and south africa and keeping eden park forttess intact
our setpiece great always to be improved especially lineout i like what I see in Holland 'the backrow looks complimentary and lifts each other so for me the All black Pack is an underrated point of attack in breaking down the line D ie the forward drive and hope Razor and Ryan in particular make it a priority in developing the maul to a point it becomes a weapon alongside our sets 👍🏻
As far as our loose forwards go we are too small by international standards .Yes Sititi is s brilliant but he needs far bigger players around him . Hope fully next years super rugby will throw up some young brutes with skills to match . In the backs we need far more creativity in the 12 and 13 jersey . Barrett and Ioane are used as battering rams which is not enough when you want to beat the big teams .
We need a new Captain Scott isn't in the top two locks in the country when Holland is available and Darry is really good and Vai is improving Ardie 7 backs Dmac is better than Beauden especially goal kicking reko wing or NPC and have only 3 selectors one not mates with anyone like Steve Hansen for example or ted
Absolutely. I firmly believe it's the point of difference we haven't fully tapped into just look at the personnel Taukeiaho William's Tosi Aumua Tuipolotu the backrow all ballers with go forward what's the difference. Aggressive line speed / gainline Defense and all tier one nations are proficient at it Ryan has done a superb job since his inclusion in 23 my sincere wish is he develop our maul or rolling maul to be precise into a weapon we have the soldiers to make it very effective when a maul is executed correctly defense systems employed by all the top 5 heavyweights will have big problems. that's what' we are missing to get over the gainline.
Never. I love that man!!!! But his injury woes were quite severe this year. Hoping he regains top form in 2025 through the Super season because Samisoni, Asafo and Codie is a hell of a trio to have at #2! 🔥
Dude, where are your pupils. Change your light set up. Or wear shades, It can't be healthy. You have reasonably Good analysis though. I will subscribe. Actually some really great points. You have high rugby IQ. Your channel is now on my rugby rotation youtube thingingimajig.
Our problem area is locks and loose forwards. We are lacking tall timber and guys over 2 metres. Our backs and front row are world beaters but we lack the height.
Who cares whether our locks/ loosies have an extra 10 cm on them or not, what matters is how effective they are at their job, and we excel despite that height discrepancy.
I dont think so..issues are : captaincy..midfield ineffective..loosie combination put of sync I.e Ardies best days are over..Sititi at 8 is here and now..6 still a ?...number 10 still a lottery
Easy get a new coaching team a new captain and get rid of the players that don’t perform but it’s not going to happen Robertson will hound the nzrfu to get overseas players in to cover his incompetence
Look Robertson had 42 players still playing in NZ super rugby that had already played for the All Blacks under Foster! We can go on and on about the players BUT the issue is NOT the players! WE had a great team of players at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and yet we lost in the semi-final! We had a great team of players in the 2023 Rugby World Cup and yet we lost in the final YET everyone is analyzing the players because everyone seems to think its the players when the common dominator says we had the players in both world cups therefore what can it be! Simple - the one thing that has NOT changed has been the way that the AB attack that has struggled against the rush umbrella defense! We keep doing the same thing and the result is always the same yet everyone looks at the players NOT what are we doing that is the problem! We had a change in the coaching staff YET we played the same game as Foster did and look what happened - we had the worse record for a first-time head coach in his first year in the professional era and this is a coach who won the Super Rugby title 7 times! This proves my point that how can the problem be personnel IF we do NOT change the way we attack and head towards playing a more pressure type of game then we will NOT win the RWC in 2027 no matter how great that team of players is!
Some truth bombs here!!! It is reassuring to think we have the players… but there’s still tactical work to do for sure. Strong rush D and aggressive breakdown work is our kryptonite.
Hey, I think AB NEEDS A HOLLAND OR TALL BUFFY GUY IN SCOT PLACE. PEROFETA OR NOTHER LOCAL TO HELP DMAC. LOVE TO HELP JORDIN, LAM PROCTOR, LEISTER F, MID RIEKO BENCH, CLARK TE LEA WINGS, AB HAVE ENOUGH TALENT AT HOME, THEY MUST BRING IN HOSKINS.
:caleb left wing reiko right wing sititi 6 peter 7 ardie 8. dmac our best kicker ( riche mounga🤔). cam need to be on for 60 min literially. we need better centers 12,13 and fly half. Razer didnt give debut and young player to prove them self. Ardie to be captain. Rassie producing better 10. And young players.
Depth and invincibility is all well and good until a loss is inflicted, or maybe two losses, then, what seemed like amazing depth becomes, well, what is your best team, or do you just have a huge number of mediocrities! I'm not predicting this for SA, just saying everything is rosy for as long as you're winning. The AB's just need to keep winning, but can they?
Someone once said, show me your locks because it will determine the teams success. No WC was ever won without world class locks, everything else being level.
I think you’ve pretty much hit the nails on the head, although the Captaincy still remains an issue, imo. The midfield is definitely our biggest issue, and ball distribution in particular. I think we’re going to see quite a few changes leading into the 2025 season with some big names not getting picked. I can’t wait to see Ritchie, Shannon and Leister back in the mix.
I think Im most excited about Leicester 👍
@@penskyfile5290yeah bro....
Don't need frizell
@@NzInception the old saying.... better to have and not need than to need and not have ay....
Doubt Leicester's going to get much international game time next year tbh. You have to remember how much he's been playing in the Top 14, not to mention when you sign for a Super contract affects when you can return to the All Blacks jersey. If he signs late, he won't be able to play.
Isn't it both exciting and amazing how much you Kiwis and us Saffas are so entrenched in the sport we love?
FIRSTLY
Love your positive content.
SECONDLY
There are 4 x teams that can currently rank # 1 : Boks, ABs, Irish and French. I do suspect that the ABs will reign supreme at #1 ranking again in 2025. It will all boil down to BMT (big match temperament) on the day, but having said that, it's not pleasant having the #1 rank as a target on your back. It's far better to have a low profile en route to the RWC!
THIRDLY
Is it just me or are the Irish slacking off a bit? They appear to have run out of gas. The Aussies are improving inch by inch and that is very heartening to see.
FINALLY
The ABs have always set the benchmark in rugby and history will reflect on their dominance in the game - I suspect the current status quo is but a mere glitch in their long reign supremacy - but by the beard of ODIN, I am enjoying this fierce battle between the two old foes!
VIVA THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE!!!
Absolutely agree with your analysis, let's hope your wishes will come true nx year,merry Xmas.
And to you as well! 🎄
What are your thoughts on Blackadder? I reckon he was a standout in the Championship before his injury. My ideal combo would be him, Sititi, and Savea in either formation.
I think that could have been on the cards in the EoYT....but he was injured. It's the chronic injuries (and creeping age) that is his problem.
I’m on record as being a big fan. When he is fit I think his work rate over 80 mins can’t be beaten. He almost always tops the tackle count and he is a good link man on attack. He needs someone next to him with more physicality and size as I don’t feel he’s the wrecking ball type. The issue with EB is one we’re all familiar with: durability.
Very good analysis and in the right areas. Subbed.
Hell yes. Thank you for subbing! 🙏🏼
Totally agree. Fainga'anuku looks to be the missing piece in the puzzle as I have a gut feeling that Razor felt Proctor wasn't. I'm optimistic we have all other areas covered and Reiko still needs to be in the mix but overall the midfield just didn't fire this year especially compared to the Boks. It's a big opportunity this coming SRP for midfielders to step up with an understrength French team ideal to test new combinations. 2025 will be the year we will really know if gains are being made, I just feel that this year still left questions. Can't wait though, there's a real chance we can close the gap with the Boks, the two games with them next year will be immense.
Joey Manu could well be in the mix for the EOYT, and Richie Mounga could even be back as well.
@@JackKinross apparently Proctor has defensive issues...
@@JackKinross I hope France bring their top side for the fans sake....
@@edsmith4160 Manu has no chance. You have to play Super Rugby to get in to the All Blacks, only returning ABs are allowed to get back into the black jersey early due to signing a contract a year in advance. Mounga finishes in Japan in 2026, so no, he will not be back next year.
@@Spencer-z6k Didn't stop him using Reece on the wing and Jordan at fullback
Astute comments Julian. Biggest problem is backline. Yes, Fainga’anuku for 13. We need someone with distribution skills and able to break the line. Reiko is a great athlete but a wing. Frizell definitely. Ryan and Robertson want him back, along with Mo’unga. Would be nice to have depth in the middle row to boost the bench, but it’s not such a problem for me. Cheers.
Proctor at 13
@@eyeofrage7025 has to tidy up on defence, but, he needs exposure to achieve that, we carry on about development yet here's a prime example of the new brigade being left out again, NZR really talk a lot of shite ay....🤔
@@Spencer-z6k We put failed wingers on the bench when we could have put new talent so they could test themselves against the top teams.
@@PeterRattenbury-h1e we need a coach who can utilise all resources available, not a super coach who can build Rome in a day because the talent within the squad is that good, he can not be both selector and coach either as one position influences the other and vice versa...
Hear me out: CALEB CLARKE at 12‼️
I’ve watched him closely this entire year, super rugby included. The AB’s midfield is their biggest problem area, lacking power, distribution, creativity. Would LOVE to see him get the opportunity to mould into a REAL 12.
What is the core roll of a 12?
My man, it's a no brainer, of the backline Caleb was easily the ABs most damaging ball runner and he also has the genes for midfield via dad Eroni Clarke, come on Razor, put Caleb midfield and chuck Rieko back to wing, that whole experiment of him at centre failed substantially, almost to the point of embarrassment as this years midfield sucked badly....
@@nepiahemopo1702run hard, tackle hard, play hard..😂😂😂
@@nepiahemopo1702 that’s the question the AB’s haven’t asked themselves in a long time 😂 Main purposes of 12: Direction & Distribution.
Direction: Strong running, drawing defenders, breaking the advantage line.
Distribution: high level Passing & vision, post contact skills like offloading, relieving pressure from 10 with tactical kicking and defensive responsibilities. The AB’s haven’t had this full package since Nonu.
He’s just found his place on the wing, changing him around will ruin that. Let him play where hes great at
Joey Manu has the potential to come into the mix if he has a good stint in Japan.
Has all the natural attributes to be a sensational Rugby Player !
AJ Lam offers the same skill set if not better
@@NzInception It depends on whether Manu gets to his peak powers. At his best, his skillset would create so much more. Think of how Suaalii impacted the Wallabies but know Manu was much better when in form. He is a freak, up there with SBW.
yup rieko is the best winger option. we need him
He’s class. Great player but sometimes not at his best at #13 on attack.
Good analysis. I think the All Blacks pack is one reshuffle away from being a dominant force on the world stage.
Salivating over the Boks. They are a super team with a lot of depth. AB’s a distant 2nd in 2025. Might take 2026 to get the top level. Perhaps Santa can help find those gems!! Merry Christmas
Boks are losing dominance next year mark my words 😂 ALL their stars will be in their mid 30’s meanwhile the AB’s will be on the rise with most of the squad under 30 in only year 2 of Razor 🙌🏾😂
@@Lesssvav Oh we've heard this same thing about the Boks being too old and an aging team back in 2023. How that go?
@@kobuslouw9533 no one said that. The AB’s were the same age in 2023 lol but what WAS said is the 2022-2023 AB’s were maybe “the worst ever” and yet they lost by a point in a final with 14 men to the ‘greatest’ Boks ever 🤣
The difference is now The AB’s are rebuilding. Brand new coach, brand new players, ALL getting better. Sititi and Roigard, are better than any new player the Boks have brought in 😂 AB’s are warming up.. the Boks are on their way out. I’ve seen this movie plenty times.. NZ always ends up on top lol Can’t wait.
@@Lesssvav bro, a literally kiwi "analyst" kept on hammering that. The Black Jersey is his channel. And thanks, you just reiterated what I said about the Kiwis 🤣🤣 Same stories, same excuses 🏆🏆🏆🏆>🏆🏆🏆
@@kobuslouw9533 You mean a UA-camr?!HAHAHA world cups are the only thing The Boks have over the AB’s as of now that’s why none of you saffas can complete a convo without brining it up 🤣🤣 check the Winning percentage, check the rugby championships, check the time ranking no1 👀🤣 where’s your excuses there. The REAL greatest ever is taking it all back and deep down you know it 🤣😎🙌🏾
Have 2025 fixtures and venues been confirmed yet?
Hey man. Being number one should be last on their wishlist cause World Cups over the years proved that it doesn't necessarily win you the title. Better execution of their skills should be high on the agenda.They're created enough opportunities and should have won all games in 2024. I do see growth in the whole team. Rico need a Sonny Bill like 12 to compliment his pace at 13. Razor realize that solid defense can win you games when the attack can't penetrate. Jordie is under performerming @ the moment. So yes , the midfield is problematic. Leister Fainganuka will be the one line breaker and hopefully Procter next to him. Rico to the wing , Barret to the bench @ 15. The All Blacks will " deliver " in 2025.
I watched this with interest, while the Boks are enjoying a rich vein of form we can’t rest on our laurels. That said, I think with one or two minor tweaks the ABs could have had a very different season.
The minor tweaks Im referring to pertains to eligibility. You’ve got a generational coach in Razor (judging by his Super Rugby results), why not afford the team ever opportunity to maximise outcomes.
@@robvandenheuvel128 thank you bro, we were one dumb decision away from an unbeaten tour up north, and yes, it also makes sense to have all resources available for coach Robertson, surely, new coach, skipper, emerging talent and a new beginning, hopefully the NZR can come to their senses ay, for the sake of the diehard fans....
@@Spencer-z6k And one horrendous shot at goal from losing a second. Sorry but what ifs don't count. Razor is a great coach but he needs help in his ability to select. Some of the decisions for the teams and the choices for the end of year tour were, at best, misguided. No competition in the midfield. No competition at 10. Not willing to introduce players from the bench. He has a four year contract, ratified by RNZ, so they will not get rid of him after such big pay outs to assistants over the last 3 years. We have the players here, he needs to stop looking backwards, and if they come back, and are better than the incumbents then they get a shot. Holding a place for them isn't healthy for team moral, Plummer off to France is possibly the first consequence.
Totally agree that we need to relook our centre pairing. A young bolter at 10 would be welcome too!
Doesn't even have to be a young bolter. If he doesn't try our 10's around the country, they will go where Plummer, and Burke went. Creating more issues than he started with. We have so many midfielders who deserve a shot but he won't pick them. Selecting, I feel, is his failing. Good coach, selector, not so much.
Cam millar fits the bill and wouldn't mind seeing harry godfrey given a crack at 10 for the canes
How do you think Jordie would go at 13?
Relatively similar switch from the current 12, compared to Clarke from 11.
Solid aerial skills, distribution skills, and sound on defence. How would the kicking dynamic look if his boot is out there?
Adios BB and JB, revert Rieko and Jordan to 11 and 14 respectively, start Proctor and Love at 13 and 15, convert Clarke into new Nonu.
Interesting! I saw another comment suggesting Clarke at 12. Hadn’t given that possibility much thought tbh but it’s intriguing.
It might take some time but I'm pretty optimistic with the young locks out there. Darry is still only 24, Holland is 22, Josh Lord is about to turn 24 and Zach Gallagher has loads of potential at 23. I'm praying at least 2 of these guys can step up because we will be in huge trouble if not. The only fear I have with our loose forwards is that we still are kinda small. Although Savea and Sititi have made up for it with their engine, I'm hoping that if we don't get Frizzell back, Sotutu can pull through if he can make the squad (I wish NZR kept Nelson Asofa-Solomona before rugby league picked him up could you imagine him at 8)
Midfield is a big problem though because Rieko is not a centre. I'd rather play ALB at the 13 or if we can discover someone that plays the role of a Nonu/Laumape I'd even consider shifting Jordie to 13 although it might just do more harm than good spreading him out further into the backline. Next year will answer a lot of questions regarding where we are at but I do have a lot of trust in Razor to take us through the next world-cup cycle or two and find success.
The only issue I have, is that constant chopping and changing has its pitfalls. Yes, currently the Springboks have scary depth, but actually selecting your best side gets more difficult and you do sacrifice continuity. No matter how much depth you bleed, at the end of of the day, its a fifteen vs fifteen on the pitch. And when crunch time comes, you want to know who are the sure picks. So while Rassie Erasmus has undoubtedly made the Springboks a lot stronger this year, he is going to have to delineate who is first and second choice players are.
The key issue for All Blacks supporters though, is accepting that you are currently not Number One and that you might need to experiment. And experimentation, unfortunately, brings a lack of continuity and cohesion.
In everyone's mind, the guy that they talk up for selection, will just be a star right off the bat. How many games grace are you willing to give your team and your coach? If you are still #3 next year, would you be calling for Razor's head? What about #4? How many games are you willing to lose in order to build up a team that can win the 2026 test series, or the world cup?
I get that you guys had an all-time great team 10 years ago, one that allowed you to have your cake and eat it, too; a team that you could count on to win almost every game and then blow everybody off the field come the world cup. But maybe its time to look at the rugby landscape realistically and admit that those are bygone days and that you are going to have to make a couple of concessions or sacrifices to get the team back where you want it to be.
Exactly what I've been saying. Rassie is wasting all this time and energy on "depth", yet how many of these fringe players will actually play in the World Cup? Not many.
@icefarrow7959 I think there might be a little more at play there - I call it the the Great Fall of 2028. The Boks have a very good squad with loads of experience, but most of their stars are in their early thirties; an age where a single injury can rule a player out for good. So to him, it might be a bigger gamble in the long run to keep playing the old war horses, over selecting new talent and making sure guys like Etzebeth, Kolisi and Malherbe have got their replacements in place. Even if this current crop doesn the unthinkable and wins the World Cup a third time in a row, come 2028, three quarters of this side is going to retire and the Boks would then struggle for years.
Then there is the fact that World Rugby has tweaked some rules and it directly impacted the way South Africa plays. So maybe the new game plan under Tony Brown is to counteract that.
All in all, it's really different to criticize Rassie too much - he did win every trophy there was to play for and only lost two matches by a point each, for a winning record of 85%.
@@randomlyfactual1943 uhm, yes, NZ have accepted where the All Blacks are in the world rankings, 3rd or 4th, us supporters pride ourselves on being #1 and that's what drives us diehard fans to get stuck into our national team when the quality in performance drops, although we do credit the opposition in certain cases as well......
You make some fantastic points and I appreciate the care and thought you’ve put into your comment 👏🏼
And in terms of the ‘depth trap’ you refer to - as an All Blacks fan I immediately think of 2007. There’s no doubt NZ had the world’s best depth at that point. They had two unique starting 15’s who could beat anyone on their day. But come the quarterfinals they didn’t have that one cohesive 15 to do the job when it mattered most and the rest is history.
I also take your point well that the narrative of ‘New Zealand decline’ can be a tad solipsistic. In reality, the Irish, French and Argentinians have gone to a new level in the past decade.
I agree Julian. Need a Joe Stanley, Maa Nonu, Tana Umanga type player. That is the piece that is missing for sure. Midfield is too well Marked. Kirifi at 7 is one I would pick, even off the bench. Riki Rickatelli should be in the mix too.
taukeiaho should be back soon no need for ricci
Great analysis, I really think ABs will beat the Boks in NZ, and if NZRFU allows a few overseas players some leniency and get Richie Mounga and Shannon Frizell back “imagine”.
I hope you’re right!!!🤞🏻 thanks so much for watching and commenting 🙏🏼
Sititi best position is number 8.
Savea is our best 7.We need big tall mobile blindside.
Fabian Holland looks like the lock we have been looking forward.
Flyhalf is real weakness.We won’t win anything without world class fly half.
Riley Higgins and Billy Proctor look like the midfielders we need.
I like. It's such a shame Finau got concussed and didn't get the chance to blowout against France I still believe he's worth the investment Razor needs to unlock the mentality the rest will come
Really Proctor is awesome in the defense line and rush defense. Reiko isn’t the best, what Reiko is good at is cover defense for me anyway.
Proctor goes in on defense, Reiko shows them a gap then closes it.
I personally prefer the first.
2025 should be focusing on finding the midfield combo for 2027, with the hope that Razor’s actually giving specialist midfield a chance (proctor, higgins, lam, tupaea). With Leicester coming back, we would be spoiled for choices and please.. no more Havili 🙏🙏🙏
Caleb looks like making the left wing his own, so that left us with who should be our primary right wing since it’s almost certain that WJ is our 2027’s 15. Telea needs to work on his aerial defence to add to his almost unstoppable attacking qualities.
Another player I hoped to be given a chance is Cam Millar / Brett Cameron for the 10 jersey to build NZs depth in that department. Both of these blokes showed potential in 2024 SRP and if they can upped the game and stay injury free, should have a chance either as extended squad for July series or included in AB XV.
I hope our right wing is covered by Jordan. He showed this year how much his game lost when he went to fullback. We have plenty of Fullbacks and wingers to choose from so hopefully we will be ok.
Perofetta, Miller, and Cameron, when he returns from injury will be the way forward. I just hope Razor looks behind him and remembers the 2011 world cup, when we lost our top 2 10's. That can happen in any position.
So many midfielders. I am a fan of Rieko's but he and Jordie have to go. We have plenty of replacements even before our returning players.
Vaa'i has improved and I think he could be an option at #6 if he keeps improving which would free up a Lock spot for Holland. Vaa'i is a hard running and tackling athlete, key word being "athlete". Then shift Savea to 7 and Sititi to 8 with Lakai and Tuipolotu off the bench
I believe in Sititi at 6. We have had 8's who have been great 6's. The latest being Kaino. We have enough 8's around with Sotutu, and Lio-Willie, and as you say, what about the young guys who have yet to be in the environment. We have a bad habit of saying, Yes they were really good this year, but what if they aren't next year. We need to strike while the iron's hot and expose them to the big games. We did with Sititi and look how that turned out. We went for safe with Jacobson and Blackadder and it was a dismal failure. Should have left one of them and taken Sotutu, but no.
Midfield is a problem. This year was Razors conservatism. Jordie needs to go, as much as I am a Rieko fan, so does Rieko. They can always force their way back in, but there need to be consequences. A J Lam, Riley Higgins, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Billy Procter, and Dallas McLeod are people we need to try and we still have Braydon Ennor, and Quinn Tupaea as options.
We saw early on McKenzie being given too much latitude, even though he wasn't performing. He and Barrett are not our starting 10's now or in 2027. We need to forget Mounga coming back, if he does he may not be the one we need, and start Perofetta, Cameron when he comes back, if he is in the same form, and Miller from the Highlanders.
Sorry, but I am still not convinced 15 is Jordan's best position for the All Blacks. He scored fewer tries on average this year than any other year he played at 14. Considerably fewer. For the team, he is better at 14, and with better distributers at 12 and 13 he will reap the rewards. We have 15's who are worth a try ready and waiting. Love, Sullivan, Stevenson. None have been tried in their Super Rugby position.
Finally, Captain. Sorry, not Scott Barrett. The captain needs to be the best player in his position and that is not Barrett. Dispense with vice captains. We didn't have them before, we had a leadership team. If the captain goes off, everyone knows who takes over. Having a vice captain means they are given more latitude to play below their best as we have seen with Jordie. We have Savea, Taylor, Tuipolotu, who are all experienced as captains to take over as captain or to take over if he leaves the field.
mate imo proctor was the finest ball distributor in the backs for nz all year i cant see what he did wrong if u say tackling i say bullshit missing 1 or 2 tackles doesnt mean your rubbish. he had been sitting on the bench most the year after helping get all his domestic teams wellington to both the finals tells me hes a winner and deserves a bledisloe start to prove his the top 13. we need a straight hard to put down 2nd five with line breaking quality caleb clarke should get first go as hes established and internationally proven at going forward. this could be the difference between us and south africa and keeping eden park forttess intact
I agree, Proctor is class and his distribution game looks better than Ioane’s. He needs more time in black in 2025!
We need to start utilizing Jordie Barretts ariel ability imo
@@NzInception yup, he'd make a good kicking tee boy, especially from halfway, he knows which ones to kick with mate ...🏈
@@Spencer-z6k not talking about his kicking
our setpiece great always to be improved especially lineout i like what I see in Holland 'the backrow looks complimentary and lifts each other so for me the All black Pack is an underrated point of attack in breaking down the line D ie the forward drive and hope Razor and Ryan in particular make it a priority in developing the maul to a point it becomes a weapon alongside our sets 👍🏻
As far as our loose forwards go we are too small by international standards .Yes Sititi is s brilliant but he needs far bigger players around him . Hope fully next years super rugby will throw up some young brutes with skills to match . In the backs we need far more creativity in the 12 and 13 jersey . Barrett and Ioane are used as battering rams which is not enough when you want to beat the big teams .
Yes! Jordie and Reiko are fine players but sending them crashing into the line doesn’t seem to be their best use.
That little no.9 Cam is a scary prospect the boy is looking ominous... I think him and Sacha feinberg Mngomezulu will own 2025
bring Hotham in as understudy watch these two behind an ever developing Pack 👌
Two superstars in the making!
Hope Razor change the midfield. He seem reluctant. 😢
Razor is on the right track.Rassie, has a 71% success rate, same as razor. Nienabar is 69%, razor 71%
Yes. We’re a critical bunch from NZ but by global standards he’s clearly trending in the right direction.
front 3 is confirmed.
4. Scott Barrett
5. Vaai
6. Blackadder
7. Savea
8. Sititi
9. Roigard
10. B. Barrett
11. Clarke
12. Tupaea
13. Proctor
14. Telea
15. Jordan
19. Tuipulotu
20. Papalii
21. Ratima
22. Mckenzie
23. Jordie Barrett
I like the team!
Mate it's really simple...you need to go through us to get to no.1.
No doubt. The next few years will be epic.
Get Jaguares and Japan into Super rugby. Develop NZ XV and Maori Allblacks and put them on tour. Develop new players in the sevens like we used to.
The ABs are great. Its just that others are great too. Forget the past. Its gone.
Ka mate, ka mate, ka ora, ka ora
We need a new Captain Scott isn't in the top two locks in the country when Holland is available and Darry is really good and Vai is improving Ardie 7 backs Dmac is better than Beauden especially goal kicking reko wing or NPC and have only 3 selectors one not mates with anyone like Steve Hansen for example or ted
Why sellectors dont trust Domestic.
"How the All Blacks Can Reclaim World #1 by 2025?" - Take out, Etzebeth, Snyman, PSDT, OX, Marx, Kolbe, De Allende, Kriel and Rassie... problem solved
Hahaha exactly
Have you forgotten about Samisoni ?
Absolutely. I firmly believe it's the point of difference we haven't fully tapped into just look at the personnel Taukeiaho William's Tosi Aumua Tuipolotu the backrow all ballers with go forward what's the difference. Aggressive line speed / gainline Defense and all tier one nations are proficient at it Ryan has done a superb job since his inclusion in 23 my sincere wish is he develop our maul or rolling maul to be precise into a weapon we have the soldiers to make it very effective when a maul is executed correctly defense systems employed by all the top 5 heavyweights will have big problems. that's what' we are missing to get over the gainline.
Never. I love that man!!!! But his injury woes were quite severe this year. Hoping he regains top form in 2025 through the Super season because Samisoni, Asafo and Codie is a hell of a trio to have at #2! 🔥
I think with those names you mentioned there are real signs of the physical edge returning to our game!
they should bring ngani laumape back nd put rieko on the wing again
The Boks can use overseas players NZ don't so thats why they have the depth
Dude, where are your pupils. Change your light set up. Or wear shades, It can't be healthy. You have reasonably
Good analysis though. I will subscribe.
Actually some really great points. You have high rugby IQ. Your channel is now on my rugby rotation youtube thingingimajig.
Our problem area is locks and loose forwards. We are lacking tall timber and guys over 2 metres. Our backs and front row are world beaters but we lack the height.
Who cares whether our locks/ loosies have an extra 10 cm on them or not, what matters is how effective they are at their job, and we excel despite that height discrepancy.
Razor needs to drop Jordie for a few games and force him to respond. Right now teams have worked him out.
Any 13 is better than Rieko, he had numerous chances and failed, same goes for Jordie
I dont think so..issues are : captaincy..midfield ineffective..loosie combination put of sync I.e Ardies best days are over..Sititi at 8 is here and now..6 still a ?...number 10 still a lottery
Mark ta'liel (sp) is no longer the rugby player he used to be and appears to favor his body over helping defensively.
Interesting. I thought he finished two tries against England that few wingers could have.
Easy get a new coaching team a new captain and get rid of the players that don’t perform but it’s not going to happen Robertson will hound the nzrfu to get overseas players in to cover his incompetence
Look Robertson had 42 players still playing in NZ super rugby that had already played for the All Blacks under Foster! We can go on and on about the players BUT the issue is NOT the players! WE had a great team of players at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and yet we lost in the semi-final! We had a great team of players in the 2023 Rugby World Cup and yet we lost in the final YET everyone is analyzing the players because everyone seems to think its the players when the common dominator says we had the players in both world cups therefore what can it be!
Simple - the one thing that has NOT changed has been the way that the AB attack that has struggled against the rush umbrella defense! We keep doing the same thing and the result is always the same yet everyone looks at the players NOT what are we doing that is the problem! We had a change in the coaching staff YET we played the same game as Foster did and look what happened - we had the worse record for a first-time head coach in his first year in the professional era and this is a coach who won the Super Rugby title 7 times! This proves my point that how can the problem be personnel
IF we do NOT change the way we attack and head towards playing a more pressure type of game then we will NOT win the RWC in 2027 no matter how great that team of players is!
Some truth bombs here!!! It is reassuring to think we have the players… but there’s still tactical work to do for sure. Strong rush D and aggressive breakdown work is our kryptonite.
Hey, I think AB NEEDS A HOLLAND OR TALL BUFFY GUY IN SCOT PLACE. PEROFETA OR NOTHER LOCAL TO HELP DMAC. LOVE TO HELP JORDIN, LAM PROCTOR, LEISTER F, MID RIEKO BENCH, CLARK TE LEA WINGS, AB HAVE ENOUGH TALENT AT HOME, THEY MUST BRING IN HOSKINS.
Julle gani die boks weer wen nie
:caleb left wing reiko right wing sititi 6 peter 7 ardie 8. dmac our best kicker ( riche mounga🤔). cam need to be on for 60 min literially. we need better centers 12,13 and fly half. Razer didnt give debut and young player to prove them self. Ardie to be captain. Rassie producing better 10. And young players.
Mostert was man of the match against Wales.
All blacks need a much better 12…
I’m seeing this comment often.
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No rush as long as ABs win the World Cup in 27 that’s all that matters
Thy Wil not
I pray the ALL BLACKS DONT GO OUTSIDE. Y NOT USE BRILLIANT DOMESTIC
Coaches, players and fans should transcend this attitude that NZL was robbed during the RWC. Tome to move on and celebrate new talent.
You sound like Donald Trump. Don't know if Trump will succeed, and actually, I'm not sure if Razor is the guy to make the ABs great again.
Try playing 2nd team😅
Depth and invincibility is all well and good until a loss is inflicted, or maybe two losses, then, what seemed like amazing depth becomes, well, what is your best team, or do you just have a huge number of mediocrities! I'm not predicting this for SA, just saying everything is rosy for as long as you're winning. The AB's just need to keep winning, but can they?
Yup, as the All Blacks found out at 2007 RWC… it’s better to have a winning first 15 than the best depth!
Someone once said, show me your locks because it will determine the teams success. No WC was ever won without world class locks, everything else being level.
Make All Black Great again?? sounds like Trump needs to assert certain trade marks hehehe
Become more arrogant and more aggressive.
Make Trump your coach
Kak boet!!!!!
Keep dreaming mate!!😂😂😂😂