All Blacks 2025
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Is it wise for the ABs to be going to Chicago right now?
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@ExiledHalfback The money calls the tune in professional sport.
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The All Blacks will likely have to stick with a pretty settled team for, at the very least, their next two matches against Ireland and England. There could be a few changes for Scotland and then a few more for Wales, but given how conservative Razor and co have been, that could depend on how those first two matches pan out (given the team Robertson put out against Italy last year).
What does the first-choice team look like now when everyone's fit?
Something along the lines of:
Jordan, Carter, Tupaea, Barrett, Clarke, Barrett, Roigard, Parker, Savea, Vaa'i, Holland, Barrett, Newell, Taylor, De Groot. Reserves: Taukei'aho, Williams, Tosi, Tuipulotu, Sititi, Ratima, Ioane/Fainga'anuku, McKenzie.
Would prefer to see McKenzie at 10 with Love covering from the bench but doubt Razor's thinking has changed regarding the first-choice 10, which means we'll be back to the Barrett show. The loose forwards/locking mix is also up for debate, with the other likely option seeing Vaa'i in the second row with Lakai/Sititi starting in the loosies. Similarly, Williams is probably the best loosehead prop available but he'd offer better value off the bench compared to De Groot and Norris likely doesn't have enough experience to play against Ireland and England.
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@ExiledHalfback said in All Blacks 2025:
Is it wise for the ABs to be going to Chicago right now?
Might arrive a bit early for kick off I guess.
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@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
The All Blacks will likely have to stick with a pretty settled team for, at the very least, their next two matches against Ireland and England. There could be a few changes for Scotland and then a few more for Wales, but given how conservative Razor and co have been, that could depend on how those first two matches pan out (given the team Robertson put out against Italy last year).
What does the first-choice team look like now when everyone's fit?
Something along the lines of:
Jordan, Carter, Tupaea, Barrett, Clarke, Barrett, Roigard, Parker, Savea, Vaa'i, Holland, Barrett, Newell, Taylor, De Groot. Reserves: Taukei'aho, Williams, Tosi, Tuipulotu, Sititi, Ratima, Ioane/Fainga'anuku, McKenzie.
Would prefer to see McKenzie at 10 with Love covering from the bench but doubt Razor's thinking has changed regarding the first-choice 10, which means we'll be back to the Barrett show. The loose forwards/locking mix is also up for debate, with the other likely option seeing Vaa'i in the second row with Lakai/Sititi starting in the loosies. Similarly, Williams is probably the best loosehead prop available but he'd offer better value off the bench compared to De Groot and Norris likely doesn't have enough experience to play against Ireland and England.
Did Lakai do well enough to deserve consideration for more involvement? Just based on one watch it seemed like he carried pretty hard and had some post contact metres.
Yesterday's match was Williams best since returning from injury imo - seems like he is more comfortable as a starter than off the bench because it felt like he was out of sorts in that role.
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Lakai did alright. He got ragdolled like he was nothing a few times at the breakdown before Skelton went off but that would have happened to any of our other small 8 options in the squad.
I thought he was ok but overall I think his upside is overly optimistic by some. Couldn't honestly say he was better than Lio Willie earlier in the year.
Im unconvinced that any of the 8 options used this year have a higher upside than Sotutu.
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@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky usually finals weekend for NPC, which is 3 weeks?
The ABs XV is scheduled to be named on 14 October. Normally the ABs are named a day or two prior? Next Sunday or Monday?
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@SouthernMann you are more likely correct...I was guessing.
Wonder how many ABs will be released to disrupt the quarters next week?
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@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@SouthernMann you are more likely correct...I was guessing.
Wonder how many ABs will be released to disrupt the quarters next week?
Just a rough guess from my part based on timelines of what has been announced.
What the announcement timing says is there is no interest in knock out provincial footy. Can't influence any decisions.
With players being released. There will be some bullshit about giving guys a break and there will be stuff all.pulling on provincial kit.
As long as there are none for the team scheduled to play my guys I'm happy.
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@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
Lakai did alright. He got ragdolled like he was nothing a few times at the breakdown before Skelton went off but that would have happened to any of our other small 8 options in the squad.
I thought he was ok but overall I think his upside is overly optimistic by some. Couldn't honestly say he was better than Lio Willie earlier in the year.
Im unconvinced that any of the 8 options used this year have a higher upside than Sotutu.
Yeah, that's fair.
I would say this season thst after every match the performance of the loosies is just underwhelming. It feels like a procession of 6/10 performances.
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@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
Lakai did alright. He got ragdolled like he was nothing a few times at the breakdown before Skelton went off but that would have happened to any of our other small 8 options in the squad.
I thought he was ok but overall I think his upside is overly optimistic by some. Couldn't honestly say he was better than Lio Willie earlier in the year.
Im unconvinced that any of the 8 options used this year have a higher upside than Sotutu.
The legend of Sotutu grows with every passing week. You’d think he was the next coming of Buck or Zinzan! He’s a good player, but I’m not convinced he’s the answer.
Ardie Savea on the bench as last 30 min super sub. He can cover 6, 7 and 8 (and 12
). Parker at 6. Lakai at 7. Who is the best option to play 8 to complement those 2? Sititi? Who is waiting in the wings or tearing up the NPC at 8? -
Love to see Lucas Casey get a shot ,I know it’s early days but he seems the best bet at 7 for all blacks
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@stodders said in All Blacks 2025:
@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
Lakai did alright. He got ragdolled like he was nothing a few times at the breakdown before Skelton went off but that would have happened to any of our other small 8 options in the squad.
I thought he was ok but overall I think his upside is overly optimistic by some. Couldn't honestly say he was better than Lio Willie earlier in the year.
Im unconvinced that any of the 8 options used this year have a higher upside than Sotutu.
The legend of Sotutu grows with every passing week. You’d think he was the next coming of Buck or Zinzan! He’s a good player, but I’m not convinced he’s the answer.
Ardie Savea on the bench as last 30 min super sub. He can cover 6, 7 and 8 (and 12
). Parker at 6. Lakai at 7. Who is the best option to play 8 to complement those 2? Sititi? Who is waiting in the wings or tearing up the NPC at 8?As the memory of Charlie Ngatai fades with each passing generation......a new hero is needed to continue the legacy.
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For a head coach who is a former loose forward, and a forward coach who appears to highly rated...
How can they not be concerned by the way our loose forwards got absolutely bitched last night? And thats with the best Wallaby loosie half fit coming off the bench?
Wilson made yards at will, and had starch on D. Mcreight was a menace at the breakdown. They were highly visible and highly effective.And this is a theme over a period of time. Remember what the effectively reserve French #8 did to us?
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@Frank Love just doesn’t do it for me tbh. Barely a standout in the NPC games he’s played this year. I don’t think he’s ever been the Hurricanes no1 option at 10, would rather see Josh Jacomb or Rivez Reihana get a shot personally.
