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All Blacks 2025

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  • Chris B.C Chris B.

    @ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

    The Christie selection given Hotham is out is understandable. I don’t think they will want to invest in a newbie just yet given their focus is still developing Roigard and Ratima.

    ALB and Reece - squaddies at best. The next best midfielder and winger will be starting for the ABXV and if they go well will feature in 2026.

    Kirifi and Finau - might play against Wales.

    Yeah - it's entirely predictable. Aside from the injury replacements, @frugby pretty much got it spot on with the opening post.

    Agree completely on Christie - it would've been a pretty major surprise to see him displaced since they have Hotham in the wings.

    One of ALB or Sevu (probably Sevu) would've missed out if TwoTVs had been fit, since Big Leicester had clearly jumped ahead of him for the 2nd Oz test. It's pretty hard to think of other compelling centre options to replace ALB. Ennor might be the next in line and he's not compelling for me. Proctor was never missing out.

    McAlister lost out to Bell. Not surprising - Bell has been very good for Canterbury in the games I've watched.

    Lord over Darry - not much in that one probably.

    The AB XV will be more interesting because it will give some idea of who next cabs off the rank will be. Also be interesting to see who is captain.

    nostrildamusN Offline
    nostrildamusN Offline
    nostrildamus
    wrote on last edited by
    #7251

    @Chris-B said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

    TwoTVs

    excellent.

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
    • BovidaeB Offline
      BovidaeB Offline
      Bovidae
      wrote on last edited by
      #7252

      Richard Knowler is picking Fakatava will be in the AB XV squad. Speculation or did Robertson mention him?

      SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • NepiaN Nepia

        @Chris-B said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

        @Nepia said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

        @Chris-B said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

        Is Kyran Taumoefolau eligible for the AB XV?

        I think that only matters if we designate this team as our second team, which we often haven't. So I would assume he's available for it?

        If he's eligible he's probably an outside chance.

        I find him quite a hard player to assess. He's evidently a lot harder to defend than he looks. Might have a bit of that Christian Cullen effortless-looking speed about him?

        TBH, I assume that he'll make it, he's clearly on the radar with his switch to NZ/Chiefs. You would have seen more NPC from him but he looked class in Super.

        nostrildamusN Offline
        nostrildamusN Offline
        nostrildamus
        wrote on last edited by
        #7253

        @Nepia said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

        Kyran Taumoefolau

        he looked pretty quick in his 7 minutes for Tonga against Romania in 2023!
        Crowd Goes Wild has an online video pimping the Blenheimer (did I get that right?) as a FAB.
        191cm tall, so a taller and leaner Tele'a, perhaps.

        1 Reply Last reply
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        • BovidaeB Bovidae

          Richard Knowler is picking Fakatava will be in the AB XV squad. Speculation or did Robertson mention him?

          SouthernMannS Offline
          SouthernMannS Offline
          SouthernMann
          wrote on last edited by
          #7254

          @Bovidae said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

          Richard Knowler is picking Fakatava will be in the AB XV squad. Speculation or did Robertson mention him?

          So three halfbacks going with rhe AB XV?

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • sparkyS sparky

            My guess:

            Props: Williams, De Groot, Bower, Newell, Tosi, Mafileo
            Hookers: Taylor, Taukei'aho, Bell
            Locks: S Barrett, Holland, Tuipulotu, Darry
            Back Row: Parker, Finau, Kirifi, Savea, Sititi, Lakai, Jacobson
            Half Backs: Roigard, Ratima, Christie
            First Fives: B Barrett, McKenzie
            Midfield: J Barrett, Tupaea, Fainga'anuku, Proctor, ALB
            Wings: Carter, Clarke, Ioane, Reece
            Full Backs: Jordan, Love

            P Offline
            P Offline
            pakman
            wrote on last edited by
            #7255

            @sparky said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

            My guess:

            Props: Williams, De Groot, Bower, Newell, Tosi, Mafileo
            Hookers: Taylor, Taukei'aho, Bell
            Locks: S Barrett, Holland, Tuipulotu, Darry
            Back Row: Parker, Finau, Kirifi, Savea, Sititi, Lakai, Jacobson
            Half Backs: Roigard, Ratima, Christie
            First Fives: B Barrett, McKenzie
            Midfield: J Barrett, Tupaea, Fainga'anuku, Proctor, ALB
            Wings: Carter, Clarke, Ioane, Reece
            Full Backs: Jordan, Love

            35/36! A+

            1 Reply Last reply
            1
            • sparkyS sparky

              It's a massive handbrake on this team not to have the best available New Zealand Openside Flanker, Dalton Papalii, selected in the squad.

              Robertson has his own reason for not for picking him, but by being so stubborn, he is making life tougher for his players against what is bound to be extremely fired up and highly organised Northern Hemisphere opposition.

              B Offline
              B Offline
              brodean
              wrote on last edited by brodean
              #7256

              @sparky said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

              It's a massive handbrake on this team not to have the best available New Zealand Openside Flanker, Dalton Papalii, selected in the squad.

              Robertson has his own reason for not for picking him, but by being so stubborn, he is making life tougher for his players against what is bound to be extremely fired up and highly organised Northern Hemisphere opposition.

              I think its a bit weird. Robertson seemed to be unhappy with him after the two England tests and the two tests against Argentina. We won 3 out of 4 of those games and we were winning when Papali'i left the field to be replaced by Sititi in the game we lost against Argentina. Sititi had a shocker giving away 3 penalties in 15 minutes.

              Unhappy with that Robertson decides to replace Papali'i with Cane for some kind of redemption arc and we basically haven't seen Papali'i since except for that 15 minutes against France we he came on and smashed it.

              Meanwhile Kirifi comes on in Wellington against South Africa and does bugger all on defense and some how he is still in the team.

              1 Reply Last reply
              7
              • game_filmG Offline
                game_filmG Offline
                game_film
                wrote on last edited by
                #7257

                I’m gently climbing off the back of the Surfboard Jesus bandwagon. Just hope nobody sees me slinking off into the night.

                1 Reply Last reply
                9
                • nonpartizanN nonpartizan

                  @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                  @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                  I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                  They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                  That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                  Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                  Chris B.C Offline
                  Chris B.C Offline
                  Chris B.
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #7258

                  @nonpartizan said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                  @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                  @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                  I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                  They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                  That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                  Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                  Probably not too much of a problem.

                  There's 36 guys in the ABs. There will be around 30 more in the AB XV and easily another nine who'd be in one of the two squads if they weren't injured.

                  So 75 players, which neatly equates to five XVs - which equals the starting XVs of the Super rugby teams.

                  People will quibble around half a dozen squaddies in the ABs and again the most marginal half-dozen selections in the AB XV, but it's unlikely we're going to miss a superstar - and certainly not two years running.

                  Most people who pay attention and aren't total loonies could probably pick at least 85 percent of the two squads.

                  I haven't paid enough attention to NPC this year, but @frugby picked both squads ten days ago and I daresay he'll get most of it right.

                  GrooterG R 2 Replies Last reply
                  4
                  • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

                    @Grooter said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                    @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                    I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                    We'll know how much say they have in the XV selections If npc semi finalist Hawkes bays key player Fakatava can't make that touring team lol

                    No chance…..

                    P Offline
                    P Offline
                    pakman
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #7259

                    @ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                    @Grooter said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                    @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                    I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                    We'll know how much say they have in the XV selections If npc semi finalist Hawkes bays key player Fakatava can't make that touring team lol

                    No chance…..

                    https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360853292/why-big-freeze-set-end-ex-all-blacks-halfback-folau-fakatava

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    1
                    • Chris B.C Chris B.

                      @nonpartizan said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                      @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                      @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                      I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                      They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                      That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                      Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                      Probably not too much of a problem.

                      There's 36 guys in the ABs. There will be around 30 more in the AB XV and easily another nine who'd be in one of the two squads if they weren't injured.

                      So 75 players, which neatly equates to five XVs - which equals the starting XVs of the Super rugby teams.

                      People will quibble around half a dozen squaddies in the ABs and again the most marginal half-dozen selections in the AB XV, but it's unlikely we're going to miss a superstar - and certainly not two years running.

                      Most people who pay attention and aren't total loonies could probably pick at least 85 percent of the two squads.

                      I haven't paid enough attention to NPC this year, but @frugby picked both squads ten days ago and I daresay he'll get most of it right.

                      GrooterG Do not disturb
                      GrooterG Do not disturb
                      Grooter
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #7260

                      @Chris-B said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                      @nonpartizan said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                      @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                      @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                      I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                      They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                      That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                      Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                      Probably not too much of a problem.

                      There's 36 guys in the ABs. There will be around 30 more in the AB XV and easily another nine who'd be in one of the two squads if they weren't injured.

                      So 75 players, which neatly equates to five XVs - which equals the starting XVs of the Super rugby teams.

                      People will quibble around half a dozen squaddies in the ABs and again the most marginal half-dozen selections in the AB XV, but it's unlikely we're going to miss a superstar - and certainly not two years running.

                      Chris I hope Lucas Casey is selected 8 Tries, 31 Defenders beaten & 435 metres gained this bunnings npc season 🙂 how good would he be outside Davey!

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      1
                      • GrooterG Grooter

                        Tough fall from grace for Dalton Papalii, I predicted him to be vice captain this cycle, how wrong was I!

                        B Offline
                        B Offline
                        brodean
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #7261

                        @Grooter said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                        Tough fall from grace for Dalton Papalii, I predicted him to be vice captain this cycle, how wrong was I!

                        Unfortunately for Papali'i I'm not expecting him to be named in the All Blacks XV either.

                        BovidaeB 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • Chris B.C Chris B.

                          @nonpartizan said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                          @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                          @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                          I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                          They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                          That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                          Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                          Probably not too much of a problem.

                          There's 36 guys in the ABs. There will be around 30 more in the AB XV and easily another nine who'd be in one of the two squads if they weren't injured.

                          So 75 players, which neatly equates to five XVs - which equals the starting XVs of the Super rugby teams.

                          People will quibble around half a dozen squaddies in the ABs and again the most marginal half-dozen selections in the AB XV, but it's unlikely we're going to miss a superstar - and certainly not two years running.

                          Most people who pay attention and aren't total loonies could probably pick at least 85 percent of the two squads.

                          I haven't paid enough attention to NPC this year, but @frugby picked both squads ten days ago and I daresay he'll get most of it right.

                          R Offline
                          R Offline
                          reprobate
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #7262

                          @Chris-B said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                          @nonpartizan said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                          @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                          @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                          I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                          They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                          That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                          Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                          Probably not too much of a problem.

                          There's 36 guys in the ABs. There will be around 30 more in the AB XV and easily another nine who'd be in one of the two squads if they weren't injured.

                          So 75 players, which neatly equates to five XVs - which equals the starting XVs of the Super rugby teams.

                          People will quibble around half a dozen squaddies in the ABs and again the most marginal half-dozen selections in the AB XV, but it's unlikely we're going to miss a superstar - and certainly not two years running.

                          Most people who pay attention and aren't total loonies could probably pick at least 85 percent of the two squads.

                          I haven't paid enough attention to NPC this year, but @frugby picked both squads ten days ago and I daresay he'll get most of it right.

                          We are unlikely to completely miss selecting a superstar across both squads for sure.
                          We seem considerably more likely to allow a potential superstar or two (or at least better players) to sit on the bench / stands / play 2 part games for the AB XV for a season or two... while has-beens and never-gonna-bes are giving us mediocre results in the top side. And then have those potentially better players bugger off overseas, or have their effectiveness diminished by injuries etc.

                          Chris B.C nonpartizanN 2 Replies Last reply
                          1
                          • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

                            The Christie selection given Hotham is out is understandable. I don’t think they will want to invest in a newbie just yet given their focus is still developing Roigard and Ratima.

                            ALB and Reece - squaddies at best. The next best midfielder and winger will be starting for the ABXV and if they go well will feature in 2026.

                            Kirifi and Finau - might play against Wales.

                            Victor MeldrewV Offline
                            Victor MeldrewV Offline
                            Victor Meldrew
                            wrote on last edited by Victor Meldrew
                            #7263

                            @ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                            The Christie selection given Hotham is out is understandable. I don’t think they will want to invest in a newbie just yet given their focus is still developing Roigard and Ratima.

                            Christie answered the call in the RC and played his socks off. I get that, but there's an a opportunity to develop a 3rd halfback completely lost

                            I just don't get ALB either. He's been a good loyal servant but he looks completely over the hill these days.

                            frugbyF P 2 Replies Last reply
                            3
                            • R reprobate

                              @Chris-B said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                              @nonpartizan said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                              @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                              @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                              I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                              They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                              That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                              Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                              Probably not too much of a problem.

                              There's 36 guys in the ABs. There will be around 30 more in the AB XV and easily another nine who'd be in one of the two squads if they weren't injured.

                              So 75 players, which neatly equates to five XVs - which equals the starting XVs of the Super rugby teams.

                              People will quibble around half a dozen squaddies in the ABs and again the most marginal half-dozen selections in the AB XV, but it's unlikely we're going to miss a superstar - and certainly not two years running.

                              Most people who pay attention and aren't total loonies could probably pick at least 85 percent of the two squads.

                              I haven't paid enough attention to NPC this year, but @frugby picked both squads ten days ago and I daresay he'll get most of it right.

                              We are unlikely to completely miss selecting a superstar across both squads for sure.
                              We seem considerably more likely to allow a potential superstar or two (or at least better players) to sit on the bench / stands / play 2 part games for the AB XV for a season or two... while has-beens and never-gonna-bes are giving us mediocre results in the top side. And then have those potentially better players bugger off overseas, or have their effectiveness diminished by injuries etc.

                              Chris B.C Offline
                              Chris B.C Offline
                              Chris B.
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #7264

                              @reprobate Yeah - but, in my view that's not really happening.

                              I'm not seeing too many anomalous selections. There's a few I'd select or have selected differently, but I'm mainly quibbling on the fringes and I've won seven or eight less Super rugby titles than Razor.

                              I'm quite a bit more concerned about their gameplans and systems, which I still haven't understood quite what they're aiming at or trying to achieve. But, maybe Razor's a shitload smarter than everyone else and realises - like in politics - there's no point in releasing your best ideas two years out from the big dance.

                              Dry powder - it's gold! 🙂

                              mariner4lifeM KruseK 2 Replies Last reply
                              4
                              • Victor MeldrewV Victor Meldrew

                                @ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                The Christie selection given Hotham is out is understandable. I don’t think they will want to invest in a newbie just yet given their focus is still developing Roigard and Ratima.

                                Christie answered the call in the RC and played his socks off. I get that, but there's an a opportunity to develop a 3rd halfback completely lost

                                I just don't get ALB either. He's been a good loyal servant but he looks completely over the hill these days.

                                frugbyF Offline
                                frugbyF Offline
                                frugby
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #7265

                                @Victor-Meldrew I think the argument would be, the fringe 'bolters' e.g Tangitau, are better served PLAYING for the NZ XV than holding tackle bags for the ABs.

                                The only place you could argue there is possibly an opening is 10, and nobody has put anything up yet to suggest they could bolt in.

                                Better off having guys like Reece holding the tackle bags.

                                nzzpN game_filmG Victor MeldrewV 3 Replies Last reply
                                4
                                • frugbyF frugby

                                  @Victor-Meldrew I think the argument would be, the fringe 'bolters' e.g Tangitau, are better served PLAYING for the NZ XV than holding tackle bags for the ABs.

                                  The only place you could argue there is possibly an opening is 10, and nobody has put anything up yet to suggest they could bolt in.

                                  Better off having guys like Reece holding the tackle bags.

                                  nzzpN Offline
                                  nzzpN Offline
                                  nzzp
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #7266

                                  @frugby said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                  The only place you could argue there is possibly an opening is 10, and nobody has put anything up yet to suggest they could bolt in.

                                  No one has been given a run, except BB and DMac.

                                  frugbyF nonpartizanN 2 Replies Last reply
                                  2
                                  • R reprobate

                                    @Chris-B said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    @nonpartizan said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                                    They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                                    That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                                    Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                                    Probably not too much of a problem.

                                    There's 36 guys in the ABs. There will be around 30 more in the AB XV and easily another nine who'd be in one of the two squads if they weren't injured.

                                    So 75 players, which neatly equates to five XVs - which equals the starting XVs of the Super rugby teams.

                                    People will quibble around half a dozen squaddies in the ABs and again the most marginal half-dozen selections in the AB XV, but it's unlikely we're going to miss a superstar - and certainly not two years running.

                                    Most people who pay attention and aren't total loonies could probably pick at least 85 percent of the two squads.

                                    I haven't paid enough attention to NPC this year, but @frugby picked both squads ten days ago and I daresay he'll get most of it right.

                                    We are unlikely to completely miss selecting a superstar across both squads for sure.
                                    We seem considerably more likely to allow a potential superstar or two (or at least better players) to sit on the bench / stands / play 2 part games for the AB XV for a season or two... while has-beens and never-gonna-bes are giving us mediocre results in the top side. And then have those potentially better players bugger off overseas, or have their effectiveness diminished by injuries etc.

                                    nonpartizanN Offline
                                    nonpartizanN Offline
                                    nonpartizan
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #7267

                                    @reprobate said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    @Chris-B said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    @nonpartizan said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    @Landers92 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    @george33 said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                    I just hope like hell these coaches have had no input into the selection of ABXV otherwise we are in serious trouble but they would have a lot I'm thinking.

                                    They have a big say and most selections are theirs. Jamie Joseph will have his input and I’m sure be able to select those he really likes and I have no doubt he will do that but ultimately it’s up to the AB coaching group.

                                    That is a sobering thought. I really wish there was more of an external input on these selections from outside the AB coaching group. I say that because there had to be a lot of joined up thinking in the selections that extends beyond 2027/the length of the coaches contracts.

                                    Whatever happens in the next two years you want to make sure that the post 2027 coaches don't inherit a squad with young players devoid of experience or a squad full of over the hill players.

                                    Probably not too much of a problem.

                                    There's 36 guys in the ABs. There will be around 30 more in the AB XV and easily another nine who'd be in one of the two squads if they weren't injured.

                                    So 75 players, which neatly equates to five XVs - which equals the starting XVs of the Super rugby teams.

                                    People will quibble around half a dozen squaddies in the ABs and again the most marginal half-dozen selections in the AB XV, but it's unlikely we're going to miss a superstar - and certainly not two years running.

                                    Most people who pay attention and aren't total loonies could probably pick at least 85 percent of the two squads.

                                    I haven't paid enough attention to NPC this year, but @frugby picked both squads ten days ago and I daresay he'll get most of it right.

                                    We are unlikely to completely miss selecting a superstar across both squads for sure.
                                    We seem considerably more likely to allow a potential superstar or two (or at least better players) to sit on the bench / stands / play 2 part games for the AB XV for a season or two... while has-beens and never-gonna-bes are giving us mediocre results in the top side. And then have those potentially better players bugger off overseas, or have their effectiveness diminished by injuries etc.

                                    Agreed.

                                    The other element of this to me is that when Razor has been brave in his selections this season it has tended to pay dividends. Id say he is getting a bigger payout for his braver choices - like playing Holland and leaving him on for 80 mins or moving QT to 13 or picking Carter - than he is from his conservative choices.

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                                    • nzzpN nzzp

                                      @frugby said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                      The only place you could argue there is possibly an opening is 10, and nobody has put anything up yet to suggest they could bolt in.

                                      No one has been given a run, except BB and DMac.

                                      frugbyF Offline
                                      frugbyF Offline
                                      frugby
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #7268

                                      @nzzp Yes - because nobody has put up anything close to a body of work to suggest they deserve a crack at the next level down.

                                      Perofeta is injured.

                                      Love has had a few games of promise for the Hurricanes, but it seems he wants to be a fullback.

                                      I think most would probably say Jacomb is the next best after that, and good few on this forum was calling him overrated on Saturday night.

                                      Then you go to a Reihana, who might not even by the Crusaders first choice 10?

                                      KiwiMurphK 1 Reply Last reply
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                                      • nzzpN nzzp

                                        @frugby said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                        The only place you could argue there is possibly an opening is 10, and nobody has put anything up yet to suggest they could bolt in.

                                        No one has been given a run, except BB and DMac.

                                        nonpartizanN Offline
                                        nonpartizanN Offline
                                        nonpartizan
                                        wrote on last edited by nonpartizan
                                        #7269

                                        @nzzp said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                        @frugby said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                        The only place you could argue there is possibly an opening is 10, and nobody has put anything up yet to suggest they could bolt in.

                                        No one has been given a run, except BB and DMac.

                                        And even then DMac has only played when BB is injured. So he doesn't really think beyond BB which is nuts when you consider just how uneven his play is.

                                        By this point in the year it would have made more sense to me that BB and DMac would have split their starts more equally. It's exactly what Rassie does with the Boks 10s.

                                        Chris B.C 1 Reply Last reply
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                                        • frugbyF frugby

                                          @nzzp Yes - because nobody has put up anything close to a body of work to suggest they deserve a crack at the next level down.

                                          Perofeta is injured.

                                          Love has had a few games of promise for the Hurricanes, but it seems he wants to be a fullback.

                                          I think most would probably say Jacomb is the next best after that, and good few on this forum was calling him overrated on Saturday night.

                                          Then you go to a Reihana, who might not even by the Crusaders first choice 10?

                                          KiwiMurphK Offline
                                          KiwiMurphK Offline
                                          KiwiMurph
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #7270

                                          @frugby said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

                                          Then you go to a Reihana, who might not even by the Crusaders first choice 10?

                                          Based on what exactly?

                                          frugbyF 1 Reply Last reply
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