NZ Rugby selection thread / all blacks

[Ymx]

As per Guys suggestion

All Blacks EOYT Squad:

Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor

George Bower, Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi

Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Samuel Whitelock

Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu

Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava, Aaron Smith

Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Stephen Perofeta

Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece

[Ymx]

Massive shame for Cullen Grace.

The meh inclusions for me
Caleb Clarke, Tupou Vaa’i , Dane Coles, Finlay Christie. Oh and Cane.

[Ymx]

I’m worryingly starting to think we might do alright.

The campaign to oust Foster has failed. But at least his input has been minimised through Schmidt and Ryan.

He can just stick to delivering shit talking at press conferences.

[Guy Smiley]

too many threads bro.


( Cullen Grace was going to be out for months after his injury, probably not available )

[Grandpa]

When is the back up squad named?

[Monkey Magic]

I’m worryingly starting to think we might do alright.

The campaign to oust Foster has failed. But at least his input has been minimised through Schmidt and Ryan.

He can just stick to delivering shit talking at press conferences.

Remember what's happened in the last 6 games, even the last 3 isn't all roses.

6.
Beat up Australia at Eden Park (standard)
5.
Last minute escape against wallabies due to Foley annoying a Frenchman
4.
Beat up a beaten up Argentina side
3.
Lose for the first time to Argentina in NZ
2.
Escape vs south africa after managing to be behind with a man in the bin in the last 10
1.
Get schooled by south africa

Feels like Foster still has some records to break this year

[Kiwias]

I was pleasantly surprised to see DMac and PT excluded.

[Ymx]

I’m worryingly starting to think we might do alright.

The campaign to oust Foster has failed. But at least his input has been minimised through Schmidt and Ryan.

He can just stick to delivering shit talking at press conferences.

Remember what's happened in the last 6 games, even the last 3 isn't all roses.

6.
Beat up Australia at Eden Park (standard)
5.
Last minute escape against wallabies due to Foley annoying a Frenchman
4.
Beat up a beaten up Argentina side
3.
Lose for the first time to Argentina in NZ
2.
Escape vs south africa after managing to be behind with a man in the bin in the last 10
1.
Get schooled by south africa

Feels like Foster still has some records to break this year

True. I think he’s lining up a first ever loss to Scotland.

[Grandpa]

I’m worryingly starting to think we might do alright.

The campaign to oust Foster has failed. But at least his input has been minimised through Schmidt and Ryan.

He can just stick to delivering shit talking at press conferences.

Remember what's happened in the last 6 games, even the last 3 isn't all roses.

6.
Beat up Australia at Eden Park (standard)
5.
Last minute escape against wallabies due to Foley annoying a Frenchman
4.
Beat up a beaten up Argentina side
3.
Lose for the first time to Argentina in NZ
2.
Escape vs south africa after managing to be behind with a man in the bin in the last 10
1.
Get schooled by south africa

Feels like Foster still has some records to break this year

True. I think he’s lining up a first ever loss to Scotland.

McFostered is a headline waiting to be printed

[Ymx]

too many threads bro.


( Cullen Grace was going to be out for months after his injury, probably not available )

[Dan54]

Massive shame for Cullen Grace.

The meh inclusions for me
Caleb Clarke, Tupou Vaa’i , Dane Coles, Finlay Christie. Oh and Cane.

Mate it's a little hard to take any of your posts too seriously if you don't know that Grace couldn't be named, so not really a shame he wasn't.

[Gumboot]

Richard Knowler in Stuff:

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be the big story of the tour.

He certainly would have had his name in bold headlines, for the wrong reasons, if left behind in New Zealand. RTS deserves one start - at least - on tour.

He deserves a test start? Really? Based on what exactly?

I was never the biggest SBW fan, but at least when he switched from league he was an immediate success with Canterbury and then the Crusaders. He absolutely smashed it, and thoroughly deserved to be selected for RWC 2011.

Tuivasa-Sheck, to me, still looks like a code convert trying to figure out the game, and even when he plays well he's not really any better than most of the other established provincial midfielders/wings in the country. On his form this year, he doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the ABs squad.

Too harsh?

[Grandpa]

Richard Knowler in Stuff:

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be the big story of the tour.

He certainly would have had his name in bold headlines, for the wrong reasons, if left behind in New Zealand. RTS deserves one start - at least - on tour.

He deserves a test start? Really? Based on what exactly?

I was never the biggest SBW fan, but at least when he switched from league he was an immediate success with Canterbury and then the Crusaders. He absolutely smashed it, and thoroughly deserved to be selected for RWC 2011.

Tuivasa-Sheck, to me, still looks like a code convert trying to figure out the game, and even when he plays well he's not really any better than most of the other established provincial midfielders/wings in the country. On his form this year, he doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the ABs squad.

Too harsh?

I agree.

[Ymx]

Massive shame for Cullen Grace.

The meh inclusions for me
Caleb Clarke, Tupou Vaa’i , Dane Coles, Finlay Christie. Oh and Cane.

Mate it's a little hard to take any of your posts too seriously if you don't know that Grace couldn't be named, so not really a shame he wasn't.

I knew he was injured, that’s why it’s a shame. It could have been the making of him. I would have worded it very differently, if he wasn’t selected in the squad. Probably with expletives

[Guy Smiley]

Richard Knowler in Stuff:

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be the big story of the tour.

He certainly would have had his name in bold headlines, for the wrong reasons, if left behind in New Zealand. RTS deserves one start - at least - on tour.

He deserves a test start? Really? Based on what exactly?

I was never the biggest SBW fan, but at least when he switched from league he was an immediate success with Canterbury and then the Crusaders. He absolutely smashed it, and thoroughly deserved to be selected for RWC 2011.

Tuivasa-Sheck, to me, still looks like a code convert trying to figure out the game, and even when he plays well he's not really any better than most of the other established provincial midfielders/wings in the country. On his form this year, he doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the ABs squad.

Too harsh?

Fair and reasonable.

[Gumboot]

All Blacks XV squad:

Forwards: Asafo Aumua (Wellington), George Bell (Canterbury), Brodie McAlister (Canty), Finlay Brewis (Canty), Oli Jager (Canty), Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty), Angus Ta’avao (Auckland), Tamaiti Williams (Canty), Josh Dickson (Otago), Zach Gallagher (Canty), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland – captain), Dominic Gardiner (Canty), Billy Harmon (Canty), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Christian Lio-Willie (Otago), Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (Hawkes Bay)

Backs: TJ Perenara (Wellington), Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay), Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau), Bryn Gatland (North Harbour), Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Levi Aumua (Tasman), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Alex Nankivell (Tasman), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), AJ Lam (Auckland), Ruben Love (Wellington), Mark Telea (North Harbour)

[Certain Navigator]

All Blacks XV squad:

Forwards: Asafo Aumua (Wellington), George Bell (Canterbury), Brodie McAlister (Canty), Finlay Brewis (Canty), Oli Jager (Canty), Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty), Angus Ta’avao (Auckland), Tamaiti Williams (Canty), Josh Dickson (Otago), Zach Gallagher (Canty), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland – captain), Dominic Gardiner (Canty), Billy Harmon (Canty), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Christian Lio-Willie (Otago), Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (Hawkes Bay)

Backs: TJ Perenara (Wellington), Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay), Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau), Bryn Gatland (North Harbour), Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Levi Aumua (Tasman), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Alex Nankivell (Tasman), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), AJ Lam (Auckland), Ruben Love (Wellington), Mark Telea (North Harbour)

Thompson possibly a bit unlucky, but I guess they see Bell as the coming apprentice. Christie also has to be a bit stiff, but they must think Harmon and Jacobsen provide sufficient, if non-specialist, cover at 7. Ironically, Harmon has been kept out of 7 by Christie.

The backs are an interesting combination of old and new. Good to see Roigard get a shot.

[Dan54]

Massive shame for Cullen Grace.

The meh inclusions for me
Caleb Clarke, Tupou Vaa’i , Dane Coles, Finlay Christie. Oh and Cane.

Mate it's a little hard to take any of your posts too seriously if you don't know that Grace couldn't be named, so not really a shame he wasn't.

I knew he was injured, that’s why it’s a shame. It could have been the making of him. I would have worded it very differently, if he wasn’t selected in the squad. Probably with expletives

Fair enough mate, I was meant to put a grinning face after my post anyway.

[Dan54]

All Blacks XV squad:

Forwards: Asafo Aumua (Wellington), George Bell (Canterbury), Brodie McAlister (Canty), Finlay Brewis (Canty), Oli Jager (Canty), Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty), Angus Ta’avao (Auckland), Tamaiti Williams (Canty), Josh Dickson (Otago), Zach Gallagher (Canty), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland – captain), Dominic Gardiner (Canty), Billy Harmon (Canty), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Christian Lio-Willie (Otago), Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (Hawkes Bay)

Backs: TJ Perenara (Wellington), Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay), Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau), Bryn Gatland (North Harbour), Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Levi Aumua (Tasman), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Alex Nankivell (Tasman), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), AJ Lam (Auckland), Ruben Love (Wellington), Mark Telea (North Harbour)

Thompson possibly a bit unlucky, but I guess they see Bell as the coming apprentice. Christie also has to be a bit stiff, but they must think Harmon and Jacobsen provide sufficient, if non-specialist, cover at 7. Ironically, Harmon has been kept out of 7 by Christie.

The backs are an interesting combination of old and new. Good to see Roigard get a shot.

Yep I happy about Roigard getting a go, same as Bell. Never really thought of Christie, a bit small I think? Stevenson from NH must feel a little unlucky, but generally like the look of the team

[Gumboot]

Thompson possibly a bit unlucky, but I guess they see Bell as the coming apprentice. Christie also has to be a bit stiff, but they must think Harmon and Jacobsen provide sufficient, if non-specialist, cover at 7. Ironically, Harmon has been kept out of 7 by Christie.

The backs are an interesting combination of old and new. Good to see Roigard get a shot.

Yep I happy about Roigard getting a go, same as Bell. Never really thought of Christie, a bit small I think? Stevenson from NH must feel a little unlucky, but generally like the look of the team

Yep, great to see Roigard make it, and I hope he gets some serious game time. Same with Bell.

Quite a few good young locks coming through at the mo. McWannell and Holland are in great nick, and longer term Lord and Parkinson will be fit again...at some stage.

[Dan54]

Thompson possibly a bit unlucky, but I guess they see Bell as the coming apprentice. Christie also has to be a bit stiff, but they must think Harmon and Jacobsen provide sufficient, if non-specialist, cover at 7. Ironically, Harmon has been kept out of 7 by Christie.

The backs are an interesting combination of old and new. Good to see Roigard get a shot.

Yep I happy about Roigard getting a go, same as Bell. Never really thought of Christie, a bit small I think? Stevenson from NH must feel a little unlucky, but generally like the look of the team

Yep, great to see Roigard make it, and I hope he gets some serious game time. Same with Bell.

Quite a few good young locks coming through at the mo. McWannell and Holland are in great nick, and longer term Lord and Parkinson will be fit again...at some stage.

I actually think we going to be right in a few years, we go through these troughs where we struggle for a few players and then we get the young uns poking their heads up sand saying don't forget about us!

[Gumboot]

Yep I happy about Roigard getting a go, same as Bell. Never really thought of Christie, a bit small I think? Stevenson from NH must feel a little unlucky, but generally like the look of the team

Yep, great to see Roigard make it, and I hope he gets some serious game time. Same with Bell.

Quite a few good young locks coming through at the mo. McWannell and Holland are in great nick, and longer term Lord and Parkinson will be fit again...at some stage.

I actually think we going to be right in a few years, we go through these troughs where we struggle for a few players and then we get the young uns poking their heads up sand saying don't forget about us!

Same as it ever was I guess, Dan. We were spoilt by the settled 2011-16 ABs side which contained so many all time greats, but since 2017 (I firmly believe the Lions tour was when the wheels started to come off) it's been very much about rebuilding. Of course, major disruptions like Covid and Fozzie haven't helped either.

I've long thought that barring a fluke or three we'll be well off the pace at next year's RWC, and should instead be focusing on building for 2027. Thankfully, despite all the disruptions, the pieces may be starting to fall into place. The refreshed front row is a good start, and hopefully the 2nd XV tour will throw up a few new contenders for promotion.

[Grandpa]

Still need Razor to take it to the next level in my opinion...

[Ymx]

Yep, great to see Roigard make it, and I hope he gets some serious game time. Same with Bell.

Quite a few good young locks coming through at the mo. McWannell and Holland are in great nick, and longer term Lord and Parkinson will be fit again...at some stage.

I actually think we going to be right in a few years, we go through these troughs where we struggle for a few players and then we get the young uns poking their heads up sand saying don't forget about us!

Same as it ever was I guess, Dan. We were spoilt by the settled 2011-16 ABs side which contained so many all time greats, but since 2017 (I firmly believe the Lions tour was when the wheels started to come off) it's been very much about rebuilding. Of course, major disruptions like Covid and Fozzie haven't helped either.

I've long thought that barring a fluke or three we'll be well off the pace at next year's RWC, and should instead be focusing on building for 2027. Thankfully, despite all the disruptions, the pieces may be starting to fall into place. The refreshed front row is a good start, and hopefully the 2nd XV tour will throw up a few new contenders for promotion.

Fozzie and covid belong in the same sentence when it comes to the magnitude of the effect on the ABs.

The Fozzie pandemic continues however. The Schmidt-Ryan vaccination has helped and added protection from the infection, and taken it from life support situation. But it’s probably only a matter of time a new Fozzie variant will find a way through render them ineffective.

[Gumboot]

Fozzie and covid belong in the same sentence when it comes to the magnitude of the effect on the ABs.

The Fozzie pandemic continues however. The Schmidt-Ryan vaccination has helped and added protection from the infection, and taken it from life support situation. But it’s probably only a matter of time a new Fozzie variant will find a way through render them ineffective.

I've heard that Long Covid is horrible. Imagine getting Long Fozzie...

[Grandpa]

Fozzie and covid belong in the same sentence when it comes to the magnitude of the effect on the ABs.

The Fozzie pandemic continues however. The Schmidt-Ryan vaccination has helped and added protection from the infection, and taken it from life support situation. But it’s probably only a matter of time a new Fozzie variant will find a way through render them ineffective.

I've heard that Long Covid is horrible. Imagine getting Long Fozzie...

3 years Long Fozzie so far... we're going where no Kiwi has gone before....

[Gumboot]

Fuck

Folau Fakatava has re-ruptured his ACL graft in training on Thursday afternoon and has been ruled out of the tour with the knee injury likely a long-term one, while veteran lock Sam Whitelock and outside back Will Jordan both have “inner ear issues” and will miss the Japan week. They are expected to meet up with the team in the UK at a time to be determined.

Foster said the injury to his young halfback, after he had spent most of 2021 out with a ruptured ACL, was “devastating” and had potential long-term repercussions.

“ACLs don’t look good, so we’ll see whether it’s operable or a natural fix. We’re not too sure. Those options will be assessed the next few weeks,” he said.

“It’s devastating. He’s worked hard, he was excited about the tour, and particularly this next game was a big opportunity for him.”

Sounds really bad...maybe bad enough to wreck his RWC chances.

[Ymx]

As posted on the other thread

The All Blacks have been forced to make a flurry of late changes to their squad to tour the Northern Hemisphere, with several stars ruled out due to personal reasons or injury.

All three Barrett brothers - Beauden, Jordie and Scott - will stay behind in New Zealand due to a bereavement in the family, while injuries to Sam Whitelock, Will Jordan and Folau Fakatava mean they will also not travel.

Fakatava has been hit by the worst news in the group after suffering a season-ending ACL injury, while Whitelock and Jordan still have a chance to join the tour during its stint in the UK.

That’s a huge hole in the team

[Gumboot]

As posted on the other thread

Ah right, missed that.

So the original touring squad has been effectively decimated before the tour's even started...

At this rate our starting locks at Twickers will be Tuipulotu and Gardner.

[Kiwias]

Fuck

Folau Fakatava has re-ruptured his ACL graft in training on Thursday afternoon and has been ruled out of the tour with the knee injury likely a long-term one, while veteran lock Sam Whitelock and outside back Will Jordan both have “inner ear issues” and will miss the Japan week. They are expected to meet up with the team in the UK at a time to be determined.

Foster said the injury to his young halfback, after he had spent most of 2021 out with a ruptured ACL, was “devastating” and had potential long-term repercussions.

“ACLs don’t look good, so we’ll see whether it’s operable or a natural fix. We’re not too sure. Those options will be assessed the next few weeks,” he said.

“It’s devastating. He’s worked hard, he was excited about the tour, and particularly this next game was a big opportunity for him.”

Sounds really bad...maybe bad enough to wreck his RWC chances.

Double fuck.

[Ymx]

As posted on the other thread

Ah right, missed that.

So the original touring squad has been effectively decimated before the tour's even started...

At this rate our starting locks at Twickers will be Tuipulotu and Gardner.

It’s not great. Fortunately we still have BBBR

[Ymx]

I just found this article - which suggests the other herald one being misleading

Foster revealed Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett will remain in New Zealand to attend the funeral of their grandmother and will rejoin the squad later next week.

Scrum-half Folau Fakatava, who made his Test debut against Ireland in July, is ruled out of the tour after suffering a serious knee injury at training on Thursday that will require several months' recovery time.

Two first-choice players -- lock Sam Whitelock and winger Will Jordan -- have both developed inner ear conditions and it is unclear when they will be fit to play.

Foster told journalists veteran forward Whitelock could be ready for the first of three Tests in Europe, against Wales on November 6. It precedes Tests against Scotland and England.

"Will's probably a little bit worse than Sam, so we'll just let you know as soon as we're clear, but we didn't see any value in bringing them over and having to deal with that," Foster said.

[Guy Smiley]

Leicester Fainga'anuku has returned home for family reasons with Mark Telea joining the squad as replacement.

[Grandpa]

It's like nobody wants to be part of this history making squad...

[Ymx]

It's like nobody wants to be part of this history making squad...

Fools. They will miss out on all the excitements and the learnings!

[Grandpa]

It's like nobody wants to be part of this history making squad...

Fools. They will miss out on all the excitements and the learnings!

And "firsts"

[Gumboot]

Reckon we could quietly replace Clarke and Reece with Lam and Stevenson while Fozzie's not looking?

[Flockwitt]

Reckon we could quietly replace Clarke and Reece with Lam and Stevenson while Fozzie's not looking?

ALB to 13, Reiko to wing, an other than Clarke please should do the job.

[Guy Smiley]

Reckon we could quietly replace Clarke and Reece with Lam and Stevenson while Fozzie's not looking?

ALB to 13, Reiko to wing, an other than Clarke please should do the job.

Sean Stevenson for me. His effort the other night against Ireland A was embiggening.

[Gumboot]

Perenara has been called into the ABs, with Weber and Fainga'anuku dropping to the "ABs" XV squad.