All Blacks 2025

[Gumboot]

Only trouble with Norris is, he is only contracted to end of super season, from then on he contracted to Aus.

What? Those thieving bloody crims have pulled a reverse poach??

My balls up, think it's Ross who is contracted to Reds. I got him and Norris mixed up.

Phew! Ross is a good player, but it's probably fair to say his ABs days are behind him.

NZ Hurled hack Liam Napier reckons the Blues' player of the year Josh Fusitu'a is also in the running. Hmmm... not sure if it's just the Hurled's Auckland bias. Can't say I've noticed Fusitu'a standing out tbh, but that could be down to the Blues pack struggling this year. Or me not having a clue about front row play. Or both...

[Gumboot]

I'd be happy if Dalton never wore the black jersey again. I just don't think he does enough of the down and dirty hard work. It's great to be a big fast carrier but come in off the wing ya seagull and give the honest blokes a hand in the rucks.

I've never been entirely convinced by Papali'i at test level, but gotta admit he's in career best Supe form right now. Reckon he's on Razor's short list, and his odds of making the cut will only improve if the Blues make the play-offs. It's a crowded field though, and I can't see him starting the year at 7 like last year tbh. He's up against the likes of Jacobson, Lakai and Blackadder, who can also cover other positions.

Great to have so many quality contenders in good nick. Apart from Blackadder of course... but like Havili, he already has one of Razor's golden tickets, so will continue getting picked till he's on his death bed.

[Hugo]

I think Havili was in red hot form early in the season - perhaps the best player versus the Blues at Eden Park - but I think his form has tapered off since. Not that he has played poorly, he's just done nothing to stand out from the crowd imo.

It's so bloody hard to make an accurate prediction of the backline as other than DMac and Will Jordan (who seem to me to be clear cut favourites to start at 10 and 15) an argument could be made for at least 2 candidates for all the other positions. All depending on whether Razor goes with seasoned campaigners or chances his arm with some more inexperienced players.

Case in point - Leroy Carter who had a hat trick this past weekend and who scored a brilliant try in Christchurch.

[Guy Smiley]

I'd be happy if Dalton never wore the black jersey again. I just don't think he does enough of the down and dirty hard work. It's great to be a big fast carrier but come in off the wing ya seagull and give the honest blokes a hand in the rucks.

I've never been entirely convinced by Papali'i at test level, but gotta admit he's in career best Supe form right now. Reckon he's on Razor's short list, and his odds of making the cut will only improve if the Blues make the play-offs. It's a crowded field though, and I can't see him starting the year at 7 like last year tbh. He's up against the likes of Jacobson, Lakai and Blackadder, who can also cover other positions.

Great to have so many quality contenders in good nick. Apart from Blackadder of course... but like Havili, he already has one of Razor's golden tickets, so will continue getting picked till he's on his death bed.

How many Tests was Havili selected for in 2024? I thought Jordie was Razor’s pet 12. As for Blackadder… I know you like the way Tom Christie goes at 7 but have you noticed the way the Saders get bossed off the ball when Blackadder’s not playing? I’m not sure he’s a cert for the ABs at all but I can understand the value of his bruising style of play and his willingness to get down and dirty in the middle. That’s the reason I had for pumping Lakai’s tyres a few posts back too.

[Gumboot]

How many Tests was Havili selected for in 2024? I thought Jordie was Razor’s pet 12. As for Blackadder… I know you like the way Tom Christie goes at 7 but have you noticed the way the Saders get bossed off the ball when Blackadder’s not playing? I’m not sure he’s a cert for the ABs at all but I can understand the value of his bruising style of play and his willingness to get down and dirty in the middle. That’s the reason I had for pumping Lakai’s tyres a few posts back too.

Havili only played 3 tests last year, which is hopefully 3 more than he plays this year.

I'm not that fussed about Christie, but he's been going well for the Saders so credit where it's due. Blackadder's problem is he's always feckin' injured.. and there are other loosie contenders currently doing well in the dark spaces (including Papali'i imho) who aren't made of glass. Razor should cut his losses, but does he have the fortitude required to drop Saders royalty?

Edit: Just checked, and Blackadder's only featured in 14 of the 55 ABs tests played since he debuted in 2021.

[Kiwias]

I genuinely do not think Razor will be including Christie in his thinking at 7 for the ABs, despite his outstanding form in SR and how much I enjoy seeing him play. He is basically the Matt Todd of this team, great at SR level but more than likely not to be able to play at the same level in tests.

Savea is the form 7 in SR to my jaundiced eye.

[Firewater]

NZ need younger options at first

There's Barrett (his best years well behind him but still easily better than Plummer) and DMac (miles better than the limited Jacomb) and now Love and then no one

So, what does Laidlaw do. Move him to FB. FFS. And replacing him with Cameron who is an adequate NPC 1st.

[Hugo]

NZ need younger options at first

There's Barrett (his best years well behind him but still easily better than Plummer) and DMac (miles better than the limited Jacomb) and now Love and then no one

So, what does Laidlaw do. Move him to FB. FFS. And replacing him with Cameron who is an adequate NPC 1st.

At this stage Barrett has to be glued to the bench imo and be an emergency option in a tight spot. Any minutes he would have got need to go to a younger player, whoever that is. It's not like the Blues backline has been firing this season.

[Dan54]

NZ need younger options at first

There's Barrett (his best years well behind him but still easily better than Plummer) and DMac (miles better than the limited Jacomb) and now Love and then no one

So, what does Laidlaw do. Move him to FB. FFS. And replacing him with Cameron who is an adequate NPC 1st.

Respectfully Firewater, I think you are underestimating Jacomb, who I think has a bloody good all round game.

[Gumboot]

At this stage Barrett has to be glued to the bench imo and be an emergency option in a tight spot. Any minutes he would have got need to go to a younger player, whoever that is. It's not like the Blues backline has been firing this season.

Yeah, on form DMac's ahead of Barrett... but let's see how they go in the play-offs.

Not excusing Beauden, but a big part of the Blues' backline woes this year is their pack simply hasn't been as dominant as last year's model. In their loss to MP they conceded 19 turnovers, and 20 to the Saders. Hard to get on the front foot when that keeps happening. Also, they probably have the weakest pair of halfbacks of any Kiwi side.

[Gumboot]

No big surprise that Shaun Stevenson's decided to go off shore...

The Chiefs have confirmed New Zealand Rugby’s worst-kept secret that outside back Shaun Stevenson will join Japanese club Kubota at season’s end.

NZR turned down Stevenson’s request last December for an early release from his contract, instead granting him a brief sabbatical in Japan when Kubota came calling.

The one-test All Black told the Waikato Times in March his reasons for wanting out.

“Just the lack of feedback and just not knowing where I sat in the pecking order,” he said was the catalyst, after what he felt was some “disappointing” communication from All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and his assistants.

Would've thought his standing with the selectors was pretty obvious by now... along with the reasons why.

[Guy Smiley]

I think it's interesting the way these personal stories play out and we have to rely on what we're being fed along with a sort of wary eye out for misrepresentation... coaches always hold the cards close of course, so we'll never know just what Razor and the others do think. Read between the lines here though and maybe it's another case of a player wanting more than the overall worth they bring to a national set up.

I can't explain Caleb Clark though.

[Guy Smiley]

NZR have tied up a sponsorship deal with US based Insurance brokers Gallagher, who have their head office in Chicago...

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360711480 ... exit-ineos

NZ Rugby had been seeking a fresh sponsor to add to its stable after the British petrochemical company Ineos quit its six-year sponsorship arrangement midway through its deal.

Gallagher, not to be confused with the principal partner of the Chiefs franchise in Super Rugby Pacific, has a high profile in rugby and markets itself as being "one of the world's largest'' insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms.

Gallagher, which becomes the “official insurance broker of NZ Rugby, and the brand will appear on both the training and match day shorts of all NZ Rugby’s national teams, including the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Māori All Blacks, and Sevens teams.

Gallagher’s head quarters are in Chicago in the United States. The All Blacks will play Ireland in the city in November.

In 2023 World Rugby announced a multi-year global partnership with the company, which became the official partner of women's rugby through to the Rugby World Cup. The global event will be staged in England later this year.

Gallagher was also the official partner of WXV, the annual competition between women's national teams, in 2023 and 2024.

Gallagher is also the official title partner of Premiership Rugby in England.

“This is a partnership that reflects the scale, ambition and passion for rugby both our organisations have,” NZ Rugby chief executive officer Mark Robinson said in a statement.

“We couldn’t be more excited to align with Gallagher Insurance, who already have deep expertise in elite sport, along with a key business focus in New Zealand and globally. This partnership helps solidify where we’re heading, not just with our teams on field, but as a sporting brand off the field too.”

In early May NZ Rugby bolstered its stable of sponsors when it declared it had inked a three-year sponsorship agreement with Toyota as the "official mobility partner'' of the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Māori All Blacks, All Blacks Sevens, All Blacks XV and NZ under-20s.

[Hugo]

Guy, I think NZR also managed to secure Toyota as a sponsor a few months back so hopefully the money lost by INEOS backing out of their 6 year commitment has been covered.

[Guy Smiley]

The very last line of that quote I posted includes the info about the Toyota deal, Hugo. NZR look to have shored up any potential losses due to the Ineos deal falling over.

[Grandpa]

How many Tests was Havili selected for in 2024? I thought Jordie was Razor’s pet 12. As for Blackadder… I know you like the way Tom Christie goes at 7 but have you noticed the way the Saders get bossed off the ball when Blackadder’s not playing? I’m not sure he’s a cert for the ABs at all but I can understand the value of his bruising style of play and his willingness to get down and dirty in the middle. That’s the reason I had for pumping Lakai’s tyres a few posts back too.

Havili only played 3 tests last year, which is hopefully 3 more than he plays this year.

I'm not that fussed about Christie, but he's been going well for the Saders so credit where it's due. Blackadder's problem is he's always feckin' injured.. and there are other loosie contenders currently doing well in the dark spaces (including Papali'i imho) who aren't made of glass. Razor should cut his losses, but does he have the fortitude required to drop Saders royalty?

Edit: Just checked, and Blackadder's only featured in 14 of the 55 ABs tests played since he debuted in 2021.

Pakia Pakia posted some comprehensive stats on PR and Dalton both as a total and percentage wise has most ruck involvements (defence and attack) of any person playing. So much for being a seagull.. though I thought he played too tight and defensive last year at test level.. he's more than just a tackling machine... he carries well.

In saying that I'd probably like Ardie at 7, Sititi at 8 and Finau at 6... Was thinking of Parker, but apparently Finau is better at rucks. And Dalton never plays 6 so too much a risk to learn on the job.

Be interesting to see who Razor picks.. I just hope Proctor gets a decent chance this year at 13...

[Guy Smiley]

Stu Wilson has died, age 70. That seems scarily young when his career feels relatively recent.

RIP

[Tichtheid]

Stu Wilson has died, age 70. That seems scarily young when his career feels relatively recent.

RIP

Sad news and 70 is no age nowadays.

I saw him play against Scotland in 1979, I was also at the match the year before in the Grand Slam tour,

RIP

[Kiwias]

Stu Wilson has died, age 70. That seems scarily young when his career feels relatively recent.

RIP

That is very sad news indeed and makes me feel suddenly a lot older. He was a superb AB.

[Kiwias]

Noticed this quote in an article

The news of Wilson's death came as a complete surprise to Mexted, who had a coffee with him on the morning of his death.

"He was just his normal self, chirpy with a spring in his step, so it's a hell of a shock," Mexted told RNZ.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/563492 ... -at-age-70

[Gumboot]

Really sad news. He was an outstanding All Black and Wellington Lion, and one of my idols growing up.

RIP Stu.

[Firewater]

Really sad news. He was an outstanding All Black and Wellington Lion, and one of my idols growing up.

RIP Stu.

Agree. And still too young.

I played a lot against Stu in my younger days. He was center for Masterton with another rep quality 2nd 5 inside in. I marked Stu in an opposing team for about 3-4 years before college and 1 after college (at center)

It was hard work as he was bigger and faster than me. And the 2nd 5 was also rep level (fast and big with good passing skills). Thankfully they went to different colleges after school that made my life easier when playing Wairarapa college in my first year.

During his 2nd year at college he was sick and lost a shit load of weight so moved to 1st 5, and then stayed there. But as he was smaller I use to focus on him when possible (he ran a lot) when he had the ball and smashed him. It felt like pay back for being smashed during my school years.

In my final year I played center against Wairarapa college and it was the first time I came up against a big fast Samoan center (big usually meant a forward). Stu was at first and passed a lot. 1st, 2nd center and run. It was a nightmare. I held him up well in the first game but not as well in the 2nd. I felt a bit bad but the coach and teammates understood.

Stu was also fast. Beating in the inter college competition in the 200 meters a guy who ran 10.8 in the 100 meters (in the NI champs). Forget his time but it was quick. He was well beaten in the 100 though. but still ran a good time to come 2nd I think

I last meet him locked in a building in Wellington after his AB career finished. I showed him how to get out

RIP Stu

[Hugo]

Really sad news. He was an outstanding All Black and Wellington Lion, and one of my idols growing up.

RIP Stu.

Agree. And still too young.

I played a lot against Stu in my younger days. He was center for Masterton with another rep quality 2nd 5 inside in. I marked Stu in an opposing team for about 3-4 years before college and 1 after college (at center)

It was hard work as he was bigger and faster than me. And the 2nd 5 was also rep level (fast and big with good passing skills). Thankfully they went to different colleges after school that made my life easier when playing Wairarapa college in my first year.

During his 2nd year at college he was sick and lost a shit load of weight so moved to 1st 5, and then stayed there. But as he was smaller I use to focus on him when possible (he ran a lot) when he had the ball and smashed him. It felt like pay back for being smashed during my school years.

In my final year I played center against Wairarapa college and it was the first time I came up against a big fast Samoan center (big usually meant a forward). Stu was at first and passed a lot. 1st, 2nd center and run. It was a nightmare. I held him up well in the first game but not as well in the 2nd. I felt a bit bad but the coach and teammates understood.

Stu was also fast. Beating in the inter college competition in the 200 meters a guy who ran 10.8 in the 100 meters (in the NI champs). Forget his time but it was quick. He was well beaten in the 100 though. but still ran a good time to come 2nd I think

I last meet him locked in a building in Wellington after his AB career finished. I showed him how to get out

RIP Stu

I'm too young to have seen Stu play but was just watching a documentary on YouTube featuring him and his sidekick Bernie. Looks like they had a great partnership on and off the pitch that was fun for the game and the fans. RIP to him and condolences to all who had fond memories of watching him play.

[Hugo]

It's 50 years to the day since the Scotland - All Blacks match played on a lake at Eden Park.

I remember first seeing the footage on this video I had called "Greatest All Blacks moments" and it looked so fun:

[Gumboot]

It's 50 years to the day since the Scotland - All Blacks match played on a lake at Eden Park.

I remember first seeing the footage on this video I had called "Greatest All Blacks moments" and it looked so fun:

Vividly remember that day - one of my favourite ABs tests, and the only one played that year. Local lad Bill Osborne was making his debut at centre, replacing the injured Bruce Robertson, so Whanganui was abuzz.

Our inter-school games were all moved to the morning so we could watch the afternoon test on telly. But even at lunchtime, there was still a lot of doubt about whether the game would be called off... because of the drowning risk!

And yes, it really was a fun test. Scotland were reluctant to tackle at times, but the ABs played with flair - BeeGee scored a couple of tries, and also did the goal-kicking (post-Karam) iirc.

Edit: Nope, Karam played that day and converted all 4 tries. Doh!

[Guy Smiley]

BeeGee was one of my heroes from those days.

[Kiwias]

BeeGee was one of my heroes from those days.

Oh yes. BeeGee was a shining star

[Hugo]

It's 50 years to the day since the Scotland - All Blacks match played on a lake at Eden Park.

I remember first seeing the footage on this video I had called "Greatest All Blacks moments" and it looked so fun:

Vividly remember that day - one of my favourite ABs tests, and the only one played that year. Local lad Bill Osborne was making his debut at centre, replacing the injured Bruce Robertson, so Whanganui was abuzz.

Our inter-school games were all moved to the morning so we could watch the afternoon test on telly. But even at lunchtime, there was still a lot of doubt about whether the game would be called off... because of the drowning risk!

And yes, it really was a fun test. Scotland were reluctant to tackle at times, but the ABs played with flair - BeeGee scored a couple of tries, and also did the goal-kicking (post-Karam) iirc.

Edit: Nope, Karam played that day and converted all 4 tries. Doh!

Gumboot, is he any relation to Glen Osbourne since I think he's from.Whanganui area. He's now a police officer in a small town and I saw something on it on Facebook. A very down to earth bloke.

[Gumboot]

Gumboot, is he any relation to Glen Osbourne since I think he's from.Whanganui area. He's now a police officer in a small town and I saw something on it on Facebook. A very down to earth bloke.

Yep, Glen and Bill are cousins. Didn't know them well growing up (age difference), but my brother and I used to kick around with a couple of other cousins from the Potaka-Osborne whanau.

[Enzedder]

Nothing to do with ABs but my old boss at the Employment Service (he left there when WINZ was formed) got a Waikato RU life member ship at the weekend.

Quite a list of achievements;

Kiwi Searancke was presented with his Waikato Rugby Life Membership Blazer at the Ohaupo Rugby Club this afternoon. Ian Foster spoke about their times together both as players and as coaches.
Here are some of Kiwi's achievements.
Career Highlights
- Playing and coaching at every level of Waikato Rugby between 1970-2001.
- Playing 73 games for Waikato including playing against British & Irish Lions, Australia & Fiji and involved in the cancelled 1981 South African game.
- Making three semi-finals as a player and one NPC final as a coach.
- Winning the Ranfurly Shield as a player and a coach.
- Being part of three successful Ranfurly Shield challenges and 30 defences of the shield - eight defences as a player and 22 as a coach/assistant coach.
- Coaching the very successful Black Ferns team.
- Coaching overseas in the Celtic League and Heineken Cups.
- Being part of the development of Waikato Rugby, players and coaches over two decades.

[Flockwitt]

I don’t fancy my chances getting a lifetime membership anywhere.

[Guy Smiley]

I don’t fancy my chances getting a lifetime membership anywhere.

Same here, but that’s a pretty damned impressive career for a club man. You’d be justifiably proud looking back on that, thumbs up to him.

[Flockwitt]

I don’t fancy my chances getting a lifetime membership anywhere.

Same here, but that’s a pretty damned impressive career for a club man. You’d be justifiably proud looking back on that, thumbs up to him.

Yeah, but has he ever dived over the 22m line thinking he’s scored a try?

[Hugo]

Gumboot, is he any relation to Glen Osbourne since I think he's from.Whanganui area. He's now a police officer in a small town and I saw something on it on Facebook. A very down to earth bloke.

Yep, Glen and Bill are cousins. Didn't know them well growing up (age difference), but my brother and I used to kick around with a couple of other cousins from the Potaka-Osborne whanau.

That's so cool.

One of the things that always impresses me about NZ rugby - so many of the top players have pedigree in that cousins, grandparents or uncles were All Blacks or played representative rugby. I recently found out that Tamati Williams is the nephew of Eric Rush, ditto Richard Loe to Grizz Wylie.

[Guy Smiley]

I don’t fancy my chances getting a lifetime membership anywhere.

Same here, but that’s a pretty damned impressive career for a club man. You’d be justifiably proud looking back on that, thumbs up to him.

Yeah, but has he ever dived over the 22m line thinking he’s scored a try?

[Gumboot]

Under a week till the 35-man squad to play France is named.

Here's my tuppence worth, barring any injuries or meltdowns in the Supe final...

Hookers: Taylor, Taukei'aho, Aumua
Looseheads: Williams, de Groot, Ollie Norris*
Tightheads: Lomax, Newell, Tosi
Locks: S Barrett (c), Vaa'i, Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland*
Loose Forwards: Savea, Sititi, Finau, Jacobson, Lakai, Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie*

Halfbacks: Roigard, Ratima, Fakatava
First Fives: B Barrett, McKenzie
Midfielders: J Barrett, Tupaea, Ioane, Proctor
Outside Backs: Jordan, Reece, Love, Narawa, Leroy Carter*, AJ Lam*

Five noobs feels about right, with the likes of Papali'i, Kirifi, Parker and Tavatavanawai just missing the cut. Clarke is the only incumbent who's played his way out of consideration, for mine. Would like to pick Lord, but he's injured again...

No doubt Razor will find room for his firm faves like Havili, Fihaki, Bower and Hotham, though.

Your thoughts?

[Hugo]

Gumboot, who are else would be in consideration for the 3rd halfback place? Other than Fakatava ofc.

The exciting thing is that a lot still hinges on the final. He could start as many as 4 x Chiefs in that backline if they fire in Christchurch.

Potential backlines, conservative or brave:

Conservative -
Roigard
Barrett
Reece
Jordie
Ioane
?
Jordan

Braver selection -
Roigard
DMac
Carter
Tupaea
Proctor
Narawa
Jordan

[Gumboot]

Hotham will probably get in ahead of Fakatava, who I suspect has been marked as too mercurial for the selectors' taste. Fin Christie maybe an outside chance to make a comeback?

[Hugo]

I agree with your ommission of Clarke and there's really no compelling reason to start Ioane other than incumbency.

[Hugo]

Hotham will probably get in ahead of Fakatava, who I suspect has been marked as too mercurial for the selectors' taste. Fin Christie maybe an outside chance to make a comeback?

Your squad seems spot on tbh. Maybe Papali'i is hard done by but otherwise no glaring omissions. I would be surprised to see Kirifi in the squad at this stage.