All Blacks 2025

[Gumboot]

Braver selection -
Roigard
DMac
Carter
Tupaea
Proctor
Narawa
Jordan

I like it!

Rieko's always going to divide opinion. I'd love to see him back at 11, but think that ship has sailed. Just hope Proctor gets plenty of game time.

Yeah, Papali'i doesn't really deserve to miss out. Had him in a shoot-out with Blackadder (think they're both best at openside tbh), but Ethan's been good value for the Saders lately and Razor loves him. Also, Papali'i got a crack at starting last year, and didn't really nail it. I got the feeling he lost a bit of ground with the selectors.

[Enzedder]

Braver selection -
Roigard
DMac
Carter
Tupaea
Proctor
Narawa
Jordan

I have sent your resume to NZR for the position of selector (sole selector I feel)

[Hugo]

Braver selection -
Roigard
DMac
Carter
Tupaea
Proctor
Narawa
Jordan

I have sent your resume to NZR for the position of selector (sole selector I feel)

Dream job.... Hopefully the Chiefs backline goes well in the final that Razor has some really tough calls to make.

[Guy Smiley]

I'm betting that the ABs are already selected... the final of the Super Rugby is too late to try and impress a coach. You need a season to prove your aorth... unless someone pulls an absolute belter out of the bag that somehow demands a chance, the selections are made.

[Enzedder]

Agree. You may lose your position in this game but you cannot win it now.

[Certain Navigator]

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

The 'Braver selection' is a very inexperienced backline. Barring injuries, I can't see any way you'd have both Narawa and Carter as starting wings. You might have one of them ahead of Clarke, but even that is a bit doubtful.

[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

The 'Braver selection' is a very inexperienced backline. Barring injuries, I can't see any way you'd have both Narawa and Carter as starting wings. You might have one of them ahead of Clarke, but even that is a bit doubtful.

Agreed, its a more cavalier line. I just would hate to see players who have had good Soup seasons relegated to bit part status in favour of more experienced players who have done nothing this season.

[Gumboot]

Squad naming is at about noon tomorrow...

Sounds like Aumua's injury is worse than I realised, so George Bell is his probable replacement if he's out.

I wonder if the Saders' scrum last night dented Norris's chances. Ah well, Razor was probably always picking Bower anyway. Been very impressed with Fletcher Newell this year - apparently his knee injury's still a worry, although you wouldn't think it given his excellent performance in the final. Hope he's OK for the France series.

And DMac picked the worst possible time to put in a sub-par performance. Not as bad as his shitshow at fullback against the Tahs, but not great.

[Guy Smiley]

And DMac picked the worst possible time to put in a sub-par performance. Not as bad as his shitshow at fullback against the Tahs, but not great.

That wasn't so much a sub par performance as it was a blueprint... how to shut down Damian MacKenzie. Two sides have demonstrated quite clearly how to do it.

That should have some alarm bells ringing deep inside the engine room.

[Hugo]

Are you guys encouraged by the way that final was played?

If the ABs can replicate the dogged determination that was on display they will be very tough to beat this season.

[Hugo]

On that note, does Reihana make the squad?

[Guy Smiley]

I think Reuben Love would be included before a rank outsider like Reihana. He's only really had half a season as a starting 10, it's too early to think of him in a national jersey. I think he has the temperament for it though, it'll be interesting to see how he develops.

[Hugo]

^ Saw this on FB. Cheeky bugger Bobby Skinstad doing an impression of Michael Jones, back in 1998. It's not good (as in accurate) but it's funny in its own way.

[Hugo]

I think Reuben Love would be included before a rank outsider like Reihana. He's only really had half a season as a starting 10, it's too early to think of him in a national jersey. I think he has the temperament for it though, it'll be interesting to see how he develops.

Yeah, he did well given how inexperienced he is.

[Hugo]

The squad being announced now by David Kirk.

[Hugo]

Kirifi made it as did Tavatavanawai.

Gumboot, when Caleb Clarke's name was mentioned I thought of your reaction.

Narawa made it, Leroy Carter did not.

[Gumboot]

Kirifi made it as did Tavatavanawai.

Gumboot, when Caleb Clarke's name was mentioned I thought of your reaction.

Oh wait, that should be...


Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister
Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi
Locks: Scott Barrett (capt), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland
Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham
First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love

Injury cover: Christian Lio-Willie (for Luke Jacobson), Emoni Narawa (for Anton Lienert-Brown)

Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Stephen Perofeta

[Gumboot]

McAlister's the only real bolter, from the look of it.

I'm all for innovation, but picking a wing who doesn't score tries and is mostly clueless on defence is a bit much.

Clearly not picked on form. A complete waste of space, imho.

[Hugo]

McAlister's the only real bolter, from the look of it.

I'm all for innovation, but picking a wing who doesn't score tries and is mostly clueless on defence is a bit much.

Clearly not picked on form. A complete waste of space, imho.

Yeah, seems pointless when you could have given someone new a go in the environment. I assume Carter will play for the Maori v Scotland. Carter is definitely the luckiest player to have been given a squad place.

Looking at omissions - Blackadder & Havili are two that spring to mind, along with Dalton P and I guess AJ Lam, however not sure if he was in serious contention. None of them hard done by per se just edged out by superior talent.

[Gumboot]

Anyhoo...

Congrats to the newbies - McAlister, Norris, Holland, Kirifi and Tavatavanawai.

Hard luck to those who missed out. Must say I'm very surprised that Havili and Blackadder didn't make it.

[Hugo]

Anyhoo...

Congrats to the newbies - McAlister, Norris, Holland, Kirifi and Tavatavanawai.

Hard luck to those who missed out. Must say I'm very surprised that Havili and Blackadder didn't make it.

Yes, just said the same. Kirifi is the one I am most happy for, you know this is something he has worked so hard for. He has earned this call up.

[Kiwias]

I think Reuben Love would be included before a rank outsider like Reihana. He's only really had half a season as a starting 10, it's too early to think of him in a national jersey. I think he has the temperament for it though, it'll be interesting to see how he develops.

Agree with this. Reihana's time will come

[Kiwias]

Anyhoo...

Congrats to the newbies - McAlister, Norris, Holland, Kirifi and Tavatavanawai.

Hard luck to those who missed out. Must say I'm very surprised that Havili and Blackadder didn't make it.

I really look forward to seeing how the newbies perform at test level. As for Havili and Blackadder, I am more surprised at the latter's omission. He was playing the full 80 mins at the end of the season and was outstanding, all without getting injured.

[Hugo]

Given the number of midfielders picked I'm guessing Rieko might be pushed back out to wing.

[Gumboot]

I think Reuben Love would be included before a rank outsider like Reihana. He's only really had half a season as a starting 10, it's too early to think of him in a national jersey. I think he has the temperament for it though, it'll be interesting to see how he develops.

Agree with this. Reihana's time will come

Yep, he's been very assured through the end of the season, and importantly his goalkicking's now much more consistent.

Edit: My bad, was thinking of Kemara's kicking.

[Enzedder]

I thought he would take Havili ahead of ALB but otherwise, no surprises here.

[Kiwias]

Given the number of midfielders picked I'm guessing Rieko might be pushed back out to wing.

My thoughts entirely, especially given that he has named only two specialist wingers.

[Gumboot]

Given the number of midfielders picked I'm guessing Rieko might be pushed back out to wing.

My thoughts entirely, especially given that he has named only two specialist wingers.

Yes, please! Would love to see Rieko playing outside a more creative centre like Proctor.

[Kiwias]

Given the number of midfielders picked I'm guessing Rieko might be pushed back out to wing.

My thoughts entirely, especially given that he has named only two specialist wingers.

Yes, please! Would love to see Rieko playing outside a more creative centre like Proctor.

[OomStruisbaai]

du Plessis in the All Blacks team.

[convoluted]

Blackadder is just being kept wrapped in cotton wool to go full-on Banzai against the Boks in the must-win at Eden Park.

[Flockwitt]

Blackadder is one thing, he should go overseas for a pay check while his body lets him. But losing Papali'i is quite another. Really hope he doesn't ask for an early release if he's sidelined completely this year because for sure he's a hot commodity for plenty of clubs.

[Hugo]

du Plessis in the All Blacks team.

Can you imagine how proud his Dad is at his son making the All Blacks? He dreamed for 28 years of this moment.

[OomStruisbaai]

du Plessis in the All Blacks team.

Can you imagine how proud his Dad is at his son making the All Blacks? He dreamed for 28 years of this moment.

2nd most Springboks surname

Players Date of Birth Tests Tries
Nick du Plessis 4 Dec 1894 5 0
Felix du Plessis 24 Nov 1919 3 0
Piet du Plessis 23 Jul 1947 1 0
Daan du Plessis 9 Aug 1948 2 0
Morné du Plessis 21 Oct 1949 22 3
Tommy du Plessis 29 Jun 1953 2 1
Willie du Plessis 4 Sep 1955 14 3
Michael du Plessis 4 Nov 1958 8 1
Carel du Plessis 24 Jun 1960 12 4
Jannie du Plessis 16 Nov 1982 70 1
Bismarck du Plessis 22 May 1984 79 11


Maybe the 1981 Doep bros Carel , Michael & Willie sons playing provincial rugby.

[Hugo]

du Plessis in the All Blacks team.

Can you imagine how proud his Dad is at his son making the All Blacks? He dreamed for 28 years of this moment.

2nd most Springboks surname

Players Date of Birth Tests Tries
Nick du Plessis 4 Dec 1894 5 0
Felix du Plessis 24 Nov 1919 3 0
Piet du Plessis 23 Jul 1947 1 0
Daan du Plessis 9 Aug 1948 2 0
Morné du Plessis 21 Oct 1949 22 3
Tommy du Plessis 29 Jun 1953 2 1
Willie du Plessis 4 Sep 1955 14 3
Michael du Plessis 4 Nov 1958 8 1
Carel du Plessis 24 Jun 1960 12 4
Jannie du Plessis 16 Nov 1982 70 1
Bismarck du Plessis 22 May 1984 79 11


Maybe the 1981 Doep bros Carel , Michael & Willie sons playing provincial rugby.

Oom, did those du Plessis come from all over South Africa or from a specific clan of Afrikaners in a certain region?

[Dan54]

Given the number of midfielders picked I'm guessing Rieko might be pushed back out to wing.

My thoughts entirely, especially given that he has named only two specialist wingers.

Yes, please! Would love to see Rieko playing outside a more creative centre like Proctor.

The only thing I would wonder about Reiko on wing is how is he under high ball?? Otherwise sounds a good move.

[Flockwitt]

Not sure he hasn’t lost a bit of pace.

[Certain Navigator]

Selecting all three Chiefs loosies after their hammering by the Crusaders, none of whom is selected, on Saturday night gives lie to the selectorial claim that it's form at the business end of the season that matters. Especially as the Chiefs trio were also found wanting by the Blues a couple of weeks earlier (none of them selected either). Sititi has been mediocre since his return from injury but deserves a place on last year's efforts, Jacobson is a good solid all-rounder who's never quite looked up to international class, but Finau?? A seagull with zero discipline who's had plenty of chances and failed to impress in any of them.

Kirifi seems to have been selected on the back of a concerted media campaign. As an out-and-out 7, it's hard to see how he offers any more than Harmon did for years and Christie continues to do. Still, he's probably worth a shot.

The makeup of the midfield sends as clear a signal as possible that the ABs are going to play the power game. So no room for Havili's distributional and kicking skills. Hopefully they'll start with Tavatavanawai and Proctor, but I'm resigned to it being the sinecure duo of J Barrett and Ioane (aka The Man Who Can't Be Dropped).

Norris is certainly younger than Bower, but also demonstrably inferior. Are the ABs now a development team?

Hotham was better in the final than he's been the rest of the season, but not by much. Admittedly, the options after Roigard and Reihana are not exactly flush, but I'd just about have been tempted to go back to Christie.

Overall, I'd say the big concern is the selection of so many nearly-men who only know how to lose big games; that can't help but flow through into the ABs. Still, Robertson is a genius, so maybe he'll be able to add the top 2 inches.

[Enzedder]

Hopefully the ABs will have better game tactics that the Chiefs (who were on the back foot for the last 60 minutes of the game).

Robertson's chance to shine (or is it "shit or get off the pot")?

For all that, I wonder if it will be France, France A or France B touring

[Gumboot]

The Maori All Blacks squad has been named.

They play a Japan XV in Tokyo on Saturday, then Scotland in Whangarei on 5 July.

Forwards:
Benet Kumeroa, Jared Proffit*, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Kershawl Sykes-Martin*, Mason Tupaea*, Jacob Devery*, Kurt Eklund (capt), Zach Gallagher*, Laghlan McWhannell, Antonio Shalfoon*, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Nikora Broughton, Jahrome Brown*, Cullen Grace, Caleb Delany, Te Kamaka Howden
Backs:
Kemara Hauiti-Parapara*, Sam Nock, Rivez Reihana, Kaleb Trask, Corey Evans, Bailyn Sullivan, Daniel Rona, Xavi Taele*, Gideon Wrampling*, Cole Forbes, Jonah Lowe, Zarn Sullivan.