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.