All Blacks 2025
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@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
@DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
He did that
thislast year and didn't. -
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
@DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
They don't like him. He isn't getting picked.
I wouldn't mind so much if we had a stocked loose forward group but we don't.
The term cutting your nose off to spite your face comes to mind.
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@SBW1 said in All Blacks 2025:
Can’t believe you made me watch that. Will Jordan back of the year and Ardie forward of the year and overall player of the year, what the fuck??!!!
How the fuck couldn’t anyone with a sliver of a brain cell give that award to Ardie?? Complete joke.
Can’t comment on what he said after that, I turned it off immediately
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This guy is an actor in the States, his content is pretty good. He doesn't think Richie Mounga will feature in the All Blacks in 2025. He does however think LF could be one of the answers at centre as he is a pretty powerful unit and has pace. He also predicts that Razor will up his win rate percentage into the 80% mark or thereabouts.
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LF has a real point of difference 188cm 109kg, he'd be great impact in the 23 jersey instead of the average ALB.
a straight swap for Clarke on the left when injured, also J.Barrett, Ioane, Higgins, LF, Proctor is a good midfield mix and means no room in the squad for overrated plodders like ALB, Havili and Ennor.
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LF has a real point of difference 188cm 109kg, he'd be great impact in the 23 jersey instead of the average ALB.
a straight swap for Clarke on the left when injured, also J.Barrett, Ioane, Higgins, LF, Proctor is a good midfield mix and means no room in the squad for overrated plodders like ALB, Havili and Ennor.
@darylmitchell said in All Blacks 2025:
a straight swap for Clarke on the left when injured, also J.Barrett, Ioane, Higgins, LF, Proctor is a good midfield mix and means no room in the squad for overrated plodders like ALB, Havili and Ennor.
Add Lam
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@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
@SBW1 would be nice to hear a bit more enthusiasm about coming back to NZ rugby
His comments before he left made me question him also... just seems like a bit of a dick for a lack of a better term.
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@DaGrubster , mate I was just saying the idea that anyone doesn't select on merit is wrong. Not sure what they use , or saying they should or shouldn't use Super form.
I don't believe players are knowingly selected for sentimental reasons. I looked at people who rubbished why TJP and Cane were selected this season and said it was sentimental etc. I personally would of picked them both as I thought they were within the best for their positions when they picked. .I perhaps am not right, but I say that from what I think. I didn't agree with all AB selections, but tend to get proved wrong by players I not sure about anyway.I know what you are saying mate, and there is some truth in it. But two pieces of evidence suggest Razor is also a homer who doesn't pick players deserving based on SR form, those are Hoskins Sotutu (voted SR player of the year) and Fihaki, who could barely make the Crusaders squad. Not to mention his incessant fapping over the idea of being able to select Moounga now
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@DaGrubster , mate I was just saying the idea that anyone doesn't select on merit is wrong. Not sure what they use , or saying they should or shouldn't use Super form.
I don't believe players are knowingly selected for sentimental reasons. I looked at people who rubbished why TJP and Cane were selected this season and said it was sentimental etc. I personally would of picked them both as I thought they were within the best for their positions when they picked. .I perhaps am not right, but I say that from what I think. I didn't agree with all AB selections, but tend to get proved wrong by players I not sure about anyway.I know what you are saying mate, and there is some truth in it. But two pieces of evidence suggest Razor is also a homer who doesn't pick players deserving based on SR form, those are Hoskins Sotutu (voted SR player of the year) and Fihaki, who could barely make the Crusaders squad. Not to mention his incessant fapping over the idea of being able to select Moounga now
I do wonder if Razor thinks there is a "already trained so now fits in" mould to his selections, if there are Cantab options he may not only think they are the best player but the quickest to adapt to his/their AB strategies?
So not nec a Cantab at all costs bias, but a bias (if you like, or a preference) to players he think he/they will find easier to coach a certain way. -
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
@DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
Yeah I agree.
Maybe I am wrong but a trio of Sititi Lakai and Sotutu with Ardie off the bench (or starting at 7 with Lakai on the bench) would look pretty strong. -
I fear Robertson is John Hart 2.0. Except Hart inherited a great side and therefore enjoyed two illustrious years despite himself.
I hope NZR don't indulge Razor to the extent Eddie Tonks did Hart or we will see Mounga steering a sinking ship.
@dogmeat said in All Blacks 2025:
I fear Robertson is John Hart 2.0. Except Hart inherited a great side and therefore enjoyed two illustrious years despite himself.
I hope NZR don't indulge Razor to the extent Eddie Tonks did Hart or we will see Mounga steering a sinking ship.
I'd say Hart was a far riskier coach.
He took big risks as a Blues coach but as a Blues coach he was pretty successful.
Not many seem to be giving him credit for promoting a young Michael Jones, for example. I vaguely recall concern Jones would be too small for the ABs. That concern didn't last long. -
@DaGrubster Sotutu, Sititi and Lakai would be some trio....
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@DaGrubster Sotutu, Sititi and Lakai would be some trio....
oh missed this, postevent snap!
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@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@DaGrubster , mate I was just saying the idea that anyone doesn't select on merit is wrong. Not sure what they use , or saying they should or shouldn't use Super form.
I don't believe players are knowingly selected for sentimental reasons. I looked at people who rubbished why TJP and Cane were selected this season and said it was sentimental etc. I personally would of picked them both as I thought they were within the best for their positions when they picked. .I perhaps am not right, but I say that from what I think. I didn't agree with all AB selections, but tend to get proved wrong by players I not sure about anyway.I know what you are saying mate, and there is some truth in it. But two pieces of evidence suggest Razor is also a homer who doesn't pick players deserving based on SR form, those are Hoskins Sotutu (voted SR player of the year) and Fihaki, who could barely make the Crusaders squad. Not to mention his incessant fapping over the idea of being able to select Moounga now
Yep well Sotutu surprised me not making it (assumed that was something historical in ABs with Jase Ryan?) and Fihaki just s=gobsmacked us all.
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@DaGrubster , mate I was just saying the idea that anyone doesn't select on merit is wrong. Not sure what they use , or saying they should or shouldn't use Super form.
I don't believe players are knowingly selected for sentimental reasons. I looked at people who rubbished why TJP and Cane were selected this season and said it was sentimental etc. I personally would of picked them both as I thought they were within the best for their positions when they picked. .I perhaps am not right, but I say that from what I think. I didn't agree with all AB selections, but tend to get proved wrong by players I not sure about anyway.I know what you are saying mate, and there is some truth in it. But two pieces of evidence suggest Razor is also a homer who doesn't pick players deserving based on SR form, those are Hoskins Sotutu (voted SR player of the year) and Fihaki, who could barely make the Crusaders squad. Not to mention his incessant fapping over the idea of being able to select Moounga now
Yep well Sotutu surprised me not making it (assumed that was something historical in ABs with Jase Ryan?) and Fihaki just s=gobsmacked us all.
In that article he said they gave him workons, would be good to know what they were?
Play in Japan? Get injured more often? -
@DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
Yeah I agree.
Maybe I am wrong but a trio of Sititi Lakai and Sotutu with Ardie off the bench (or starting at 7 with Lakai on the bench) would look pretty strong.@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
Yeah I agree.
Maybe I am wrong but a trio of Sititi Lakai and Sotutu with Ardie off the bench (or starting at 7 with Lakai on the bench) would look pretty strong.I don't see the value in Sotutu with Lakai and Sititi already there, a better mix would be Sititi, Papali'i, Lakai, better defensively and at the ruck. it has everything you need. Savea on bench.
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@dogmeat said in All Blacks 2025:
I fear Robertson is John Hart 2.0. Except Hart inherited a great side and therefore enjoyed two illustrious years despite himself.
I hope NZR don't indulge Razor to the extent Eddie Tonks did Hart or we will see Mounga steering a sinking ship.
I'd say Hart was a far riskier coach.
He took big risks as a Blues coach but as a Blues coach he was pretty successful.
Not many seem to be giving him credit for promoting a young Michael Jones, for example. I vaguely recall concern Jones would be too small for the ABs. That concern didn't last long.@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@dogmeat said in All Blacks 2025:
I fear Robertson is John Hart 2.0. Except Hart inherited a great side and therefore enjoyed two illustrious years despite himself.
I hope NZR don't indulge Razor to the extent Eddie Tonks did Hart or we will see Mounga steering a sinking ship.
I'd say Hart was a far riskier coach.
He took big risks as a Blues coach but as a Blues coach he was pretty successful.
Not many seem to be giving him credit for promoting a young Michael Jones, for example. I vaguely recall concern Jones would be too small for the ABs. That concern didn't last long.Wait what .... Let's set aside that the Blues didn't exist at the time, but even blind freddie would have promoted MJ to the Auckland team. He was a 6 ft 1 95kg loosie in the 1980s, who considered him too small?
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@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
Yeah I agree.
Maybe I am wrong but a trio of Sititi Lakai and Sotutu with Ardie off the bench (or starting at 7 with Lakai on the bench) would look pretty strong.I don't see the value in Sotutu with Lakai and Sititi already there, a better mix would be Sititi, Papali'i, Lakai, better defensively and at the ruck. it has everything you need. Savea on bench.
@darylmitchell said in All Blacks 2025:
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:
As a bulked-up Sotutu works through the recovery process from knee surgery on November 1 (with a 12-week return to play, he’s expected back around season kickoff in ‘25), you ask if he’s been soured by his treatment from the national selectors.
Pretty good interview with him. open and honest.
I hope he plays the house down in super so he has to be picked.
Yeah I agree.
Maybe I am wrong but a trio of Sititi Lakai and Sotutu with Ardie off the bench (or starting at 7 with Lakai on the bench) would look pretty strong.I don't see the value in Sotutu with Lakai and Sititi already there, a better mix would be Sititi, Papali'i, Lakai, better defensively and at the ruck. it has everything you need. Savea on bench.
TBH your trio looks less strong than @nostrildamus's so it's likely Razor will go that way.
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I fervently hope that NZR were smart enough to insist on KPIs while agreeing with indecent haste to a four year contract.
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@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@dogmeat said in All Blacks 2025:
I fear Robertson is John Hart 2.0. Except Hart inherited a great side and therefore enjoyed two illustrious years despite himself.
I hope NZR don't indulge Razor to the extent Eddie Tonks did Hart or we will see Mounga steering a sinking ship.
I'd say Hart was a far riskier coach.
He took big risks as a Blues coach but as a Blues coach he was pretty successful.
Not many seem to be giving him credit for promoting a young Michael Jones, for example. I vaguely recall concern Jones would be too small for the ABs. That concern didn't last long.Wait what .... Let's set aside that the Blues didn't exist at the time, but even blind freddie would have promoted MJ to the Auckland team. He was a 6 ft 1 95kg loosie in the 1980s, who considered him too small?
@Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@dogmeat said in All Blacks 2025:
I fear Robertson is John Hart 2.0. Except Hart inherited a great side and therefore enjoyed two illustrious years despite himself.
I hope NZR don't indulge Razor to the extent Eddie Tonks did Hart or we will see Mounga steering a sinking ship.
I'd say Hart was a far riskier coach.
He took big risks as a Blues coach but as a Blues coach he was pretty successful.
Not many seem to be giving him credit for promoting a young Michael Jones, for example. I vaguely recall concern Jones would be too small for the ABs. That concern didn't last long.Wait what .... Let's set aside that the Blues didn't exist at the time, but even blind freddie would have promoted MJ to the Auckland team. He was a 6 ft 1 95kg loosie in the 1980s, who considered him too small?
I think @nostrildamus is still drunk. This call is utter madness. 100kg loosies in that era were considered huge. According to my All Black Coffee mug Buck Shelford was 93kg
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@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@dogmeat said in All Blacks 2025:
I fear Robertson is John Hart 2.0. Except Hart inherited a great side and therefore enjoyed two illustrious years despite himself.
I hope NZR don't indulge Razor to the extent Eddie Tonks did Hart or we will see Mounga steering a sinking ship.
I'd say Hart was a far riskier coach.
He took big risks as a Blues coach but as a Blues coach he was pretty successful.
Not many seem to be giving him credit for promoting a young Michael Jones, for example. I vaguely recall concern Jones would be too small for the ABs. That concern didn't last long.Wait what .... Let's set aside that the Blues didn't exist at the time, but even blind freddie would have promoted MJ to the Auckland team. He was a 6 ft 1 95kg loosie in the 1980s, who considered him too small?
@Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@dogmeat said in All Blacks 2025:
I fear Robertson is John Hart 2.0. Except Hart inherited a great side and therefore enjoyed two illustrious years despite himself.
I hope NZR don't indulge Razor to the extent Eddie Tonks did Hart or we will see Mounga steering a sinking ship.
I'd say Hart was a far riskier coach.
He took big risks as a Blues coach but as a Blues coach he was pretty successful.
Not many seem to be giving him credit for promoting a young Michael Jones, for example. I vaguely recall concern Jones would be too small for the ABs. That concern didn't last long.Wait what .... Let's set aside that the Blues didn't exist at the time, but even blind freddie would have promoted MJ to the Auckland team. He was a 6 ft 1 95kg loosie in the 1980s, who considered him too small?
You are right it was Auckland. But at 8 (when I first remember he played) he wasn't considered tall for an 8 in the lineout (where he played - as I recall - before he set up at 7). But Hart defended his many ways of jumping, inherited from a basketball background (I think?) So no, not a criticism I heard when he moved to 7/6.
I doubt it would be easy to find material to back up my memory (or debate it) unless you knew the players...
