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All Blacks 2025

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  • nonpartizanN nonpartizan

    This post is deleted!

    J Offline
    J Offline
    Jet
    wrote on last edited by Jet
    #472

    @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

    Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

    Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

    Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

    And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

    He had loads of good rugby left in him.

    Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

    Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

    Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

    Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

    nonpartizanN 1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • Dan54D Dan54

      @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

      Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

      Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

      The story circulating when he went was, he wanted the money to help out family.
      Don't know if there any other reasons, or how true any of it was/is. Let's face it it all specualtion, only he can really tell us.

      J Offline
      J Offline
      Jet
      wrote on last edited by
      #473

      @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:

      @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

      Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

      Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

      The story circulating when he went was, he wanted the money to help out family.
      Don't know if there any other reasons, or how true any of it was/is. Let's face it it all specualtion, only he can really tell us.

      Seemingly he had a load of them suckling on the tit.

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • J Jet

        @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

        Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

        Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

        Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

        And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

        He had loads of good rugby left in him.

        Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

        Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

        Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

        Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

        nonpartizanN Offline
        nonpartizanN Offline
        nonpartizan
        wrote on last edited by nonpartizan
        #474
        This post is deleted!
        D boobooB kiwiinmelbK 3 Replies Last reply
        1
        • nonpartizanN nonpartizan

          This post is deleted!

          D Offline
          D Offline
          DaGrubster
          wrote on last edited by
          #475

          @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

          @Jet said in All Blacks 2025:

          @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

          Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

          Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

          Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

          And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

          He had loads of good rugby left in him.

          Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

          Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

          Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

          Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

          His ommision from the 2015 RWC was contentious wasnt it? Because I think he did not leave for the NH until after the tournament.

          Obviously Ben Smith & Savea were nailed down starters but I think Naholo was coming off an injury and NMS was like an up and comer but a bit of an unknown quantity.

          I could be wrong on the above but I just remember thinking it was crazy that such a talent could not get into the squad.

          He announced he was leaving in March 2015

          1 Reply Last reply
          5
          • MN5M MN5

            @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

            @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

            @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

            @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

            @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

            @Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:

            @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

            @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

            @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

            @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

            @SBW1 said in All Blacks 2025:

            https://www.rugbyjp.com/post/aaron-smith-sees-joseph-manu-as-a-future-all-black?fbclid=IwY2xjawHsZzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfgtOU3wpVIxc2D4adlZklAu6ju18zPEMwoYDE_OrGW3GQ1xEojjm-AAgg_aem_zCWOu0ouR90sajhG5INapA

            Maybe if he converted a few years ago.

            Still only 28, no reason why he couldn't get another half a decade in if he's a hard worker.

            Oh, I agree that he could have 5 plus years in Union.

            But he is 28 now and won’t make a super rugby debut until he is 30 at the earliest so I think there would be a reluctance from AB selectors to pick someone like that

            If he's a proper athlete ala SBW and better than the rest I don't see why not.

            I think he's a potentially a better bet than Benji and RTS who made the change late in their careers. Of the three I think he's more suited to rugby and like all I guess it depends on how he transitions back.

            @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

            If he was smart, he would sign for the crusaders then!

            Nah, he should skip that and just go straight to the Chiefs to become a proper rugby player. 😉

            Nah ("if he's a proper athlete ala SBW") he should just skip that and go to the Blues like what SBW did 🙂

            This is not the 1980s. It’s not like all league converts are athletes compared to the weedy union players. They’re all athletes now.

            I point you to my use of ""....

            Aw ok, my bad.

            All this ‘SBW is such an amazing athlete’ compared to everyone else is just nonsense

            Yeah true, no point using an example of a guy who was a complete professional and dedicated himself to being the best he could in his job when we can just point to guys who went deep into their 30s at the top like Savea and Bridge.

            Savea was a great athlete. Like a fast bus, just like his nickname. Beat defenders at will.

            Bridge had deceptive pace.

            Victor MeldrewV Offline
            Victor MeldrewV Offline
            Victor Meldrew
            wrote on last edited by
            #476

            @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

            Bridge had deceptive pace.

            Well, the idea he had pace sure deceived me...

            MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
            5
            • nonpartizanN nonpartizan

              This post is deleted!

              boobooB Online
              boobooB Online
              booboo
              wrote on last edited by booboo
              #477

              @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

              @Jet said in All Blacks 2025:

              @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

              Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

              Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

              Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

              And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

              He had loads of good rugby left in him.

              Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

              Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

              Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

              Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

              His ommision from the 2015 RWC was contentious wasnt it? Because I think he did not leave for the NH until after the tournament.

              Obviously Ben Smith & Savea were nailed down starters but I think Naholo was coming off an injury and NMS was like an up and comer but a bit of an unknown quantity.

              I could be wrong on the above but I just remember thinking it was crazy that such a talent could not get into the squad.

              Looked up his Wikipedia and the comment is

              He was not selected for the 2015 World Cup, a factor in his decision to move to play club rugby in Europe.[8]

              If I recall it was the other way around: not selected as had signed offshore. The signing being the deciding factor when picking between talented players.

              gt12G J 2 Replies Last reply
              5
              • Victor MeldrewV Victor Meldrew

                @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                Bridge had deceptive pace.

                Well, the idea he had pace sure deceived me...

                MN5M Online
                MN5M Online
                MN5
                wrote on last edited by
                #478

                @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:

                @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                Bridge had deceptive pace.

                Well, the idea he had pace sure deceived me...

                Like I said…..deceiving. Bridge was like a slower ball in cricket.

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • KiwiwombleK Offline
                  KiwiwombleK Offline
                  Kiwiwomble
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #479

                  damn this thread is depressing....the 2025 All Blacks thread has been full of chat about Toeava, Piutau, Bridge and Havili....the future is bright 😉

                  Victor MeldrewV 1 Reply Last reply
                  3
                  • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

                    damn this thread is depressing....the 2025 All Blacks thread has been full of chat about Toeava, Piutau, Bridge and Havili....the future is bright 😉

                    Victor MeldrewV Offline
                    Victor MeldrewV Offline
                    Victor Meldrew
                    wrote on last edited by Victor Meldrew
                    #480

                    @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2025:

                    damn this thread is depressing....the 2025 All Blacks thread has been full of chat about Toeava, Piutau, Bridge and Havili....the future is bright 😉

                    At least one of those names is a nailed-on selection this year....

                    Honestly, now the feet-finding phase is over, can we start giving new players more game time and start building a midfield?

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    2
                    • boobooB booboo

                      @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                      @Jet said in All Blacks 2025:

                      @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                      Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

                      Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

                      Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

                      And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

                      He had loads of good rugby left in him.

                      Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

                      Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

                      Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

                      Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

                      His ommision from the 2015 RWC was contentious wasnt it? Because I think he did not leave for the NH until after the tournament.

                      Obviously Ben Smith & Savea were nailed down starters but I think Naholo was coming off an injury and NMS was like an up and comer but a bit of an unknown quantity.

                      I could be wrong on the above but I just remember thinking it was crazy that such a talent could not get into the squad.

                      Looked up his Wikipedia and the comment is

                      He was not selected for the 2015 World Cup, a factor in his decision to move to play club rugby in Europe.[8]

                      If I recall it was the other way around: not selected as had signed offshore. The signing being the deciding factor when picking between talented players.

                      gt12G Offline
                      gt12G Offline
                      gt12
                      wrote on last edited by gt12
                      #481

                      @booboo said in All Blacks 2025:

                      @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                      @Jet said in All Blacks 2025:

                      @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                      Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

                      Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

                      Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

                      And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

                      He had loads of good rugby left in him.

                      Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

                      Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

                      Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

                      Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

                      His ommision from the 2015 RWC was contentious wasnt it? Because I think he did not leave for the NH until after the tournament.

                      Obviously Ben Smith & Savea were nailed down starters but I think Naholo was coming off an injury and NMS was like an up and comer but a bit of an unknown quantity.

                      I could be wrong on the above but I just remember thinking it was crazy that such a talent could not get into the squad.

                      Looked up his Wikipedia and the comment is

                      He was not selected for the 2015 World Cup, a factor in his decision to move to play club rugby in Europe.[8]

                      If I recall it was the other way around: not selected as had signed offshore. The signing being the deciding factor when picking between talented players.

                      This.

                      https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/67586994/all-blacks-coach-steve-hansen-unhappy-as-charles-piutau-heads-off-for-ireland

                      "Does it make him ineligible for the World Cup? No it doesn't," Hansen said, "but it does make it harder for him."

                      "He's going to have to play really, really well. We've got a duty to pick the best team but at the same time if two guys are vying for one spot then things like commitment and experience come into it.

                      "Not only are you picking for today but you're also picking for tomorrow. That's what we've done with him for three years."

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      3
                      • MN5M MN5

                        @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @SBW1 said in All Blacks 2025:

                        https://www.rugbyjp.com/post/aaron-smith-sees-joseph-manu-as-a-future-all-black?fbclid=IwY2xjawHsZzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfgtOU3wpVIxc2D4adlZklAu6ju18zPEMwoYDE_OrGW3GQ1xEojjm-AAgg_aem_zCWOu0ouR90sajhG5INapA

                        Maybe if he converted a few years ago.

                        Still only 28, no reason why he couldn't get another half a decade in if he's a hard worker.

                        Oh, I agree that he could have 5 plus years in Union.

                        But he is 28 now and won’t make a super rugby debut until he is 30 at the earliest so I think there would be a reluctance from AB selectors to pick someone like that

                        If he's a proper athlete ala SBW and better than the rest I don't see why not.

                        I think he's a potentially a better bet than Benji and RTS who made the change late in their careers. Of the three I think he's more suited to rugby and like all I guess it depends on how he transitions back.

                        @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                        If he was smart, he would sign for the crusaders then!

                        Nah, he should skip that and just go straight to the Chiefs to become a proper rugby player. 😉

                        Nah ("if he's a proper athlete ala SBW") he should just skip that and go to the Blues like what SBW did 🙂

                        This is not the 1980s. It’s not like all league converts are athletes compared to the weedy union players. They’re all athletes now.

                        I point you to my use of ""....

                        Aw ok, my bad.

                        All this ‘SBW is such an amazing athlete’ compared to everyone else is just nonsense

                        ACT CrusaderA Offline
                        ACT CrusaderA Offline
                        ACT Crusader
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #482

                        @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                        @SBW1 said in All Blacks 2025:

                        https://www.rugbyjp.com/post/aaron-smith-sees-joseph-manu-as-a-future-all-black?fbclid=IwY2xjawHsZzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfgtOU3wpVIxc2D4adlZklAu6ju18zPEMwoYDE_OrGW3GQ1xEojjm-AAgg_aem_zCWOu0ouR90sajhG5INapA

                        Maybe if he converted a few years ago.

                        Still only 28, no reason why he couldn't get another half a decade in if he's a hard worker.

                        Oh, I agree that he could have 5 plus years in Union.

                        But he is 28 now and won’t make a super rugby debut until he is 30 at the earliest so I think there would be a reluctance from AB selectors to pick someone like that

                        If he's a proper athlete ala SBW and better than the rest I don't see why not.

                        I think he's a potentially a better bet than Benji and RTS who made the change late in their careers. Of the three I think he's more suited to rugby and like all I guess it depends on how he transitions back.

                        @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                        If he was smart, he would sign for the crusaders then!

                        Nah, he should skip that and just go straight to the Chiefs to become a proper rugby player. 😉

                        Nah ("if he's a proper athlete ala SBW") he should just skip that and go to the Blues like what SBW did 🙂

                        This is not the 1980s. It’s not like all league converts are athletes compared to the weedy union players. They’re all athletes now.

                        I point you to my use of ""....

                        Aw ok, my bad.

                        All this ‘SBW is such an amazing athlete’ compared to everyone else is just nonsense

                        Sonny Bill was an amazing athlete though when compared to any one, be it union or league. I’m not a fan boy by any stretch and I thought the ABs used him well as the occasional starter but more impactfully in that bench role.

                        There were not many players that were able to produce at the highest level with his combination of skills and physicality.

                        Crazy HorseC nostrildamusN 2 Replies Last reply
                        5
                        • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

                          @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @SBW1 said in All Blacks 2025:

                          https://www.rugbyjp.com/post/aaron-smith-sees-joseph-manu-as-a-future-all-black?fbclid=IwY2xjawHsZzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfgtOU3wpVIxc2D4adlZklAu6ju18zPEMwoYDE_OrGW3GQ1xEojjm-AAgg_aem_zCWOu0ouR90sajhG5INapA

                          Maybe if he converted a few years ago.

                          Still only 28, no reason why he couldn't get another half a decade in if he's a hard worker.

                          Oh, I agree that he could have 5 plus years in Union.

                          But he is 28 now and won’t make a super rugby debut until he is 30 at the earliest so I think there would be a reluctance from AB selectors to pick someone like that

                          If he's a proper athlete ala SBW and better than the rest I don't see why not.

                          I think he's a potentially a better bet than Benji and RTS who made the change late in their careers. Of the three I think he's more suited to rugby and like all I guess it depends on how he transitions back.

                          @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                          If he was smart, he would sign for the crusaders then!

                          Nah, he should skip that and just go straight to the Chiefs to become a proper rugby player. 😉

                          Nah ("if he's a proper athlete ala SBW") he should just skip that and go to the Blues like what SBW did 🙂

                          This is not the 1980s. It’s not like all league converts are athletes compared to the weedy union players. They’re all athletes now.

                          I point you to my use of ""....

                          Aw ok, my bad.

                          All this ‘SBW is such an amazing athlete’ compared to everyone else is just nonsense

                          Sonny Bill was an amazing athlete though when compared to any one, be it union or league. I’m not a fan boy by any stretch and I thought the ABs used him well as the occasional starter but more impactfully in that bench role.

                          There were not many players that were able to produce at the highest level with his combination of skills and physicality.

                          Crazy HorseC Offline
                          Crazy HorseC Offline
                          Crazy Horse
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #483

                          @ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                          @SBW1 said in All Blacks 2025:

                          https://www.rugbyjp.com/post/aaron-smith-sees-joseph-manu-as-a-future-all-black?fbclid=IwY2xjawHsZzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfgtOU3wpVIxc2D4adlZklAu6ju18zPEMwoYDE_OrGW3GQ1xEojjm-AAgg_aem_zCWOu0ouR90sajhG5INapA

                          Maybe if he converted a few years ago.

                          Still only 28, no reason why he couldn't get another half a decade in if he's a hard worker.

                          Oh, I agree that he could have 5 plus years in Union.

                          But he is 28 now and won’t make a super rugby debut until he is 30 at the earliest so I think there would be a reluctance from AB selectors to pick someone like that

                          If he's a proper athlete ala SBW and better than the rest I don't see why not.

                          I think he's a potentially a better bet than Benji and RTS who made the change late in their careers. Of the three I think he's more suited to rugby and like all I guess it depends on how he transitions back.

                          @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                          If he was smart, he would sign for the crusaders then!

                          Nah, he should skip that and just go straight to the Chiefs to become a proper rugby player. 😉

                          Nah ("if he's a proper athlete ala SBW") he should just skip that and go to the Blues like what SBW did 🙂

                          This is not the 1980s. It’s not like all league converts are athletes compared to the weedy union players. They’re all athletes now.

                          I point you to my use of ""....

                          Aw ok, my bad.

                          All this ‘SBW is such an amazing athlete’ compared to everyone else is just nonsense

                          Sonny Bill was an amazing athlete though when compared to any one, be it union or league. I’m not a fan boy by any stretch and I thought the ABs used him well as the occasional starter but more impactfully in that bench role.

                          There were not many players that were able to produce at the highest level with his combination of skills and physicality.

                          Despite all he achieved, I actually think we never saw the best of him. I reckon the injuries and chopping and changing between union and league held him back a little.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          6
                          • boobooB booboo

                            @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                            @Jet said in All Blacks 2025:

                            @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                            Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

                            Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

                            Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

                            And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

                            He had loads of good rugby left in him.

                            Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

                            Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

                            Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

                            Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

                            His ommision from the 2015 RWC was contentious wasnt it? Because I think he did not leave for the NH until after the tournament.

                            Obviously Ben Smith & Savea were nailed down starters but I think Naholo was coming off an injury and NMS was like an up and comer but a bit of an unknown quantity.

                            I could be wrong on the above but I just remember thinking it was crazy that such a talent could not get into the squad.

                            Looked up his Wikipedia and the comment is

                            He was not selected for the 2015 World Cup, a factor in his decision to move to play club rugby in Europe.[8]

                            If I recall it was the other way around: not selected as had signed offshore. The signing being the deciding factor when picking between talented players.

                            J Offline
                            J Offline
                            Jet
                            wrote on last edited by Jet
                            #484

                            @booboo said in All Blacks 2025:

                            @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                            @Jet said in All Blacks 2025:

                            @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                            Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

                            Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

                            Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

                            And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

                            He had loads of good rugby left in him.

                            Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

                            Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

                            Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

                            Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

                            His ommision from the 2015 RWC was contentious wasnt it? Because I think he did not leave for the NH until after the tournament.

                            Obviously Ben Smith & Savea were nailed down starters but I think Naholo was coming off an injury and NMS was like an up and comer but a bit of an unknown quantity.

                            I could be wrong on the above but I just remember thinking it was crazy that such a talent could not get into the squad.

                            Looked up his Wikipedia and the comment is

                            He was not selected for the 2015 World Cup, a factor in his decision to move to play club rugby in Europe.[8]

                            If I recall it was the other way around: not selected as had signed offshore. The signing being the deciding factor when picking between talented players.

                            It was the other way round. He was persona non grata after announcing his impending flounce.

                            He was mustard against the French in 2013.

                            Very physical player. Had the proverbial good shoulder on him and a great offloading game.

                            Safe as houses under the high ball too.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            1
                            • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

                              @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @SBW1 said in All Blacks 2025:

                              https://www.rugbyjp.com/post/aaron-smith-sees-joseph-manu-as-a-future-all-black?fbclid=IwY2xjawHsZzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfgtOU3wpVIxc2D4adlZklAu6ju18zPEMwoYDE_OrGW3GQ1xEojjm-AAgg_aem_zCWOu0ouR90sajhG5INapA

                              Maybe if he converted a few years ago.

                              Still only 28, no reason why he couldn't get another half a decade in if he's a hard worker.

                              Oh, I agree that he could have 5 plus years in Union.

                              But he is 28 now and won’t make a super rugby debut until he is 30 at the earliest so I think there would be a reluctance from AB selectors to pick someone like that

                              If he's a proper athlete ala SBW and better than the rest I don't see why not.

                              I think he's a potentially a better bet than Benji and RTS who made the change late in their careers. Of the three I think he's more suited to rugby and like all I guess it depends on how he transitions back.

                              @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                              If he was smart, he would sign for the crusaders then!

                              Nah, he should skip that and just go straight to the Chiefs to become a proper rugby player. 😉

                              Nah ("if he's a proper athlete ala SBW") he should just skip that and go to the Blues like what SBW did 🙂

                              This is not the 1980s. It’s not like all league converts are athletes compared to the weedy union players. They’re all athletes now.

                              I point you to my use of ""....

                              Aw ok, my bad.

                              All this ‘SBW is such an amazing athlete’ compared to everyone else is just nonsense

                              Sonny Bill was an amazing athlete though when compared to any one, be it union or league. I’m not a fan boy by any stretch and I thought the ABs used him well as the occasional starter but more impactfully in that bench role.

                              There were not many players that were able to produce at the highest level with his combination of skills and physicality.

                              nostrildamusN Offline
                              nostrildamusN Offline
                              nostrildamus
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #485

                              @ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                              @SBW1 said in All Blacks 2025:

                              https://www.rugbyjp.com/post/aaron-smith-sees-joseph-manu-as-a-future-all-black?fbclid=IwY2xjawHsZzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfgtOU3wpVIxc2D4adlZklAu6ju18zPEMwoYDE_OrGW3GQ1xEojjm-AAgg_aem_zCWOu0ouR90sajhG5INapA

                              Maybe if he converted a few years ago.

                              Still only 28, no reason why he couldn't get another half a decade in if he's a hard worker.

                              Oh, I agree that he could have 5 plus years in Union.

                              But he is 28 now and won’t make a super rugby debut until he is 30 at the earliest so I think there would be a reluctance from AB selectors to pick someone like that

                              If he's a proper athlete ala SBW and better than the rest I don't see why not.

                              I think he's a potentially a better bet than Benji and RTS who made the change late in their careers. Of the three I think he's more suited to rugby and like all I guess it depends on how he transitions back.

                              @DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2025:

                              If he was smart, he would sign for the crusaders then!

                              Nah, he should skip that and just go straight to the Chiefs to become a proper rugby player. 😉

                              Nah ("if he's a proper athlete ala SBW") he should just skip that and go to the Blues like what SBW did 🙂

                              This is not the 1980s. It’s not like all league converts are athletes compared to the weedy union players. They’re all athletes now.

                              I point you to my use of ""....

                              Aw ok, my bad.

                              All this ‘SBW is such an amazing athlete’ compared to everyone else is just nonsense

                              Sonny Bill was an amazing athlete though when compared to any one, be it union or league. I’m not a fan boy by any stretch and I thought the ABs used him well as the occasional starter but more impactfully in that bench role.

                              There were not many players that were able to produce at the highest level with his combination of skills and physicality.

                              yeah SBW was freakish, but the ABs didn't get the prime version.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              1
                              • nonpartizanN nonpartizan

                                This post is deleted!

                                kiwiinmelbK Offline
                                kiwiinmelbK Offline
                                kiwiinmelb
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #486

                                @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                                @Jet said in All Blacks 2025:

                                @nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

                                Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

                                Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

                                Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

                                And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

                                He had loads of good rugby left in him.

                                Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

                                Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

                                Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

                                Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

                                His ommision from the 2015 RWC was contentious wasnt it? Because I think he did not leave for the NH until after the tournament.

                                Obviously Ben Smith & Savea were nailed down starters but I think Naholo was coming off an injury and NMS was like an up and comer but a bit of an unknown quantity.

                                I could be wrong on the above but I just remember thinking it was crazy that such a talent could not get into the squad.

                                I remember talk from the coaches , something about his skillset , they thought he played left better than right ,

                                Jules was the incumbent there and was automatic , and they picked NMS and Naholo to have a shoot out it to play right ,thats how i remember their reasoning ,

                                But yeah a great talent and one that got away , I remember the omission of Dagg at the time to be a bigger shock to most though

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • KiwiMurphK Online
                                  KiwiMurphK Online
                                  KiwiMurph
                                  wrote on last edited by KiwiMurph
                                  #487

                                  Hi Mr Havili thanks for offfering absolutely nothing in 2024 - here's an invite to 2025 camp

                                  TimT BonesB 2 Replies Last reply
                                  10
                                  • mariner4lifeM Offline
                                    mariner4lifeM Offline
                                    mariner4life
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #488

                                    couple of "oh fuck another year of this shit?" pics in there

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    10
                                    • KiwiMurphK KiwiMurph

                                      Hi Mr Havili thanks for offfering absolutely nothing in 2024 - here's an invite to 2025 camp

                                      TimT Away
                                      TimT Away
                                      Tim
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #489

                                      @KiwiMurph Amazing that they want to persist with a player who is poor at the core roles - ball carrying, defence.

                                      MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
                                      5
                                      • KiwiMurphK KiwiMurph

                                        Hi Mr Havili thanks for offfering absolutely nothing in 2024 - here's an invite to 2025 camp

                                        BonesB Offline
                                        BonesB Offline
                                        Bones
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #490

                                        @KiwiMurph everyone else wearing t-shirts, Jordan wearing a hoodie. Quelle surprising.

                                        I'll let Blackadder off as the long sleeves are probably hiding a protective bodysuit.

                                        MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
                                        3
                                        • BonesB Bones

                                          @KiwiMurph everyone else wearing t-shirts, Jordan wearing a hoodie. Quelle surprising.

                                          I'll let Blackadder off as the long sleeves are probably hiding a protective bodysuit.

                                          MN5M Online
                                          MN5M Online
                                          MN5
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #491

                                          @Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

                                          @KiwiMurph everyone else wearing t-shirts, Jordan wearing a hoodie. Quelle surprising.

                                          I'll let Blackadder off as the long sleeves are probably hiding a protective bodysuit.

                                          Jordan hurt himself playing cricket the other night. He needs to hide the bruises

                                          1 Reply Last reply
                                          2
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