All Blacks 2025
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@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I see Fihaki and Stevenson as similar type players with Stevenson having greater highs and greater lows than Fihaki.
Seems there's all sorts of reaching going on!
@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I see Fihaki and Stevenson as similar type players with Stevenson having greater highs and greater lows than Fihaki.
Seems there's all sorts of reaching going on!
Probaby! But for someone who has had to watch him in teams I support I don't recall being frustrated with him because he has brain farts/ shocking moments like Stevenson can produce from time to time. There are other reasons to be frustrated.
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oh yeah totally, i mean Conrad was a noted crash ball specialist who did his best work right on teh shoulder of his inside, playing flat as hell. He also had noted pace which would allow him to operate a narrow defensive channel and still get out and cover the wide players.
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
oh yeah totally, i mean Conrad was a noted crash ball specialist who did his best work right on teh shoulder of his inside, playing flat as hell. He also had noted pace which would allow him to operate a narrow defensive channel and still get out and cover the wide players.
I've always thought of Conrad Smith as an averagely-skilled international 13 with an extraordinary rugby brain and ability to read a game. The word "cerebral" comes to mind. Tough bastard too.
Hard to remember him doing anything spectacular on a rugby pitch. Even harder to recall him not being absolutely brilliant at being in the right place at the right time and doing exactly what was needed.
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@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
oh yeah totally, i mean Conrad was a noted crash ball specialist who did his best work right on teh shoulder of his inside, playing flat as hell. He also had noted pace which would allow him to operate a narrow defensive channel and still get out and cover the wide players.
I've always thought of Conrad Smith as an averagely-skilled international 13 with an extraordinary rugby brain and ability to read a game. The word "cerebral" comes to mind. Tough bastard too.
Hard to remember him doing anything spectacular on a rugby pitch. Even harder to recall him not being absolutely brilliant at being in the right place at the right time and doing exactly what was needed.
@Victor-Meldrew Agree on that. Huge Conrad fan, probably the second the best centre I have ever seen in ABs, But not really sure you would want 15 players like him on the field. He was the glue that held a lot of star players together, and I believe without him a number may not have looked quite so good? It was the mistake free stuff that made him so bloody good!
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@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
Classic. 1 below par game for Tangitau, a stand out of the competition that NZ fans should all be excited about but people can’t wait to jump on him when something goes wrong.
He was subbed early yes, but it wasn’t after a mistake. It was at halftime.
As for Fihaki, if he gets named in the all blacks then we should consider ourselves in trouble, not only on the field but with the guys selecting him in the first place. We are talking about a guy who considered himself a fullback, yet couldn’t beat out Hutchinson to be the starting fullback for Canterbury in the NPC… does Fihaki have some nice moments? Sure. But let’s not ignore the fact he just flat out is not near AB level… always happy to be proven wrong because it would benefit NZ rugby, but I just don’t see it. It’s debatable whether he’s even the second best winger in the Crusaders…
Don't be so sensitive. He had a poor game and I speculated that it might harm his selection chances, especially if he has more poor games. Our selectors haven't exactly shown an adventurous spirit so far have they?
Agree re Fihaki (but I suppose that was an adventurous selection). I have been scratching my head over Fihaki for years. I have not liked him at NPC level yet alone Super level, but this year he is looking Super level (not AB level before anyone jumps up and down). The only reason I can see why they may have selected him is they were looking for a fullback/wing option. I see Fihaki and Stevenson as similar type players with Stevenson having greater highs and greater lows than Fihaki.
Sensitive is a reach, I’m just pointing out it’s taken until week 8 to have for him to have a stinker and some couldn’t wait to get the forks out. Everyone has their bad games, this is a guy we should be hoping can learn from last night and bounce back in a big way. Absolutely no reason he can’t own a spot in the ABs this year if given a chance(other than selectors staying with the usual of course).
Yeah regarding Fihaki, I’ve said enough there. Way down the list on AB wing candidates in my opinion. Razors though, different story I’m sure.
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
Classic. 1 below par game for Tangitau, a stand out of the competition that NZ fans should all be excited about but people can’t wait to jump on him when something goes wrong.
He was subbed early yes, but it wasn’t after a mistake. It was at halftime.
As for Fihaki, if he gets named in the all blacks then we should consider ourselves in trouble, not only on the field but with the guys selecting him in the first place. We are talking about a guy who considered himself a fullback, yet couldn’t beat out Hutchinson to be the starting fullback for Canterbury in the NPC… does Fihaki have some nice moments? Sure. But let’s not ignore the fact he just flat out is not near AB level… always happy to be proven wrong because it would benefit NZ rugby, but I just don’t see it. It’s debatable whether he’s even the second best winger in the Crusaders…
Don't be so sensitive. He had a poor game and I speculated that it might harm his selection chances, especially if he has more poor games. Our selectors haven't exactly shown an adventurous spirit so far have they?
Agree re Fihaki (but I suppose that was an adventurous selection). I have been scratching my head over Fihaki for years. I have not liked him at NPC level yet alone Super level, but this year he is looking Super level (not AB level before anyone jumps up and down). The only reason I can see why they may have selected him is they were looking for a fullback/wing option. I see Fihaki and Stevenson as similar type players with Stevenson having greater highs and greater lows than Fihaki.
Sensitive is a reach, I’m just pointing out it’s taken until week 8 to have for him to have a stinker and some couldn’t wait to get the forks out. Everyone has their bad games, this is a guy we should be hoping can learn from last night and bounce back in a big way. Absolutely no reason he can’t own a spot in the ABs this year if given a chance(other than selectors staying with the usual of course).
Yeah regarding Fihaki, I’ve said enough there. Way down the list on AB wing candidates in my opinion. Razors though, different story I’m sure.
Yeah, I know what you mean, plenty of other players who get thr same treatment after a below par game.
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Some interesting info about what the top tier rugby players can earn. You can understand why an overseas contract is so attractive to the level below that.
Lendrum said NZ Rugby’s wage structure offered elite talent up to a $1 million a year before Super Rugby and provincial pay and test assembly fees - which can add more than $300,000 - were included.
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@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:
I fully expect him to be picked, but Blackadder is looking even more average than I thought he would in SR. I really don't get the attraction.
You need to be more patient. He’s coming back from an injury
@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:
I fully expect him to be picked, but Blackadder is looking even more average than I thought he would in SR. I really don't get the attraction.
You need to be more patient. He’s coming back from an injury
Been taking some subtlety supplements?!
https://media.tenor.com/Gl5d0rt2A50AAAA1/arnold-schwarzenegger-getting-ready.webp
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Loosies selection could be very interesting this year.
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Loosies selection could be very interesting this year.
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
Loosies selection could be very interesting this year.
If by interesting you mean exactly the same you may have a point. I can't see Papalii, Blackadder and Jacobsen not being selected.
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@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
Loosies selection could be very interesting this year.
If by interesting you mean exactly the same you may have a point. I can't see Papalii, Blackadder and Jacobsen not being selected.
@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
I can't see Papalii, Blackadder and Jacobsen not being selected.
Papalii was on the outer at the end of last season - Cane was constantly selected ahead of him and then from memory Razor didn't bother bringing him across on the End Of Year Tour even when Papalii was supposedly fit again mid-tour
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I agree with Hinton
It's not necessarily the NZR decision to not support an ANZAC Bledisloe that annoys me it's Robinson's god awful communication style.
His PR skills are abysmal and are not improving - I don't think he understands the concept of "perception = reality".
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I agree with Hinton
It's not necessarily the NZR decision to not support an ANZAC Bledisloe that annoys me it's Robinson's god awful communication style.
His PR skills are abysmal and are not improving - I don't think he understands the concept of "perception = reality".
@KiwiMurph his PR skills might suck, in fact his entire tenure concerns me as to his capability to perform the role. But I find Hinton's article full of unfounded premises.
Where's the evidence that another Bledisloe Cup magically turns into a massive money spinner just because it's held on a certain date?
Why would SR clubs support a venture that takes away players during a competition when they could have an injury crisis?
If it requires a Test during SR to capture the attention of the rugby public, why aren't they addressing the problem with SR?
The fact Robinson appears to have consulted with stakeholders is the opposite of a "wave-of-the-hand type dismissal".
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@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
Over halfway through the season now so going to have a go at what a 34-man All Blacks squad might look like...
Hookers - Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei'aho
Props - Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi
Locks - Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa'i, two of Josh Lord, Patrick Tuipulotu and Josh Beehre*
Loose forwards - Ardie Savea, Ethan Blackadder, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Peter Lakai, Cam Christie*
Halfbacks - Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham
First fives - Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Xavi Taele*
Midfield - Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea
Outside backs - Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke, Ruben Love, Mark Tele'a, Sevu ReecePossibly another prop or loose forward instead of a midfielder/outside back. Obviously still a lot of time for players to get injured/come into form/lose form completely.
Feels a bit absurd to pick three Blues as the only debutants but think they've all been pretty good (in the case of Beehre/Christie) or shown immense promise - I can see Taele being a long-term option at 10.
Reece probably the luckiest of the bunch based on last year's form, this year's form, and the strength that NZ has in the outside backs but he's a Razor-favourite. Tangitau needs to back up next year (or in the NPC) to win a spot for my mind.
You wouldn't happen to support the Blues?
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@KiwiMurph his PR skills might suck, in fact his entire tenure concerns me as to his capability to perform the role. But I find Hinton's article full of unfounded premises.
Where's the evidence that another Bledisloe Cup magically turns into a massive money spinner just because it's held on a certain date?
Why would SR clubs support a venture that takes away players during a competition when they could have an injury crisis?
If it requires a Test during SR to capture the attention of the rugby public, why aren't they addressing the problem with SR?
The fact Robinson appears to have consulted with stakeholders is the opposite of a "wave-of-the-hand type dismissal".
@antipodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@KiwiMurph his PR skills might suck, in fact his entire tenure concerns me as to his capability to perform the role. But I find Hinton's article full of unfounded premises.
Where's the evidence that another Bledisloe Cup magically turns into a massive money spinner just because it's held on a certain date?
Why would SR clubs support a venture that takes away players during a competition when they could have an injury crisis?
If it requires a Test during SR to capture the attention of the rugby public, why aren't they addressing the problem with SR?
The fact Robinson appears to have consulted with stakeholders is the opposite of a "wave-of-the-hand type dismissal".
I agree Hinton stuffs up his own argument. First he said that NZR were quite keen, which is what Robinson said last year. and now because NZR have said it doesn't add up is hardly a wave of the hand dismissal. He seems to avoid one of the reasons given for it to be a goer , it was annually, and would always be in Australia. Also noticed Wilson and Marshall avoided that fact when they talked about how good it would be in the new stadium in Christchurch.
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Luke Jacobson for mine is the forward version of Anton lienert-Brown, would love to have them in my super rugby side but at All Black level I'm less enthusiastic about them
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
Luke Jacobson for mine is the forward version of Anton lienert-Brown, would love to have them in my super rugby side but at All Black level I'm less enthusiastic about them
Neither are anything like the best player in the world in their position, but both do a job when needed. I am relaxed about having a few players like that in the wider AB squad.
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@antipodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@KiwiMurph his PR skills might suck, in fact his entire tenure concerns me as to his capability to perform the role. But I find Hinton's article full of unfounded premises.
Where's the evidence that another Bledisloe Cup magically turns into a massive money spinner just because it's held on a certain date?
Why would SR clubs support a venture that takes away players during a competition when they could have an injury crisis?
If it requires a Test during SR to capture the attention of the rugby public, why aren't they addressing the problem with SR?
The fact Robinson appears to have consulted with stakeholders is the opposite of a "wave-of-the-hand type dismissal".
I agree Hinton stuffs up his own argument. First he said that NZR were quite keen, which is what Robinson said last year. and now because NZR have said it doesn't add up is hardly a wave of the hand dismissal. He seems to avoid one of the reasons given for it to be a goer , it was annually, and would always be in Australia. Also noticed Wilson and Marshall avoided that fact when they talked about how good it would be in the new stadium in Christchurch.
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
which is what Robinson said last year. and now because NZR have said it doesn't add up is hardly a wave of the hand dismissal. He seems to avoid one of the reasons given for it to be a goer , it was annually, and would always be in Australia.
The issue is - Robinson doesn't make this clear
So again we get back to his poor comm skills
By saying - "it doesn't stack up" it comes across as dismissive.
The man has no idea how to control a narrative.
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Need some help regarding Stats ,i am having a debate with a guy who reckons Luke Jacobson is 6’3 110 kgs plus
Having meet both Luke Javobson and Ethan Blackadder ,i though Ethan was a chuncky 6’1-6’2 , 108-110 build where Javobson looked more around the 6’1-6’2 maybe 105-107kgs
Anyone else shed some light , i have seenna picture of Jacobson standing next to Sam Cane ,and Cane looked a bigger body and taller
Thoughts ? -
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
which is what Robinson said last year. and now because NZR have said it doesn't add up is hardly a wave of the hand dismissal. He seems to avoid one of the reasons given for it to be a goer , it was annually, and would always be in Australia.
The issue is - Robinson doesn't make this clear
So again we get back to his poor comm skills
By saying - "it doesn't stack up" it comes across as dismissive.
The man has no idea how to control a narrative.
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
which is what Robinson said last year. and now because NZR have said it doesn't add up is hardly a wave of the hand dismissal. He seems to avoid one of the reasons given for it to be a goer , it was annually, and would always be in Australia.
The issue is - Robinson doesn't make this clear
So again we get back to his poor comm skills
By saying - "it doesn't stack up" it comes across as dismissive.
The man has no idea how to control a narrative.
Read his whole statement mate, he doesn't just say it doesn't stack up, but lists reasons why. Because that article doesn't even mention what was actually said , and he actually says it not viable at this stage. He also said playing away from home every year was appropriate. Gives quite a number of reasons, and say "at this moment it doesn't stack up"
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Need some help regarding Stats ,i am having a debate with a guy who reckons Luke Jacobson is 6’3 110 kgs plus
Having meet both Luke Javobson and Ethan Blackadder ,i though Ethan was a chuncky 6’1-6’2 , 108-110 build where Javobson looked more around the 6’1-6’2 maybe 105-107kgs
Anyone else shed some light , i have seenna picture of Jacobson standing next to Sam Cane ,and Cane looked a bigger body and taller
Thoughts ?@Steven-Harris said in All Blacks 2025:
Need some help regarding Stats ,i am having a debate with a guy who reckons Luke Jacobson is 6’3 110 kgs plus
Having meet both Luke Javobson and Ethan Blackadder ,i though Ethan was a chuncky 6’1-6’2 , 108-110 build where Javobson looked more around the 6’1-6’2 maybe 105-107kgs
Anyone else shed some light , i have seenna picture of Jacobson standing next to Sam Cane ,and Cane looked a bigger body and taller
Thoughts ?Just to clarify, within the bounds you've listed, that the difference between both could be 1000 grams? The difference is drinking a bottle of water...
