All Blacks 2025
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Lol Ardie has been 'good' best player in SR (as voted by opposition coaches), so yeah I'd say he's been fucking awesome
@Machpants Yes fair, but the form of Ardie is not really what is of concern. The majority of our top guys have either been injured or sub par - and the form guys in Super Rugby to me, don't look like they really solve our problems.
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Lol Ardie has been 'good' best player in SR (as voted by opposition coaches), so yeah I'd say he's been fucking awesome
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On the basis of what we are seeing week in week out in Super Rugby, though it is entertaining, there is absolutely nothing to suggest that the All Blacks will be an all conquering force this year, and this should be remembered before everyone lays into Razor...
Props - Williams has been good, Newell, EDG & Lomax warming into it. Tosi has been shite, Ofa non-existant. Of those outside the squad, Dyer has been pretty good, and could push past Tosi... nobody else putting their hand up
Hookers - Taylor has been on the beach, Bell has a broken foot, and Aumua has been lukewarm at best. Samisoni hasn't exactly come back in ripped up trees... Moananu is cool, and McAllister has been strong, but they aren't moving the needle at test level
Locks - Until two weeks ago Scooter was on the beach with Taylor, Tuipulotu has been off the pace, Darry & Lord have been in the injury ward. Vaa'i has been good, Holland has banged the door down with Beehre not far behind. Probably the area of least concern
Loose Forwards - Sititi has been in the injury ward, Papalii & Blackadder have spent time there too. Finau has dominated, but that is not a change at this level - nothing to suggest this is going to change at test level. Lakai has been good, as has Ardie & Jacobson. We were looking for a big bolter of a bruising blindside, but frankly the best answer you get is give Finau another go. Kirifi has been good, but we don't need another openside flanker... we need a unit, you could take a punt on Parker, but that is all you would be doing
Halfbacks - Roigard has been below his usual standards, Ratima hardly commanding things for the Chiefs. Hotham has come back from injury well but has only managed a handful of games. Fakatava has been injured all year, but he might be able to put some pressure on which is a positive to take home
First Five - We're 10 rounds in, and the general acceptance is that neither the Landers or Saders have a credible 10, and the Canes are back to trying Ruben Love there, who is clearly a fullback. DMac has been good, but we are still stuck with him, Barrett (who has been mixed) and the square total of fuck all else. Even Plummer has been unsighted... if DMac/Barrett go down, seriously, who is the next first five? If it is seriously Josh Jacomb, we might be scrooge mcduck.
Midfielders - Rieko stinking the joint out in an awful Blues side, Lienert-Brown has spent half the year on the sideline, Havili has been good, but we know he is the not the answer. Proctor has only just come back, and J Barrett is at least doing well up north. Tavatavanawai, Tupaea, and to a lesser extent Lam are putting the heat on here, so less concern
Outside Backs - The form levels are good here, so there should be little to worry about.
Is this glass half empty? Probably, but we are over halfway through Super Rugby, and the majority of the Top ABs aren't playing particularly good rugby, and there is few players on the outside putting the pressure on. We could be in for a serious reality check I fear...
@frugby razor's saving grace this year is the draw favors him.
A tired, French B side to start
Two tests at home vs Bokke
I expect us to do well in terms of results, but hoping for more in terms of performance. Super quality is very very mixed. Seeing the waratahs hooker throwing yesterday didn't fill me with joy. These are professionals in theory, but not in practice.
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On the basis of what we are seeing week in week out in Super Rugby, though it is entertaining, there is absolutely nothing to suggest that the All Blacks will be an all conquering force this year, and this should be remembered before everyone lays into Razor...
Props - Williams has been good, Newell, EDG & Lomax warming into it. Tosi has been shite, Ofa non-existant. Of those outside the squad, Dyer has been pretty good, and could push past Tosi... nobody else putting their hand up
Hookers - Taylor has been on the beach, Bell has a broken foot, and Aumua has been lukewarm at best. Samisoni hasn't exactly come back in ripped up trees... Moananu is cool, and McAllister has been strong, but they aren't moving the needle at test level
Locks - Until two weeks ago Scooter was on the beach with Taylor, Tuipulotu has been off the pace, Darry & Lord have been in the injury ward. Vaa'i has been good, Holland has banged the door down with Beehre not far behind. Probably the area of least concern
Loose Forwards - Sititi has been in the injury ward, Papalii & Blackadder have spent time there too. Finau has dominated, but that is not a change at this level - nothing to suggest this is going to change at test level. Lakai has been good, as has Ardie & Jacobson. We were looking for a big bolter of a bruising blindside, but frankly the best answer you get is give Finau another go. Kirifi has been good, but we don't need another openside flanker... we need a unit, you could take a punt on Parker, but that is all you would be doing
Halfbacks - Roigard has been below his usual standards, Ratima hardly commanding things for the Chiefs. Hotham has come back from injury well but has only managed a handful of games. Fakatava has been injured all year, but he might be able to put some pressure on which is a positive to take home
First Five - We're 10 rounds in, and the general acceptance is that neither the Landers or Saders have a credible 10, and the Canes are back to trying Ruben Love there, who is clearly a fullback. DMac has been good, but we are still stuck with him, Barrett (who has been mixed) and the square total of fuck all else. Even Plummer has been unsighted... if DMac/Barrett go down, seriously, who is the next first five? If it is seriously Josh Jacomb, we might be scrooge mcduck.
Midfielders - Rieko stinking the joint out in an awful Blues side, Lienert-Brown has spent half the year on the sideline, Havili has been good, but we know he is the not the answer. Proctor has only just come back, and J Barrett is at least doing well up north. Tavatavanawai, Tupaea, and to a lesser extent Lam are putting the heat on here, so less concern
Outside Backs - The form levels are good here, so there should be little to worry about.
Is this glass half empty? Probably, but we are over halfway through Super Rugby, and the majority of the Top ABs aren't playing particularly good rugby, and there is few players on the outside putting the pressure on. We could be in for a serious reality check I fear...
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
Finau has dominated, but that is not a change at this level - nothing to suggest this is going to change at test level.
I agree with a lot of your post but I have noticed a difference in Finau this year that might suggest things might change for him at test level. He is appearing to me to be doing more of the dirty work. Last year I got the impression Finau was standing off, looking for the big hit.
Finau and Jordon are two players that in my mind have changed the way they are playing. A change brought on by the super coaches or the AB coaches? I don't know.
As for the rest, yes many are not playing the house down, but I am hoping that will change in the next few rounds. There is still a lot of the season to go.
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Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
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@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
Finau has dominated, but that is not a change at this level - nothing to suggest this is going to change at test level.
I agree with a lot of your post but I have noticed a difference in Finau this year that might suggest things might change for him at test level. He is appearing to me to be doing more of the dirty work. Last year I got the impression Finau was standing off, looking for the big hit.
Finau and Jordon are two players that in my mind have changed the way they are playing. A change brought on by the super coaches or the AB coaches? I don't know.
As for the rest, yes many are not playing the house down, but I am hoping that will change in the next few rounds. There is still a lot of the season to go.
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
Finau has dominated, but that is not a change at this level - nothing to suggest this is going to change at test level.
I agree with a lot of your post but I have noticed a difference in Finau this year that might suggest things might change for him at test level. He is appearing to me to be doing more of the dirty work. Last year I got the impression Finau was standing off, looking for the big hit.
Finau and Jordon are two players that in my mind have changed the way they are playing. A change brought on by the super coaches or the AB coaches? I don't know.
As for the rest, yes many are not playing the house down, but I am hoping that will change in the next few rounds. There is still a lot of the season to go.
Hope you’re right…
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@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
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Christ the Razor fluffers getting their excuses in early this year
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Christ the Razor fluffers getting their excuses in early this year
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2025:
Christ the Razor fluffers getting their excuses in early this year
If you are referring to JRK v Fihaki, I am no Fihaki AB fan by any stretch, but I would take him over JRK in the ABs at this stage.
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@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
That is true, but we are talking 6 more games than the other player here… on the end of a crusaders machine…laughable if Fihaki is chosen with all the far superior options out there
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@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
That is true, but we are talking 6 more games than the other player here… on the end of a crusaders machine…laughable if Fihaki is chosen with all the far superior options out there
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
That is true, but we are talking 6 more games than the other player here… on the end of a crusaders machine…laughable if Fihaki is chosen with all the far superior options out there
It's happened before, it could happen again.
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@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
That is true, but we are talking 6 more games than the other player here… on the end of a crusaders machine…laughable if Fihaki is chosen with all the far superior options out there
It's happened before, it could happen again.
@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
That is true, but we are talking 6 more games than the other player here… on the end of a crusaders machine…laughable if Fihaki is chosen with all the far superior options out there
It's happened before, it could happen again.
I am guessing it probably will happen again, unless of course he stuffed up in camp last year. There is obviously something they see in him. So far this season he has been a bit better for the Saders, so that will play in his favour.
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@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
That is true, but we are talking 6 more games than the other player here… on the end of a crusaders machine…laughable if Fihaki is chosen with all the far superior options out there
It's happened before, it could happen again.
I am guessing it probably will happen again, unless of course he stuffed up in camp last year. There is obviously something they see in him. So far this season he has been a bit better for the Saders, so that will play in his favour.
@Crazy-Horse he was better last year.
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@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
@Grooter said in All Blacks 2025:
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as a bolter?
I think he would be in the picture had he not been injured by that dog act from a grub at the end of last season.
ABs apprentice Chay Fihaki 290 carry metres in 8 games, JRK 242 in just 2 games. I know who I see as more of a threat
Don't necessarily disagree with your conclusion but fullbacks are generally always going to have considerably more carry metres than wings.
That is true, but we are talking 6 more games than the other player here… on the end of a crusaders machine…laughable if Fihaki is chosen with all the far superior options out there
@Landers92 you'd hope with what Tangitau has shown, assuming he doesnt have a long term injury, he should leap a couple from last year.
Along with his power, he has that attribute you cannot coach; speed.
I can kinda see what they like about Fihaki, but gee, it is a pretty long shot hoping he is the rough diamond they see vs a lump of coal.
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Fihaki and Bell are shaping up as two of the most biased AB selections of all time. Neither with any runs on the board bar age grade stuff, and now both have 5 or 6 players easily ahead of them this year. Bell is not even the best hooker at the Crusaders and Fihaki has the worst stats of any NZ winger that is in the frame by some distance.
I'm expecting more of the same from Razor this year.
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Fihaki and Bell are shaping up as two of the most biased AB selections of all time. Neither with any runs on the board bar age grade stuff, and now both have 5 or 6 players easily ahead of them this year. Bell is not even the best hooker at the Crusaders and Fihaki has the worst stats of any NZ winger that is in the frame by some distance.
I'm expecting more of the same from Razor this year.
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2025:
Fihaki and Bell are shaping up as two of the most biased AB selections of all time. Neither with any runs on the board bar age grade stuff, and now both have 5 or 6 players easily ahead of them this year. Bell is not even the best hooker at the Crusaders and Fihaki has the worst stats of any NZ winger that is in the frame by some distance.
I'm expecting more of the same from Razor this year.
Havilli and Blackadder want you to hold their beers
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Fihaki and Bell are shaping up as two of the most biased AB selections of all time. Neither with any runs on the board bar age grade stuff, and now both have 5 or 6 players easily ahead of them this year. Bell is not even the best hooker at the Crusaders and Fihaki has the worst stats of any NZ winger that is in the frame by some distance.
I'm expecting more of the same from Razor this year.
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2025:
Bell is not even the best hooker at the Crusaders and Fihaki has the worst stats of any NZ winger that is in the frame by some distance.
It’s debatable whether he’s even the second best at the moment with the way Moananu is playing. They have 2 of the 3 NZ20s hookers coming through as well which goes back to my point last week, I’d expect to see some movement from 1 or 2 of these guys over the next year or 2.
Unfortunately, for as long as guys are selected for the ABs after coming off the bench all season, we will never see those players hit their full potential. Also, if they get selected for the ABs after being on the bench for the majority of the season, why leave that franchise.
McCalister has seen the light and I’m sure he feels it’s paying off for him up in Hamilton, he’s no longer 3rd string. Would you not rather guys like Bell getting regular minutes elsewhere and fulfilling his potential? It’s a bit of a rabbit hole and probably a topic for another day but it makes sense imo. Will only strengthen other position specific needy franchises in the process and make sides stronger across the board, NZR should see that.
Sorry for the rant, just something I’ve been thinking about the last few days.
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@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2025:
Bell is not even the best hooker at the Crusaders and Fihaki has the worst stats of any NZ winger that is in the frame by some distance.
It’s debatable whether he’s even the second best at the moment with the way Moananu is playing. They have 2 of the 3 NZ20s hookers coming through as well which goes back to my point last week, I’d expect to see some movement from 1 or 2 of these guys over the next year or 2.
Unfortunately, for as long as guys are selected for the ABs after coming off the bench all season, we will never see those players hit their full potential. Also, if they get selected for the ABs after being on the bench for the majority of the season, why leave that franchise.
McCalister has seen the light and I’m sure he feels it’s paying off for him up in Hamilton, he’s no longer 3rd string. Would you not rather guys like Bell getting regular minutes elsewhere and fulfilling his potential? It’s a bit of a rabbit hole and probably a topic for another day but it makes sense imo. Will only strengthen other position specific needy franchises in the process and make sides stronger across the board, NZR should see that.
Sorry for the rant, just something I’ve been thinking about the last few days.
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2025:
Bell is not even the best hooker at the Crusaders and Fihaki has the worst stats of any NZ winger that is in the frame by some distance.
It’s debatable whether he’s even the second best at the moment with the way Moananu is playing. They have 2 of the 3 NZ20s hookers coming through as well which goes back to my point last week, I’d expect to see some movement from 1 or 2 of these guys over the next year or 2.
Unfortunately, for as long as guys are selected for the ABs after coming off the bench all season, we will never see those players hit their full potential. Also, if they get selected for the ABs after being on the bench for the majority of the season, why leave that franchise.
McCalister has seen the light and I’m sure he feels it’s paying off for him up in Hamilton, he’s no longer 3rd string. Would you not rather guys like Bell getting regular minutes elsewhere and fulfilling his potential? It’s a bit of a rabbit hole and probably a topic for another day but it makes sense imo. Will only strengthen other position specific needy franchises in the process and make sides stronger across the board, NZR should see that.
Sorry for the rant, just something I’ve been thinking about the last few days.
Perceptions of free market, franchise led when in reality NZ R is pumping the contracts of some franchises far more than others. Which is both good management by the franchises and them being able to get away with it.
Where would be plenty of benefits to the All Blacks should the majority of the ABs and AB XV be starting week in and out.
A salary cap probably wouldn't work. But a player points system for franchises would.
Anyway. There is a slight additional rant which is somewhat off topic.
