All Blacks 2025
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My thoughts, a month out from squad selection...
Hookers
Guaranteed - Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei'aho
George Bell drops out to accommodate the return of Taukei'aho. Brodie McAlister has also been playing well but there's just no space. A position of real strength at the moment.Props
Guaranteed - Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell
Probable - Ethan de Groot, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu'ungafasi (if fit)
Possible - George Bower, Ollie Norris, George Dyer
Razor could easily stick with the same six as last year, who all earned considerable minutes. There's a question mark hanging over Tu'ungafasi's availability which could open the door for another loosehead, while Dyer has once again been strong and started both games for the All Blacks XV at the end of last year.Locks
Guaranteed - Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa'i
Probable - Patrick Tuipulotu
Possible - Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Likely just a straight shoot-out between Lord and Holland unless there's room for five locks (which could be feasible, if Vaa'i is considered as a blindside option), although Sam Darry could make a miraculous return. Ah Kuoi is the dark horse, and featured for the All Blacks XV. Isaia Walker-Leawere started both matches for the XV but can't see him getting selected ahead of any of the other options.Loose forwards
Guaranteed - Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea
Probable - Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Samipeni Finau
Possible - Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Simon Parker, Du'Plessis Kirifi
Papali'i was on the outer last year and hasn't done anything different this year for the Blues so it's difficult to see why Razor would change his approach here. With Savea, Lakai, Jacobson and Blackadder all capable of playing 7, there's not much need for either Papali'i or Kirifi. There might be room for a big bopper like Parker.Halfbacks
Guaranteed - Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima
Probable - Noah Hotham
Possible - Folau Fakatava
Hotham has the inside running as the third halfback but Fakatava has made a few strides forward in recent times. The big question might be whether Hotham's availability for the Maori All Blacks will affect Razor's thinking - would it be better for him to start two games against Japan instead of holding tackle bags for the ABs, and Fakatava watching on TV?First fives
Guaranteed - Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett
There are no other realistic options at 10 right now. Jacomb simply isn't ready yet. Ruben Love and Stephen Perofeta could cover the role if selected but would likely primarily feature at fullback.Midfield
Guaranteed - Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor
Probable - Anton Lienert-Brown (if fit), Quinn Tupaea
Possible - David Havili, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam
With Jordie Barrett shouldering a heavy load over the past 18 months, Razor could opt for three 12 options - which may or may not include Lienert-Brown. Tupaea and Lam are probably going head-to-head for one spot, with both capable at 12 and an option on the wing. Ioane has been very average but won't drop straight out of the squad. Taele is my bolter.Outside backs
Guaranteed - Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Ruben Love
Probable - Sevu Reece
Possible - Mark Tele'a, Emoni Narawa, Caleb Tangitau (if fit), Stephen Perofeta, Chay Fihaki
Jordan and Love will cover fullback, with Beauden Barrett and McKenzie also options there, so there might not be room for Perofeta, who's been underwhelming. Reece is a Razor favourite, even if he does seem too slow in open space. Tele'a will probably miss out given he's heading overseas but we know that didn't stop Razor selecting Sam Cane and (in particular) TJ Perenara last year. Narawa has been consistently good for the Chiefs while Fihaki seems to have the inside running based on last year's 'selection' (and he's definitely been playing better this year, even if he's not bashing the door down still).@Mr-Fish Almost exactly how I see it - noting that it'll be a 35 man squad apparently, so there will be three additions to what you've picked as guaranteed and probable (and it's possible a probable or two won't make it).
A few additional comments:
Moananu has come from almost nowhere to be worth a mention in the conversation. The top three are pretty clear and were pretty clear last year - which is why I thought Razor made a good decision picking the project Bell over Riccitelli. If everyone stays fit, George won't be in the AB squad this year and nor will Ricky - so they've got some work done on GB for the future.I'm not so negative on Dalton's prospects. He got pushed behind Sam Cane for the second part of the season - but was still the second choice openside, I think. Sam is gone and I suspect they'll push Ardie to openside, but DP likely to be the number two. And there's space for another loose forward. I think Finau vs Parker might be an equation - Frizell might be part of that equation as well. I'm also not as negative on Hoskins' prospects as many - Razor said last year they were going to call him up after injuries and NPC, but HS was injured. He would be an excellent bench option - as long as we're comfortable with Sititi covering 7 (assuming Ardie starts there).
Xavier Roe a contender at 9.
From what I've seen, Love is likely to be the first five cover ahead of Perofeta and Jacombe.
Ennor is a midfield shot if he stays fit and plays well.
Lam is an outside back shot, who can help cover midfield from the bench. I don't think they'll pick Tele'a - last year they were short on experience, so having the old heads of Cane and Perenara around the squad made some sense (and TJ probably hadn't signed overseas when they first picked him). Faingaánuku will be back sometime around this time and may be in the equation - or at least hovering over it.
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My thoughts, a month out from squad selection...
Hookers
Guaranteed - Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei'aho
George Bell drops out to accommodate the return of Taukei'aho. Brodie McAlister has also been playing well but there's just no space. A position of real strength at the moment.Props
Guaranteed - Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell
Probable - Ethan de Groot, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu'ungafasi (if fit)
Possible - George Bower, Ollie Norris, George Dyer
Razor could easily stick with the same six as last year, who all earned considerable minutes. There's a question mark hanging over Tu'ungafasi's availability which could open the door for another loosehead, while Dyer has once again been strong and started both games for the All Blacks XV at the end of last year.Locks
Guaranteed - Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa'i
Probable - Patrick Tuipulotu
Possible - Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Likely just a straight shoot-out between Lord and Holland unless there's room for five locks (which could be feasible, if Vaa'i is considered as a blindside option), although Sam Darry could make a miraculous return. Ah Kuoi is the dark horse, and featured for the All Blacks XV. Isaia Walker-Leawere started both matches for the XV but can't see him getting selected ahead of any of the other options.Loose forwards
Guaranteed - Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea
Probable - Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Samipeni Finau
Possible - Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Simon Parker, Du'Plessis Kirifi
Papali'i was on the outer last year and hasn't done anything different this year for the Blues so it's difficult to see why Razor would change his approach here. With Savea, Lakai, Jacobson and Blackadder all capable of playing 7, there's not much need for either Papali'i or Kirifi. There might be room for a big bopper like Parker.Halfbacks
Guaranteed - Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima
Probable - Noah Hotham
Possible - Folau Fakatava
Hotham has the inside running as the third halfback but Fakatava has made a few strides forward in recent times. The big question might be whether Hotham's availability for the Maori All Blacks will affect Razor's thinking - would it be better for him to start two games against Japan instead of holding tackle bags for the ABs, and Fakatava watching on TV?First fives
Guaranteed - Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett
There are no other realistic options at 10 right now. Jacomb simply isn't ready yet. Ruben Love and Stephen Perofeta could cover the role if selected but would likely primarily feature at fullback.Midfield
Guaranteed - Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor
Probable - Anton Lienert-Brown (if fit), Quinn Tupaea
Possible - David Havili, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam
With Jordie Barrett shouldering a heavy load over the past 18 months, Razor could opt for three 12 options - which may or may not include Lienert-Brown. Tupaea and Lam are probably going head-to-head for one spot, with both capable at 12 and an option on the wing. Ioane has been very average but won't drop straight out of the squad. Taele is my bolter.Outside backs
Guaranteed - Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Ruben Love
Probable - Sevu Reece
Possible - Mark Tele'a, Emoni Narawa, Caleb Tangitau (if fit), Stephen Perofeta, Chay Fihaki
Jordan and Love will cover fullback, with Beauden Barrett and McKenzie also options there, so there might not be room for Perofeta, who's been underwhelming. Reece is a Razor favourite, even if he does seem too slow in open space. Tele'a will probably miss out given he's heading overseas but we know that didn't stop Razor selecting Sam Cane and (in particular) TJ Perenara last year. Narawa has been consistently good for the Chiefs while Fihaki seems to have the inside running based on last year's 'selection' (and he's definitely been playing better this year, even if he's not bashing the door down still).I'd add in JRK at Fullback as a Possible. If his current form continues, he'll move to Probable.
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@Mr-Fish Almost exactly how I see it - noting that it'll be a 35 man squad apparently, so there will be three additions to what you've picked as guaranteed and probable (and it's possible a probable or two won't make it).
A few additional comments:
Moananu has come from almost nowhere to be worth a mention in the conversation. The top three are pretty clear and were pretty clear last year - which is why I thought Razor made a good decision picking the project Bell over Riccitelli. If everyone stays fit, George won't be in the AB squad this year and nor will Ricky - so they've got some work done on GB for the future.I'm not so negative on Dalton's prospects. He got pushed behind Sam Cane for the second part of the season - but was still the second choice openside, I think. Sam is gone and I suspect they'll push Ardie to openside, but DP likely to be the number two. And there's space for another loose forward. I think Finau vs Parker might be an equation - Frizell might be part of that equation as well. I'm also not as negative on Hoskins' prospects as many - Razor said last year they were going to call him up after injuries and NPC, but HS was injured. He would be an excellent bench option - as long as we're comfortable with Sititi covering 7 (assuming Ardie starts there).
Xavier Roe a contender at 9.
From what I've seen, Love is likely to be the first five cover ahead of Perofeta and Jacombe.
Ennor is a midfield shot if he stays fit and plays well.
Lam is an outside back shot, who can help cover midfield from the bench. I don't think they'll pick Tele'a - last year they were short on experience, so having the old heads of Cane and Perenara around the squad made some sense (and TJ probably hadn't signed overseas when they first picked him). Faingaánuku will be back sometime around this time and may be in the equation - or at least hovering over it.
@Chris-B Moananu and Roe fall into a similar category for me in that there's simply no space for them - I think they're pretty clearly not in the top three. If injuries strike then I think they could both do a good job for the All Blacks but at present, there's just no room.
I mentioned Ennor last week - I think he could find himself in the squad if he's not signed overseas. He put in some great hits tonight and his speed is a massive asset. I'm not sure there'll be room for three outside centre options, so his selection would be dependant on just two out-and-out wingers being named (which is distinctly possible).
JRK is a possibility but I think he's still a year away from getting a call-up.
Someone who I think has very quickly made massive strides this year is Rivez Reihana. He's got a powerful boot on him (probably the strongest of any of the guys playing 10 in NZ, including the incumbents) and always looks fairly composed. His running game isn't bad either, though he hasn't had too many chances to showcase that. With another couple of strong games, I think he will be right in the picture.
We could see a backs selection of:
Halfback - Roigard, Ratima, Hotham/Fakatava
First five - McKenzie (15), Barrett (15), Reihana
Inside centre - Barrett (15), Tupaea (wing)
Outside centre - Proctor, Ioane (wing), Ennor (wing)
Wing - Clarke, Reece
Fullback - Jordan (wing), Love (10/wing)Possibly room for one more midfielder (ALB if fit, or Havili) or outside back given the squad of 35.
One forward who also potentially put his name into the hat tonight was Te Kamaka Howden.
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Foxy has come out and said Fozzie would have selected Love when he was AB coach. He could have had 20 or so caps by now if it wasn’t for injuries. Foxy said Love would be a staple of the ABs by now if it wasn’t for injuries. Interesting stuff.
@Canes4life I've posted the whole interview on the goodpods thread.
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The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
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@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
For that to happen, Razor will have to be less conservative with his team selections. If he doesn't, we will be two years into the four year cycle and be no closer to building a top squad for RWC27
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@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
What are these people seeing from Reiko that even suggests AB selection?
Winger is his only position, he's proven to be ineffectual at best at 13 for years now....and also, smart teams will target him with niggle to get responses
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
What are these people seeing from Reiko that even suggests AB selection?
Winger is his only position, he's proven to be ineffectual at best at 13 for years now....and also, smart teams will target him with niggle to get responses
@Mattasaurus I think he is defensively strong, but unfortunately it seems for the past few years he is being used to carry the ball ignoring his prime asset, pace, and if we carry on down this route he will losing it and a rare talent wasted.
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@Chris-B Moananu and Roe fall into a similar category for me in that there's simply no space for them - I think they're pretty clearly not in the top three. If injuries strike then I think they could both do a good job for the All Blacks but at present, there's just no room.
I mentioned Ennor last week - I think he could find himself in the squad if he's not signed overseas. He put in some great hits tonight and his speed is a massive asset. I'm not sure there'll be room for three outside centre options, so his selection would be dependant on just two out-and-out wingers being named (which is distinctly possible).
JRK is a possibility but I think he's still a year away from getting a call-up.
Someone who I think has very quickly made massive strides this year is Rivez Reihana. He's got a powerful boot on him (probably the strongest of any of the guys playing 10 in NZ, including the incumbents) and always looks fairly composed. His running game isn't bad either, though he hasn't had too many chances to showcase that. With another couple of strong games, I think he will be right in the picture.
We could see a backs selection of:
Halfback - Roigard, Ratima, Hotham/Fakatava
First five - McKenzie (15), Barrett (15), Reihana
Inside centre - Barrett (15), Tupaea (wing)
Outside centre - Proctor, Ioane (wing), Ennor (wing)
Wing - Clarke, Reece
Fullback - Jordan (wing), Love (10/wing)Possibly room for one more midfielder (ALB if fit, or Havili) or outside back given the squad of 35.
One forward who also potentially put his name into the hat tonight was Te Kamaka Howden.
@Mr-Fish Won't be far away.
I chucked Moananu's name in because I think he's as likely as McAlister. Would be a major surprise if, barring injury, the hookers are anything other than Codie, ST and AA.
I think Hotham will get the nod as third halfback - he's playing better this year than last. Roe at least as likely as Fakatava IMO.
Rivez going well - a pleasant surprise that he's come in and probably playing better than Kemara and a much better goal kicker. Might be a year too early for him though. I think they'll go with DMac and BB, with Love as back-up.
Tangitau's injury has unfortunately hindered his case. Leroy Carter might be a bolter. But, I'm inclined to think AJ Lam as the third wing - though you could be right that they'll cover with guys like Ennor and Love.
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
What are these people seeing from Reiko that even suggests AB selection?
Winger is his only position, he's proven to be ineffectual at best at 13 for years now....and also, smart teams will target him with niggle to get responses
@Mattasaurus said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
What are these people seeing from Reiko that even suggests AB selection?
Winger is his only position, he's proven to be ineffectual at best at 13 for years now....and also, smart teams will target him with niggle to get responses
His form for the ABs is better than it is for the Blues.
Target him with niggle? I can't recall Rieko being a problem discipline wise for the ABs. Some push and shove after the whistle is about it
Meanwhile ALB spends half his time in the bin.
I'd start Proctor but Rieko is worthy of seeing if he can show form for the ABs - he is a interesting option for the 23 jersey with his ability to cover 13 and both wings.
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@Mattasaurus said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
The pick "Reiko Ioane over Billy Proctor" brigade have gone very, very quiet recently and rightly so.
But Reiko Ioane will be picked over Billy Proctor, though - at least for the 1st French test. Best we can hope for is Proctor to get serious game time and poss. start one of the Tests.
What are these people seeing from Reiko that even suggests AB selection?
Winger is his only position, he's proven to be ineffectual at best at 13 for years now....and also, smart teams will target him with niggle to get responses
His form for the ABs is better than it is for the Blues.
Target him with niggle? I can't recall Rieko being a problem discipline wise for the ABs. Some push and shove after the whistle is about it
Meanwhile ALB spends half his time in the bin.
I'd start Proctor but Rieko is worthy of seeing if he can show form for the ABs - he is a interesting option for the 23 jersey with his ability to cover 13 and both wings.
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
Target him with niggle? I can't recall Rieko being a problem discipline wise for the ABs. Some push and shove after the whistle is about it
The Ioane myth, meanwhile the Barrett's can fill a whole room with their cards and penalties.
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Holland did absolutely no damage to his case last night. Stand out performance and only going to get better. Out shown Barrett in a big way
When do we start to have a little concern over Barrett’s form or are we confident he finds it in the black jersey? Aside from the Canes game he’s been extremely quiet… especially for an AB captain.
I’d prefer Ardie as captain(as I’m sure everyone on the country outside of Canterbury would) but I’m sure Razor doesn’t see it that way. From the things I was hearing inside AB camp last year, he really needs to weigh up his captaincy decision.
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@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
Target him with niggle? I can't recall Rieko being a problem discipline wise for the ABs. Some push and shove after the whistle is about it
The Ioane myth, meanwhile the Barrett's can fill a whole room with their cards and penalties.
@Nepia said in All Blacks 2025:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
Target him with niggle? I can't recall Rieko being a problem discipline wise for the ABs. Some push and shove after the whistle is about it
The Ioane myth, meanwhile the Barrett's can fill a whole room with their cards and penalties.
Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.
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Holland did absolutely no damage to his case last night. Stand out performance and only going to get better. Out shown Barrett in a big way
When do we start to have a little concern over Barrett’s form or are we confident he finds it in the black jersey? Aside from the Canes game he’s been extremely quiet… especially for an AB captain.
I’d prefer Ardie as captain(as I’m sure everyone on the country outside of Canterbury would) but I’m sure Razor doesn’t see it that way. From the things I was hearing inside AB camp last year, he really needs to weigh up his captaincy decision.
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
From the things I was hearing inside AB camp last year, he really needs to weigh up his captaincy decision.
What were you hearing?
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@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
From the things I was hearing inside AB camp last year, he really needs to weigh up his captaincy decision.
What were you hearing?
@Frank said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
From the things I was hearing inside AB camp last year, he really needs to weigh up his captaincy decision.
What were you hearing?
You may have missed my posts last year during test season. I think you can read between the lines though. There’s a team captain and then there’s the players captain… I’ll let you work out who
