All Blacks 2025
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We still have big problems with our loosies, and most of our issues last year centered around our loosies being outplayed consistently, affecting the quality of ball we got.
We have two blokes who are supremely talented - Ardie and Sititi - but can you afford to play both? We don't have a Kaino to pair them with, and outside of Finau or a complete rookie, we end up with an undersized trio. After snubbing Akira, all our eggs were in the Finau basket but he needs more time (as expected).
I actually think the best use of Ardie and Sititi is probably a one-two punch at 8, Ardie for the first 50 Sititi for the last 30. I have pretty big concerns with playing Ardie at 7, defensively I think we will lose too much compared to the likes of Cane and this year Dalton who smack blokes around the entire 80 minutes. Can include Blackadder in that as well, who has a similar workrate though with less impact.
I actually don't know who I would pick. On paper Finau-Dalton-Savea with Sititi on the bench looks the most balanced. But then we are limiting Sititi's minutes who seems made for test rugby, and once again hoping Finau can make the step up.
I think this is our biggest problem to solve this year.
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2025:
We still have big problems with our loosies, and most of our issues last year centered around our loosies being outplayed consistently, affecting the quality of ball we got.
We have two blokes who are supremely talented - Ardie and Sititi - but can you afford to play both? We don't have a Kaino to pair them with, and outside of Finau or a complete rookie, we end up with an undersized trio. After snubbing Akira, all our eggs were in the Finau basket but he needs more time (as expected).
I actually think the best use of Ardie and Sititi is probably a one-two punch at 8, Ardie for the first 50 Sititi for the last 30. I have pretty big concerns with playing Ardie at 7, defensively I think we will lose too much compared to the likes of Cane and this year Dalton who smack blokes around the entire 80 minutes. Can include Blackadder in that as well, who has a similar workrate though with less impact.
I actually don't know who I would pick. On paper Finau-Dalton-Savea with Sititi on the bench looks the most balanced. But then we are limiting Sititi's minutes who seems made for test rugby, and once again hoping Finau can make the step up.
I think this is our biggest problem to solve this year.
I'm a big fan of Dalton but he seemed to fall out of favour a bit last year and I wonder if he will even make the squad? The AB's coaching panel didn't like Vernball and its been less successful this year.
That will make it difficult for Blues forwards. Tuipolotu will probably be there but he hasn't been close to his form last year and not close to the Blues best forward.
I think Papali'i has been the Blues best forward followed by Sotutu. I mean Fusitu'a has had a big workrate but he doesn't have the same impact on games.
I think these guys will be certainties in the loose forwards:
- Savea
- Sititi
- Finau
- Lakai
- Jacobson
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@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
The captain is also supported by the leadership group who endorse that selection and they have including Ardie so no issue.
You can defend your boys as much as you want mate and that’s totally fine. I’m just stating that it doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else and that is a fact. Nothing else to be said.
We all know who Razor is picking mate. It is what it is. Just hope Barrett can pick his game up because as of right now based off form there’s an argument he shouldn’t even be in the starting XV.
Sure you are entitled to your opinion as I am.
Yeah it’s done deal Scooter will be Captain.
A couple of current ABs are on thin ice and maybe dropped.Facts are opinions now? Yes I along with the rest of the country outside of Canterbury have no doubt he’s still the captain. I’m not going to be a broken record just so you can get my point though.
Be interesting to know who are on thin ice. You have any names?
Amua form, De groot other things off the field.
I hear patience is wearing thin.Both will be in the squad.
not so sure
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
The captain is also supported by the leadership group who endorse that selection and they have including Ardie so no issue.
You can defend your boys as much as you want mate and that’s totally fine. I’m just stating that it doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else and that is a fact. Nothing else to be said.
We all know who Razor is picking mate. It is what it is. Just hope Barrett can pick his game up because as of right now based off form there’s an argument he shouldn’t even be in the starting XV.
Sure you are entitled to your opinion as I am.
Yeah it’s done deal Scooter will be Captain.
A couple of current ABs are on thin ice and maybe dropped.Facts are opinions now? Yes I along with the rest of the country outside of Canterbury have no doubt he’s still the captain. I’m not going to be a broken record just so you can get my point though.
Be interesting to know who are on thin ice. You have any names?
Amua form, De groot other things off the field.
I hear patience is wearing thin.Both will be in the squad.
not so sure
While they are at it, drop Blackadder then. We are all wearing thin at the fact he keeps getting selected. Let me guess Razor will pick Bell over Aumua?
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@Mr-Fish I'd have thought the All Blacks XV is more likely for Daniel Rona, but he's playing that's for sure.
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@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2025:
We still have big problems with our loosies, and most of our issues last year centered around our loosies being outplayed consistently, affecting the quality of ball we got.
We have two blokes who are supremely talented - Ardie and Sititi - but can you afford to play both? We don't have a Kaino to pair them with, and outside of Finau or a complete rookie, we end up with an undersized trio. After snubbing Akira, all our eggs were in the Finau basket but he needs more time (as expected).
I actually think the best use of Ardie and Sititi is probably a one-two punch at 8, Ardie for the first 50 Sititi for the last 30. I have pretty big concerns with playing Ardie at 7, defensively I think we will lose too much compared to the likes of Cane and this year Dalton who smack blokes around the entire 80 minutes. Can include Blackadder in that as well, who has a similar workrate though with less impact.
I actually don't know who I would pick. On paper Finau-Dalton-Savea with Sititi on the bench looks the most balanced. But then we are limiting Sititi's minutes who seems made for test rugby, and once again hoping Finau can make the step up.
I think this is our biggest problem to solve this year.
I'm a big fan of Dalton but he seemed to fall out of favour a bit last year and I wonder if he will even make the squad? The AB's coaching panel didn't like Vernball and its been less successful this year.
That will make it difficult for Blues forwards. Tuipolotu will probably be there but he hasn't been close to his form last year and not close to the Blues best forward.
I think Papali'i has been the Blues best forward followed by Sotutu. I mean Fusitu'a has had a big workrate but he doesn't have the same impact on games.
I think these guys will be certainties in the loose forwards:
- Savea
- Sititi
- Finau
- Lakai
- Jacobson
-
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
There’s two lines of thought on this. There’s rumours both ways on Savea, and the other thing is, if S Barrett didn’t have the respect of the players, he wouldn’t be captain. Who the captain is, is far from a big deal, and using it as a stick to beat Razor with is silly… it’s not like he’s made someone like Blackadder captain.
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Loose forwards I'd pick for the AB squad:
Jacobson, Lakai, Parker, Papalii, Savea, Sititi
With Blackadder, Finau and Kirifi just missing out. I don't think Sotutu fits with the current AB game plan.
Parker and Sititi are the contenders for starting 6.
Savea and Papalii are the contenders for starting 7.
Savea and Sititi are the contenders for starting 8.Jacobson and Lakai are great options from the bench. Wallace Sititi, if fit, must start somewhere.
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@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
There’s two lines of thought on this. There’s rumours both ways on Savea, and the other thing is, if S Barrett didn’t have the respect of the players, he wouldn’t be captain. Who the captain is, is far from a big deal, and using it as a stick to beat Razor with is silly… it’s not like he’s made someone like Blackadder captain.
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
There’s two lines of thought on this. There’s rumours both ways on Savea, and the other thing is, if S Barrett didn’t have the respect of the players, he wouldn’t be captain. Who the captain is, is far from a big deal, and using it as a stick to beat Razor with is silly… it’s not like he’s made someone like Blackadder captain.
Who’s saying S.Barrett isn’t respected and who’s using it to beat Razor with a stick?
Not even remotely close to what I posted. No need to twist words mate. Simply posting what I’ve been told.
I’d also argue that who the captain is, is an incredibly big deal. This isn’t club footy.
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@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
The captain is also supported by the leadership group who endorse that selection and they have including Ardie so no issue.
You can defend your boys as much as you want mate and that’s totally fine. I’m just stating that it doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else and that is a fact. Nothing else to be said.
We all know who Razor is picking mate. It is what it is. Just hope Barrett can pick his game up because as of right now based off form there’s an argument he shouldn’t even be in the starting XV.
Sure you are entitled to your opinion as I am.
Yeah it’s done deal Scooter will be Captain.
A couple of current ABs are on thin ice and maybe dropped.Facts are opinions now? Yes I along with the rest of the country outside of Canterbury have no doubt he’s still the captain. I’m not going to be a broken record just so you can get my point though.
Be interesting to know who are on thin ice. You have any names?
Amua form, De groot other things off the field.
I hear patience is wearing thin.Both will be in the squad.
not so sure
While they are at it, drop Blackadder then. We are all wearing thin at the fact he keeps getting selected. Let me guess Razor will pick Bell over Aumua?
@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
The captain is also supported by the leadership group who endorse that selection and they have including Ardie so no issue.
You can defend your boys as much as you want mate and that’s totally fine. I’m just stating that it doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else and that is a fact. Nothing else to be said.
We all know who Razor is picking mate. It is what it is. Just hope Barrett can pick his game up because as of right now based off form there’s an argument he shouldn’t even be in the starting XV.
Sure you are entitled to your opinion as I am.
Yeah it’s done deal Scooter will be Captain.
A couple of current ABs are on thin ice and maybe dropped.Facts are opinions now? Yes I along with the rest of the country outside of Canterbury have no doubt he’s still the captain. I’m not going to be a broken record just so you can get my point though.
Be interesting to know who are on thin ice. You have any names?
Amua form, De groot other things off the field.
I hear patience is wearing thin.Both will be in the squad.
not so sure
While they are at it, drop Blackadder then. We are all wearing thin at the fact he keeps getting selected. Let me guess Razor will pick Bell over Aumua?
Would be pretty funny if it did happen.
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@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
There’s two lines of thought on this. There’s rumours both ways on Savea, and the other thing is, if S Barrett didn’t have the respect of the players, he wouldn’t be captain. Who the captain is, is far from a big deal, and using it as a stick to beat Razor with is silly… it’s not like he’s made someone like Blackadder captain.
Who’s saying S.Barrett isn’t respected and who’s using it to beat Razor with a stick?
Not even remotely close to what I posted. No need to twist words mate. Simply posting what I’ve been told.
I’d also argue that who the captain is, is an incredibly big deal. This isn’t club footy.
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
There’s two lines of thought on this. There’s rumours both ways on Savea, and the other thing is, if S Barrett didn’t have the respect of the players, he wouldn’t be captain. Who the captain is, is far from a big deal, and using it as a stick to beat Razor with is silly… it’s not like he’s made someone like Blackadder captain.
Who’s saying S.Barrett isn’t respected and who’s using it to beat Razor with a stick?
Not even remotely close to what I posted. No need to twist words mate. Simply posting what I’ve been told.
I’d also argue that who the captain is, is an incredibly big deal. This isn’t club footy.
Well your sources are usually on the money so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
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@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
The captain is also supported by the leadership group who endorse that selection and they have including Ardie so no issue.
You can defend your boys as much as you want mate and that’s totally fine. I’m just stating that it doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else and that is a fact. Nothing else to be said.
We all know who Razor is picking mate. It is what it is. Just hope Barrett can pick his game up because as of right now based off form there’s an argument he shouldn’t even be in the starting XV.
Sure you are entitled to your opinion as I am.
Yeah it’s done deal Scooter will be Captain.
A couple of current ABs are on thin ice and maybe dropped.Facts are opinions now? Yes I along with the rest of the country outside of Canterbury have no doubt he’s still the captain. I’m not going to be a broken record just so you can get my point though.
Be interesting to know who are on thin ice. You have any names?
Amua form, De groot other things off the field.
I hear patience is wearing thin.Both will be in the squad.
not so sure
While they are at it, drop Blackadder then. We are all wearing thin at the fact he keeps getting selected. Let me guess Razor will pick Bell over Aumua?
Would be pretty funny if it did happen.
@African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2025:
@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
The captain is also supported by the leadership group who endorse that selection and they have including Ardie so no issue.
You can defend your boys as much as you want mate and that’s totally fine. I’m just stating that it doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else and that is a fact. Nothing else to be said.
We all know who Razor is picking mate. It is what it is. Just hope Barrett can pick his game up because as of right now based off form there’s an argument he shouldn’t even be in the starting XV.
Sure you are entitled to your opinion as I am.
Yeah it’s done deal Scooter will be Captain.
A couple of current ABs are on thin ice and maybe dropped.Facts are opinions now? Yes I along with the rest of the country outside of Canterbury have no doubt he’s still the captain. I’m not going to be a broken record just so you can get my point though.
Be interesting to know who are on thin ice. You have any names?
Amua form, De groot other things off the field.
I hear patience is wearing thin.Both will be in the squad.
not so sure
While they are at it, drop Blackadder then. We are all wearing thin at the fact he keeps getting selected. Let me guess Razor will pick Bell over Aumua?
Would be pretty funny if it did happen.
Not sure it would be that funny. Some reckon Aumua is on thin ice and there are no clear stand outs to replace Aumua. Bell is in the group that is next in line and they rated him enough to include him last year.
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@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
There’s two lines of thought on this. There’s rumours both ways on Savea, and the other thing is, if S Barrett didn’t have the respect of the players, he wouldn’t be captain. Who the captain is, is far from a big deal, and using it as a stick to beat Razor with is silly… it’s not like he’s made someone like Blackadder captain.
Who’s saying S.Barrett isn’t respected and who’s using it to beat Razor with a stick?
Not even remotely close to what I posted. No need to twist words mate. Simply posting what I’ve been told.
I’d also argue that who the captain is, is an incredibly big deal. This isn’t club footy.
Well your sources are usually on the money so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
@African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris said in All Blacks 2025:
All speculation its not what I hear, very destructive talk.
The Captain will be Scott Barrett 100%.It most probably will be because at the end of the day Razor gets to make the decision. Doesn’t mean the players don’t gravitate and look to someone else though… and that’s a fact. Nothing destructive at all.
There’s two lines of thought on this. There’s rumours both ways on Savea, and the other thing is, if S Barrett didn’t have the respect of the players, he wouldn’t be captain. Who the captain is, is far from a big deal, and using it as a stick to beat Razor with is silly… it’s not like he’s made someone like Blackadder captain.
Who’s saying S.Barrett isn’t respected and who’s using it to beat Razor with a stick?
Not even remotely close to what I posted. No need to twist words mate. Simply posting what I’ve been told.
I’d also argue that who the captain is, is an incredibly big deal. This isn’t club footy.
Well your sources are usually on the money so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
I’m not saying there will be a change. Just saying it should be weighed up based off what I’ve been told. Nothing more nothing less.
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Has Aumua been that bad? Not busting down doors, but hadn't picked up on him being so terrible he'd be dropped.
@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:
Has Aumua been that bad? Not busting down doors, but hadn't picked up on him being so terrible he'd be dropped.
Clearly some have him on a much shorter leash than other players who were favoured more and did less in black last season. Or ever.
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Has Aumua been that bad? Not busting down doors, but hadn't picked up on him being so terrible he'd be dropped.
@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:
Has Aumua been that bad? Not busting down doors, but hadn't picked up on him being so terrible he'd be dropped.
His line-out throwing has been pretty woeful in the past couple of games. Everything else he’s very solid at, hope he can sort his
out in the following weeks. -
Has Aumua been that bad? Not busting down doors, but hadn't picked up on him being so terrible he'd be dropped.
