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2025 All Blacks v France series

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  • MN5M MN5

    @frugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

    I think this is probably worthy of its own thread, but feel free to merge if not - purely on the squad v France to see how close to 35/35 anyone can get - this is what I am predicting. I'd imagine the squad is now locked in barring injuries - one game shouldn't really change anything.

    PROPS:
    Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)
    Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
    George Bower (Crusaders)
    Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)
    Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
    Pasilio Tosi (Crusaders)

    HOOKERS:
    Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
    Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
    George Bell (Crusaders)

    LOCKS:
    Scott Barrett (c) (Crusaders)
    Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs)
    Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
    Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

    LOOSE FORWARDS:
    Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
    Samipeni Finau (Chiefs)
    Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika)
    Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)
    Dalton Papalii (Blues)
    Wallace Sititi (Chiefs)
    Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders)

    HALFBACKS:
    Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes)
    Cortez Ratima (Chiefs)
    Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

    FIRST FIVES:
    Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
    Beauden Barrett (Blues)

    MIDFIELDERS:
    Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
    Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs)
    Rieko Ioane (Blues)
    Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
    David Havili (Crusaders)

    OUTSIDE BACKS:
    Caleb Clarke (Blues)
    Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)
    Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
    Will Jordan (Crusaders)
    Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

    Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Simon Parker (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)

    Jacobsen for Lio-Willie.

    Ultra conservatism vs a newbie from the Crusaders. I have a feeling the former will win out. Other than that spot on.

    BonesB Online
    BonesB Online
    Bones
    wrote on last edited by
    #10

    @MN5 said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

    @frugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

    I think this is probably worthy of its own thread, but feel free to merge if not - purely on the squad v France to see how close to 35/35 anyone can get - this is what I am predicting. I'd imagine the squad is now locked in barring injuries - one game shouldn't really change anything.

    PROPS:
    Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)
    Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
    George Bower (Crusaders)
    Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)
    Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
    Pasilio Tosi (Crusaders)

    HOOKERS:
    Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
    Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
    George Bell (Crusaders)

    LOCKS:
    Scott Barrett (c) (Crusaders)
    Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs)
    Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
    Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

    LOOSE FORWARDS:
    Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
    Samipeni Finau (Chiefs)
    Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika)
    Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)
    Dalton Papalii (Blues)
    Wallace Sititi (Chiefs)
    Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders)

    HALFBACKS:
    Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes)
    Cortez Ratima (Chiefs)
    Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

    FIRST FIVES:
    Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
    Beauden Barrett (Blues)

    MIDFIELDERS:
    Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
    Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs)
    Rieko Ioane (Blues)
    Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
    David Havili (Crusaders)

    OUTSIDE BACKS:
    Caleb Clarke (Blues)
    Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)
    Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
    Will Jordan (Crusaders)
    Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

    Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Simon Parker (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)

    Jacobsen for Lio-Willie.

    Ultra conservatism vs a newbie from the Crusaders. I have a feeling the former will win out. Other than that spot on.

    If Jacobson makes it, it'll most likely be in place of Finau/DP I'd say.

    JRK seems like a long shot, I wouldn't be surprised to see Fihaki or Narawa selected instead (if Narawa has a blinder tonight).

    MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
    1
    • BonesB Bones

      @MN5 said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

      @frugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

      I think this is probably worthy of its own thread, but feel free to merge if not - purely on the squad v France to see how close to 35/35 anyone can get - this is what I am predicting. I'd imagine the squad is now locked in barring injuries - one game shouldn't really change anything.

      PROPS:
      Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)
      Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
      George Bower (Crusaders)
      Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)
      Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
      Pasilio Tosi (Crusaders)

      HOOKERS:
      Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
      Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
      George Bell (Crusaders)

      LOCKS:
      Scott Barrett (c) (Crusaders)
      Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs)
      Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
      Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

      LOOSE FORWARDS:
      Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
      Samipeni Finau (Chiefs)
      Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika)
      Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)
      Dalton Papalii (Blues)
      Wallace Sititi (Chiefs)
      Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders)

      HALFBACKS:
      Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes)
      Cortez Ratima (Chiefs)
      Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

      FIRST FIVES:
      Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
      Beauden Barrett (Blues)

      MIDFIELDERS:
      Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
      Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs)
      Rieko Ioane (Blues)
      Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
      David Havili (Crusaders)

      OUTSIDE BACKS:
      Caleb Clarke (Blues)
      Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)
      Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
      Will Jordan (Crusaders)
      Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

      Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Simon Parker (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)

      Jacobsen for Lio-Willie.

      Ultra conservatism vs a newbie from the Crusaders. I have a feeling the former will win out. Other than that spot on.

      If Jacobson makes it, it'll most likely be in place of Finau/DP I'd say.

      JRK seems like a long shot, I wouldn't be surprised to see Fihaki or Narawa selected instead (if Narawa has a blinder tonight).

      MN5M Offline
      MN5M Offline
      MN5
      wrote on last edited by
      #11

      @Bones said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

      @MN5 said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

      @frugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

      I think this is probably worthy of its own thread, but feel free to merge if not - purely on the squad v France to see how close to 35/35 anyone can get - this is what I am predicting. I'd imagine the squad is now locked in barring injuries - one game shouldn't really change anything.

      PROPS:
      Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)
      Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
      George Bower (Crusaders)
      Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)
      Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
      Pasilio Tosi (Crusaders)

      HOOKERS:
      Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
      Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
      George Bell (Crusaders)

      LOCKS:
      Scott Barrett (c) (Crusaders)
      Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs)
      Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
      Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

      LOOSE FORWARDS:
      Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
      Samipeni Finau (Chiefs)
      Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika)
      Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)
      Dalton Papalii (Blues)
      Wallace Sititi (Chiefs)
      Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders)

      HALFBACKS:
      Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes)
      Cortez Ratima (Chiefs)
      Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

      FIRST FIVES:
      Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
      Beauden Barrett (Blues)

      MIDFIELDERS:
      Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
      Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs)
      Rieko Ioane (Blues)
      Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
      David Havili (Crusaders)

      OUTSIDE BACKS:
      Caleb Clarke (Blues)
      Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)
      Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
      Will Jordan (Crusaders)
      Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

      Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Simon Parker (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)

      Jacobsen for Lio-Willie.

      Ultra conservatism vs a newbie from the Crusaders. I have a feeling the former will win out. Other than that spot on.

      If Jacobson makes it, it'll most likely be in place of Finau/DP I'd say.

      JRK seems like a long shot, I wouldn't be surprised to see Fihaki or Narawa selected instead (if Narawa has a blinder tonight).

      No. Razor will want three shades of vanilla in the squad with Blackadder, Papalii and Jacobsen.

      BonesB nostrildamusN 2 Replies Last reply
      0
      • MN5M MN5

        @Bones said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

        @MN5 said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

        @frugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

        I think this is probably worthy of its own thread, but feel free to merge if not - purely on the squad v France to see how close to 35/35 anyone can get - this is what I am predicting. I'd imagine the squad is now locked in barring injuries - one game shouldn't really change anything.

        PROPS:
        Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)
        Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
        George Bower (Crusaders)
        Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)
        Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
        Pasilio Tosi (Crusaders)

        HOOKERS:
        Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
        Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
        George Bell (Crusaders)

        LOCKS:
        Scott Barrett (c) (Crusaders)
        Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs)
        Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
        Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

        LOOSE FORWARDS:
        Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
        Samipeni Finau (Chiefs)
        Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika)
        Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)
        Dalton Papalii (Blues)
        Wallace Sititi (Chiefs)
        Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders)

        HALFBACKS:
        Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes)
        Cortez Ratima (Chiefs)
        Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

        FIRST FIVES:
        Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
        Beauden Barrett (Blues)

        MIDFIELDERS:
        Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
        Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs)
        Rieko Ioane (Blues)
        Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
        David Havili (Crusaders)

        OUTSIDE BACKS:
        Caleb Clarke (Blues)
        Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)
        Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
        Will Jordan (Crusaders)
        Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

        Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Simon Parker (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)

        Jacobsen for Lio-Willie.

        Ultra conservatism vs a newbie from the Crusaders. I have a feeling the former will win out. Other than that spot on.

        If Jacobson makes it, it'll most likely be in place of Finau/DP I'd say.

        JRK seems like a long shot, I wouldn't be surprised to see Fihaki or Narawa selected instead (if Narawa has a blinder tonight).

        No. Razor will want three shades of vanilla in the squad with Blackadder, Papalii and Jacobsen.

        BonesB Online
        BonesB Online
        Bones
        wrote on last edited by
        #12

        @MN5 at least it'll be French vanilla.

        sparkyS 1 Reply Last reply
        3
        • BonesB Bones

          @MN5 at least it'll be French vanilla.

          sparkyS Offline
          sparkyS Offline
          sparky
          wrote on last edited by
          #13

          @Bones La vanille.

          1 Reply Last reply
          3
          • KiwiMurphK KiwiMurph

            Give me Carter, Narawa or Lam over JRK

            frugbyF Offline
            frugbyF Offline
            frugby
            wrote on last edited by
            #14

            @KiwiMurph JRK is three years younger than those three - which I think is quite significant. I don't think it really matters which one we pick, though as a winger I think Lam would be a little uninspiring. He wouldn't let us down, but hardly has the X-Factor.

            1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • B Offline
              B Offline
              brodean
              wrote on last edited by
              #15

              I think one thing in Papali'i's favour is he's one of the most capped forwards in the country and after Savea he is the most capped loose forward.

              Razor seems to think experience is important.

              From the available players there will only be 1 hooker, 1 prop, 3 locks and 1 loose forward with more caps.

              Apart from those forwards with more caps than him most forwards have bugger all caps.

              He was also the Blue's best player this year so its not like he's been in bad form.

              1 Reply Last reply
              2
              • MN5M MN5

                @Bones said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                @MN5 said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                @frugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                I think this is probably worthy of its own thread, but feel free to merge if not - purely on the squad v France to see how close to 35/35 anyone can get - this is what I am predicting. I'd imagine the squad is now locked in barring injuries - one game shouldn't really change anything.

                PROPS:
                Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)
                Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
                George Bower (Crusaders)
                Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)
                Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
                Pasilio Tosi (Crusaders)

                HOOKERS:
                Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
                Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
                George Bell (Crusaders)

                LOCKS:
                Scott Barrett (c) (Crusaders)
                Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs)
                Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
                Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

                LOOSE FORWARDS:
                Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
                Samipeni Finau (Chiefs)
                Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika)
                Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)
                Dalton Papalii (Blues)
                Wallace Sititi (Chiefs)
                Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders)

                HALFBACKS:
                Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes)
                Cortez Ratima (Chiefs)
                Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

                FIRST FIVES:
                Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
                Beauden Barrett (Blues)

                MIDFIELDERS:
                Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
                Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs)
                Rieko Ioane (Blues)
                Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
                David Havili (Crusaders)

                OUTSIDE BACKS:
                Caleb Clarke (Blues)
                Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)
                Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
                Will Jordan (Crusaders)
                Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

                Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Simon Parker (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)

                Jacobsen for Lio-Willie.

                Ultra conservatism vs a newbie from the Crusaders. I have a feeling the former will win out. Other than that spot on.

                If Jacobson makes it, it'll most likely be in place of Finau/DP I'd say.

                JRK seems like a long shot, I wouldn't be surprised to see Fihaki or Narawa selected instead (if Narawa has a blinder tonight).

                No. Razor will want three shades of vanilla in the squad with Blackadder, Papalii and Jacobsen.

                nostrildamusN Online
                nostrildamusN Online
                nostrildamus
                wrote on last edited by
                #16

                @MN5 said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                No. Razor will want three shades of vanilla in the squad with Blackadder, Papalii and Jacobsen.

                Luke Brittain Jacobson methinks..
                Vanilla?
                Quite an exciting international smorgasbord of Scottish, Samoan, and Swedish names.

                1 Reply Last reply
                1
                • SouthernMannS Offline
                  SouthernMannS Offline
                  SouthernMann
                  wrote on last edited by SouthernMann
                  #17

                  What says to me JRK is right in there is the timing of his re-signing announcement and the period it is for. It was at the same time as several other All Blacks were being announced and for three years. Most other Super players just get re-signed for 1 - 2 years.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  2
                  • sparkyS Offline
                    sparkyS Offline
                    sparky
                    wrote on last edited by sparky
                    #18

                    I think Leroy Carter is worth a shot on the Wing, but I've no idea if he's in the selectors thinking. He's raw but he's got potential.

                    Clarke's out of from.
                    Tangitau is injured.
                    Telea is going offshore.
                    Reece is in decline.
                    Jordan is a fullback these days.
                    Not sure JRK is Test quality.
                    Not sold on Fihaki.
                    Narawa's not really busy enough for me. But he might be worth another go.

                    Thin pickings on the wing.

                    SouthernMannS antipodeanA 2 Replies Last reply
                    0
                    • sparkyS sparky

                      I think Leroy Carter is worth a shot on the Wing, but I've no idea if he's in the selectors thinking. He's raw but he's got potential.

                      Clarke's out of from.
                      Tangitau is injured.
                      Telea is going offshore.
                      Reece is in decline.
                      Jordan is a fullback these days.
                      Not sure JRK is Test quality.
                      Not sold on Fihaki.
                      Narawa's not really busy enough for me. But he might be worth another go.

                      Thin pickings on the wing.

                      SouthernMannS Offline
                      SouthernMannS Offline
                      SouthernMann
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #19

                      @sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                      I think Leroy Carter is worth a shot on the Wing, but I've no idea if he's in the selectors thinking. He's raw but he's got potential.

                      Clarke's out of from.
                      Tangitau is injured.
                      Telea is going offshore.
                      Reece is in decline.
                      Jordan is a fullback these days.
                      Not sure JRK is Test quality.
                      Not sold on Fihaki.
                      Narawa's not really busy enough for me. But he might be worth another go.

                      Thin pickings on the wing.

                      They are probably really selective of who the debutants/new players are. There is a bit to read into contract re-signings/lengths. Carter has been great. Especially at the end of a quality backline. He is a speciality winger though. If they view Tangitau is a better option. There is enough coverage to not have to blood another debutant. JRK is a 14/15. He hasn't had the opportunity to play on the wing. I think Carter is similar to a Tavatavanawai top quality player. Just not an All Black.

                      KiwiMurphK 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • SouthernMannS SouthernMann

                        @sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                        I think Leroy Carter is worth a shot on the Wing, but I've no idea if he's in the selectors thinking. He's raw but he's got potential.

                        Clarke's out of from.
                        Tangitau is injured.
                        Telea is going offshore.
                        Reece is in decline.
                        Jordan is a fullback these days.
                        Not sure JRK is Test quality.
                        Not sold on Fihaki.
                        Narawa's not really busy enough for me. But he might be worth another go.

                        Thin pickings on the wing.

                        They are probably really selective of who the debutants/new players are. There is a bit to read into contract re-signings/lengths. Carter has been great. Especially at the end of a quality backline. He is a speciality winger though. If they view Tangitau is a better option. There is enough coverage to not have to blood another debutant. JRK is a 14/15. He hasn't had the opportunity to play on the wing. I think Carter is similar to a Tavatavanawai top quality player. Just not an All Black.

                        KiwiMurphK Offline
                        KiwiMurphK Offline
                        KiwiMurph
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #20

                        @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                        Just not an All Black.

                        That's how I feel about JRK

                        SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
                        3
                        • BonesB Online
                          BonesB Online
                          Bones
                          wrote on last edited by Bones
                          #21

                          Watching Carter these first few minutes he could certainly play fullback (and cover half back) if he actually got some time there. Reckon he'll end up in the midfield.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          3
                          • KiwiMurphK KiwiMurph

                            @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                            Just not an All Black.

                            That's how I feel about JRK

                            SouthernMannS Offline
                            SouthernMannS Offline
                            SouthernMann
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #22

                            @KiwiMurph said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                            @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                            Just not an All Black.

                            That's how I feel about JRK

                            I'm not sure on whether JRK is there either. I'm just reading on the basis of timing on announcements, and what isn't being stated. I think he has the potential to be a strong 14/15. He just needs an injury free season.

                            KiwiMurphK 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • H Offline
                              H Offline
                              handa457
                              wrote on last edited by handa457
                              #23

                              I wouldn't disagree with this. I'd love to see Fusitoa or Norris get a look in but I'm assuming Razor will opt for Crusaders where there's any ambiguity. In the loose forwards I strongly expect Jacobson over Papalii. I'd like to see Kirifi over Lio Willie but wouldn't be surprised if Razor picks him. I really want to see Big Jim in the mix too, and would expect Narwara over JRK.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • nostrildamusN Online
                                nostrildamusN Online
                                nostrildamus
                                wrote on last edited by nostrildamus
                                #24

                                I'm curious why we haven't seen more of Paps during Razor's reign, would have thought he'd like that style of player, big, strong defensively, good motor and commitment, tackle machine. Maybe Paps had some injuries at key moments last year.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • SouthernMannS SouthernMann

                                  @KiwiMurph said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                  @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                  Just not an All Black.

                                  That's how I feel about JRK

                                  I'm not sure on whether JRK is there either. I'm just reading on the basis of timing on announcements, and what isn't being stated. I think he has the potential to be a strong 14/15. He just needs an injury free season.

                                  KiwiMurphK Offline
                                  KiwiMurphK Offline
                                  KiwiMurph
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #25

                                  @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                  @KiwiMurph said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                  @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                  Just not an All Black.

                                  That's how I feel about JRK

                                  I'm not sure on whether JRK is there either. I'm just reading on the basis of timing on announcements, and what isn't being stated. I think he has the potential to be a strong 14/15. He just needs an injury free season.

                                  I get the upside potential of JRK - I just worry about his decision making - he seems a bit flaky to me.

                                  SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • KiwiMurphK KiwiMurph

                                    @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                    @KiwiMurph said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                    @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                    Just not an All Black.

                                    That's how I feel about JRK

                                    I'm not sure on whether JRK is there either. I'm just reading on the basis of timing on announcements, and what isn't being stated. I think he has the potential to be a strong 14/15. He just needs an injury free season.

                                    I get the upside potential of JRK - I just worry about his decision making - he seems a bit flaky to me.

                                    SouthernMannS Offline
                                    SouthernMannS Offline
                                    SouthernMann
                                    wrote on last edited by SouthernMann
                                    #26

                                    @KiwiMurph said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                    @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                    @KiwiMurph said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                    @SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                    Just not an All Black.

                                    That's how I feel about JRK

                                    I'm not sure on whether JRK is there either. I'm just reading on the basis of timing on announcements, and what isn't being stated. I think he has the potential to be a strong 14/15. He just needs an injury free season.

                                    I get the upside potential of JRK - I just worry about his decision making - he seems a bit flaky to me.

                                    He has also made some really impressive decisions. This season especially, he came back into a team that needed him to, not only perform, but potentially perform miracles. That looked like it weighed on him. Hopefully with a more capable 10, there may be less pressure on him. As well as having t Tabgitau alongside him. Plus having someone like Hurley coming on with 30 minutes ot go as a miracle worker. JRK can focus on being a good fullback.

                                    Victor MeldrewV 1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • sparkyS Offline
                                      sparkyS Offline
                                      sparky
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #27

                                      I've no idea of the selectors thinking, but I'd put both Carter and Narawa in the squad ahead of Clarke, Reece and JR-K.

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                                      • frugbyF frugby

                                        I think this is probably worthy of its own thread, but feel free to merge if not - purely on the squad v France to see how close to 35/35 anyone can get - this is what I am predicting. I'd imagine the squad is now locked in barring injuries - one game shouldn't really change anything.

                                        PROPS:
                                        Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)
                                        Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
                                        George Bower (Crusaders)
                                        Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)
                                        Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
                                        Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes)

                                        HOOKERS:
                                        Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
                                        Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
                                        George Bell (Crusaders)

                                        LOCKS:
                                        Scott Barrett (c) (Crusaders)
                                        Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs)
                                        Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
                                        Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

                                        LOOSE FORWARDS:
                                        Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
                                        Samipeni Finau (Chiefs)
                                        Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika)
                                        Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)
                                        Dalton Papalii (Blues)
                                        Wallace Sititi (Chiefs)
                                        Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders)

                                        HALFBACKS:
                                        Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes)
                                        Cortez Ratima (Chiefs)
                                        Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

                                        FIRST FIVES:
                                        Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
                                        Beauden Barrett (Blues)

                                        MIDFIELDERS:
                                        Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
                                        Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs)
                                        Rieko Ioane (Blues)
                                        Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
                                        David Havili (Crusaders)

                                        OUTSIDE BACKS:
                                        Caleb Clarke (Blues)
                                        Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)
                                        Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
                                        Will Jordan (Crusaders)
                                        Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

                                        Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Simon Parker (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)

                                        ACT CrusaderA Offline
                                        ACT CrusaderA Offline
                                        ACT Crusader
                                        wrote on last edited by ACT Crusader
                                        #28

                                        @frugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

                                        OUTSIDE BACKS:
                                        Caleb Clarke (Blues)
                                        Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)
                                        Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
                                        Will Jordan (Crusaders)
                                        Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

                                        4/5 right in my view.

                                        Narawa in and JRK out. They don’t need another fullback first option so I don’t think it makes sense to pick JRK. Add to that, I don’t think he’s at AB level yet. I know Narawa has impressed the AB camp this year so can’t see him not getting back in.
                                        Reece’s workrate has been very good this season and he has scored tries which means he’s working both on and off the ball to get in those positions.

                                        I think they will persist with Clarke despite some indifferent super form. Will he be an automatic starter for the first French test, that’s very much open I think.

                                        Jordan and Love pick themselves in my view and in spite of what @Bones posts about Jordan 😉

                                        BovidaeB BonesB 2 Replies Last reply
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                                        • sparkyS Offline
                                          sparkyS Offline
                                          sparky
                                          wrote on last edited by sparky
                                          #29

                                          Okay I'll have a go. What I think it will be.

                                          Props:
                                          Tamati Williams (Crusaders)
                                          Ethan De Groot (Highlanders)
                                          George Bower (Crusaders)
                                          Tyrell Lomax (Hurricanes)
                                          Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
                                          Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes)

                                          Hookers
                                          Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
                                          Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
                                          George Bell (Crusaders)

                                          Locks
                                          Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
                                          Tupou Vai'i (Chiefs)
                                          Patrick Tuipolutu (Blues)
                                          Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

                                          Loosies
                                          Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
                                          Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)
                                          Samipeni Finau (Chiefs)
                                          Ardie Savea (MP)
                                          Dalton Papalii (Blues)
                                          Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)
                                          Wallace Sititi (Chiefs)

                                          Half Backs
                                          Cortez Ratima (Chiefs)
                                          Cam Roigard (Hurricanes)
                                          Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

                                          First Fives
                                          D Mac (Chiefs)
                                          Beauden Barrett (Blues)

                                          Midfield
                                          Jordie Barrett (Leinster)
                                          Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs)
                                          Reiko Ioane (Blues)
                                          Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
                                          David Havili (Crusaders)

                                          Back Three
                                          Leroy Carter (Chiefs)
                                          Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
                                          Emoni Narawa (Chiefs)
                                          Will Jordan (Crusaders)
                                          Ruben Love (Hurricanes)

                                          AJ Lam the unluckiest to miss out. If he plays a blinder in the final, Christian Lio-Willie will make it. They may be more forgiving of Caleb Clarke's try drought than I am. George Bell wouldn't be my third Hooker but Robertson and Ryan like him.

                                          Landers92L 1 Reply Last reply
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