2025 All Blacks v France series
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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.
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@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.
@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. -
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.
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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.
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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.
@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.
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@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.
@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Just not an All Black.
That's how I feel about JRK
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@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Just not an All Black.
That's how I feel about JRK
@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.
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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.
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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.
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@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.
@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.
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@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.
@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.
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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)
@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
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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.
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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.
@sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Back Three
Leroy Carter (Chiefs)
Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
Emoni Narawa (Chiefs)
Will Jordan (Crusaders)
Ruben Love (Hurricanes)Agree with the rest of the squad but this would concern me a bit. All in good form though so I get the selections. Stuff being a selector!
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@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
@ACT-Crusader said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@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.
A point I was going to make. Having just got back from the Chiefs-Brumbies game, I thought that Narawa was great. I'd select him ahead of Reece too.
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@sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Back Three
Leroy Carter (Chiefs)
Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
Emoni Narawa (Chiefs)
Will Jordan (Crusaders)
Ruben Love (Hurricanes)Agree with the rest of the squad but this would concern me a bit. All in good form though so I get the selections. Stuff being a selector!
Back three is an interesting one in terms of selection strategy.
Laurie Mains and Steve Hansen went with the guys in form.
John Mitchell liked raw pace.
John Hart went with what he thought were the natural players and believed he could gel them.
Graham Henry and Ian Foster were willingly to stick guys who didn't play Back Three in Super Rugby there and wanted them to be strong defensively.
Apart from Will Jordan, I don't see an obvious selection for the Back Three in Test 1. We are going to learn a lot about Scott Robertson by who he goes for.
