All Blacks 2025
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@KiwiMurph There's lots of contenders for not many open places.
Given the amount of utility we have in the backs, I'd be very tempted to go for a 20 forwards/15 backs split.
Three halfbacks, three first fives (all covering fullback): BB, DMac, Love.
9 remaining spots of whom I think Jordie, Rieko, Proctor, Clarke, Reece and Jordan are near certainties (6 spots).
Three spots remain.
At least one more midfielder.
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
They need at least one more wing - Narawa and/or Lam? Or someone else?
I think AJ's utility value is pretty unique - he'll be very close if he doesn't make it. Covering wing and both midfield positions.
I reckon there will be a few extras called in for training, as well.
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
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@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
What I'm expecting sadly. Just hope for some changes by Frog 3.
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@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
What I'm expecting sadly. Just hope for some changes by Frog 3.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
What I'm expecting sadly. Just hope for some changes by Frog 3.
By season's end I hope we don't have to open a thread about what coach we want to take us to RWC31
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@Trig said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
May as well dump all the Canes and Highlanders too.
Razors 2025 Cheifsaders will have a huge year
@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Trig said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
May as well dump all the Canes and Highlanders too.
Razors 2025 Cheifsaders will have a huge year
Razor's record with the crusaders speaks for itself. Don't know why he'd bother with other players.
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@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Trig said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
May as well dump all the Canes and Highlanders too.
Razors 2025 Cheifsaders will have a huge year
Razor's record with the crusaders speaks for itself. Don't know why he'd bother with other players.
@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:
@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Trig said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
May as well dump all the Canes and Highlanders too.
Razors 2025 Cheifsaders will have a huge year
Razor's record with the crusaders speaks for itself. Don't know why he'd bother with other players.
Ok, as long as he picks Ardie and 14 Crusaders I'll be happy
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@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
@Trig said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
May as well dump all the Canes and Highlanders too.
Razors 2025 Cheifsaders will have a huge year
Razor's record with the crusaders speaks for itself. Don't know why he'd bother with other players.
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
What I'm expecting sadly. Just hope for some changes by Frog 3.
By season's end I hope we don't have to open a thread about what coach we want to take us to RWC31
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
What I'm expecting sadly. Just hope for some changes by Frog 3.
By season's end I hope we don't have to open a thread about what coach we want to take us to RWC31
It's make-or-break his year. Has his feet under he table now so we can see what he can do. Not winning the TRC 2 years in a row would be a worry if he carries on with his conservative approach.
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@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
@Trig said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
I'm a Blues supporter but if you mean there is no current Blues player who is comfortably far ahead of their nearest rival and worthy of #1 AB pick in their position I (sadly) don't think that is an outlandish claim.
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@Trig said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
I'm a Blues supporter but if you mean there is no current Blues player who is comfortably far ahead of their nearest rival and worthy of #1 AB pick in their position I (sadly) don't think that is an outlandish claim.
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2025:
@Trig said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky I genuinely think the All Blacks would be just as well off without any Blues players in their side.
I'm a Blues supporter but if you mean there is no current Blues player who is comfortably far ahead of their nearest rival and worthy of #1 AB pick in their position I (sadly) don't think that is an outlandish claim.
There'd be only be a few players in NZ that would be. Most spots are debatable.
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@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
What I'm expecting sadly. Just hope for some changes by Frog 3.
By season's end I hope we don't have to open a thread about what coach we want to take us to RWC31
It's make-or-break his year. Has his feet under he table now so we can see what he can do. Not winning the TRC 2 years in a row would be a worry if he carries on with his conservative approach.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
What I'm expecting sadly. Just hope for some changes by Frog 3.
By season's end I hope we don't have to open a thread about what coach we want to take us to RWC31
It's make-or-break his year. Has his feet under he table now so we can see what he can do. Not winning the TRC 2 years in a row would be a worry if he carries on with his conservative approach.
Revisionist history will also dictate whether he is in fact a rugby guru or rode the coat tails of Mo'unga, Whitelock et al for all those Super Rugby titles.
I want to see some innovation.
Last year was the same as what went before but with a bit more surfing chat in press conferences.
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Robertson admits to some of his faults from year 1, including being too conservative with selection. Let's see how that translates to his first squad of the year.
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
What I'm expecting sadly. Just hope for some changes by Frog 3.
By season's end I hope we don't have to open a thread about what coach we want to take us to RWC31
It's make-or-break his year. Has his feet under he table now so we can see what he can do. Not winning the TRC 2 years in a row would be a worry if he carries on with his conservative approach.
Revisionist history will also dictate whether he is in fact a rugby guru or rode the coat tails of Mo'unga, Whitelock et al for all those Super Rugby titles.
I want to see some innovation.
Last year was the same as what went before but with a bit more surfing chat in press conferences.
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Robertson admits to some of his faults from year 1, including being too conservative with selection. Let's see how that translates to his first squad of the year.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2025:
Robertson admits to some of his faults from year 1, including being too conservative with selection. Let's see how that translates to his first squad of the year.
As long as that doesn't mean he didn't pick enough Saders.....
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@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2025:
Robertson admits to some of his faults from year 1, including being too conservative with selection. Let's see how that translates to his first squad of the year.
As long as that doesn't mean he didn't pick enough Saders.....
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
If you don't pick Beauden Barrett, who honestly else do you pick? BB and DMac proved themselves us our two best 10s in SR this season. It's concerning, but it's also the truth.
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@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
If you don't pick Beauden Barrett, who honestly else do you pick? BB and DMac proved themselves us our two best 10s in SR this season. It's concerning, but it's also the truth.
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
I think Quinn Tupaea is a good shot to replace ALB in the midfield - can play 12 and 13 and they'll likely want that on the bench.
Dave Havili will be looked at closely, but I don't think he's a certainty.
It all depends on how Robertson sees his squad in 2 years time. If he's conservative like last year then it'll be Havili, otherwise it has to be Tupaea
If he's conservative, we will see BB, EB and DH in the squad
If you don't pick Beauden Barrett, who honestly else do you pick? BB and DMac proved themselves us our two best 10s in SR this season. It's concerning, but it's also the truth.
As game managers and moving their team around I think both Love and Reihana were better than Beauden this season.
Beauden has a pop gun clearance too.
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Looking at the games we lost last year I think the key stat has been turnovers conceded.
In the French game we were better in most metrics except points, tries, and turnovers conceded.
We conceded more turnovers than South Africa in both games. South Africa pretty much dominated us in the first test by most metrics. We were closer in the second test but still conceded more turnovers.
Most of the turnovers are coming out wide. This fits in with the width based game plan. It exposes us to more turnovers. Against the big teams we don't seem to have a fallback option to spend time going up the middle.
We rarely used an attacking maul to effect. This is difficult when you have smallish locks and smallish loose forwards. Our width based game plan becomes predictable without the maul and without the ability to go up the middle.
From those three losses against the South Africa and France.
Turnovers conceded ( these three were the main culprits ) :
9 Will Jordan ( mostly at fullback )
7 Rieko Ioane
5 Beauden Barrett ( playing fullback )Plus a bunch of other turnovers but it seems most of them happen at fullback and center.
