All Blacks 2025
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@brodean I think it's BBs decision making that's the bigger issue, I wonder if he's just not seeing things right and is therefore hesitant and then not 100 committed to kick/run
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@brodean I think it's BBs decision making that's the bigger issue, I wonder if he's just not being things right and is therefore hesitant and then not 100 committed to kick/run
I think this was BB's best season at the Blues at 10 but he inevitably still makes the same old mistakes and brainfarts. His line kicking remains average at best.
The longer you leave him on the worst he gets. I believe he just struggles to focus for 80 minutes. His best role has always been as an impact player off the bench. Would like for him to remain in the squad as a bench option but I'd also like to see them develop Love.
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@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.
He was outplayed by Reihana last night. His kicking game was poor, in terms of distance and option taking
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@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.
He was outplayed by Reihana last night. His kicking game was poor, in terms of distance and option taking
One game. DMac is the best 10 we have, Barrett is the second best 10 we have, and Love is the third best 10 we have.
I don't see us winning the WC with DMac, Barrett (or Mo'unga for that matter) at 10, so there is really two options. You stick with DMac short term, and hope he finds another gear OR you take a punt on Love/Jacomb, who could in theory reach a higher level.
IMO too soon for Jacomb, but would love to see Love get some minutes at 10 (even if I am unsure whether he is quite there).
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@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@brodean I think it's BBs decision making that's the bigger issue, I wonder if he's just not being things right and is therefore hesitant and then not 100 committed to kick/run
I think this was BB's best season at the Blues at 10 but he inevitably still makes the same old mistakes and brainfarts. His line kicking remains average at best.
The longer you leave him on the worst he gets. I believe he just struggles to focus for 80 minutes. His best role has always been as an impact player off the bench. Would like for him to remain in the squad as a bench option but I'd also like to see them develop Love.
@brodean think he absolutely still has the skills, but it is the decision making and then the execution that makes him wildly inconsistent in his play
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@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@brodean I think it's BBs decision making that's the bigger issue, I wonder if he's just not being things right and is therefore hesitant and then not 100 committed to kick/run
I think this was BB's best season at the Blues at 10 but he inevitably still makes the same old mistakes and brainfarts. His line kicking remains average at best.
The longer you leave him on the worst he gets. I believe he just struggles to focus for 80 minutes. His best role has always been as an impact player off the bench. Would like for him to remain in the squad as a bench option but I'd also like to see them develop Love.
@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@brodean I think it's BBs decision making that's the bigger issue, I wonder if he's just not being things right and is therefore hesitant and then not 100 committed to kick/run
I think this was BB's best season at the Blues at 10 but he inevitably still makes the same old mistakes and brainfarts. His line kicking remains average at best.
The longer you leave him on the worst he gets. I believe he just struggles to focus for 80 minutes. His best role has always been as an impact player off the bench. Would like for him to remain in the squad as a bench option but I'd also like to see them develop Love.
He's not the worst 10 around right now. But any minutes he plays are taking away from someone who might be better moving forward. To those who think he could be the man in 2027, I'd say he is on the way down and there will be no going back to his glory days
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AB oil begins.
All Blacks camp getting underway this Wednesday with players from franchises minus Chiefs and Crusaders obviously.
I will work to try and find what extra players they have in camp while a fair amount will be preparing for the final.
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@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@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.
He was outplayed by Reihana last night. His kicking game was poor, in terms of distance and option taking
One game. DMac is the best 10 we have, Barrett is the second best 10 we have, and Love is the third best 10 we have.
I don't see us winning the WC with DMac, Barrett (or Mo'unga for that matter) at 10, so there is really two options. You stick with DMac short term, and hope he finds another gear OR you take a punt on Love/Jacomb, who could in theory reach a higher level.
IMO too soon for Jacomb, but would love to see Love get some minutes at 10 (even if I am unsure whether he is quite there).
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
I don't see us winning the WC with DMac, Barrett (or Mo'unga for that matter) at 10
what an idiotic comment, plenty of World Cups have been won by sides with arguably less talented 10s (see 2007, 2011, 1987,1991, 1995, 2019, 2023, starting fly halfs..) you don't need Jesus Christ to win a world cup just a solid overall core squad ffs.
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@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
I don't see us winning the WC with DMac, Barrett (or Mo'unga for that matter) at 10
what an idiotic comment, plenty of World Cups have been won by sides with arguably less talented 10s (see 2007, 2011, 1987,1991, 1995, 2019, 2023, starting fly halfs..) you don't need Jesus Christ to win a world cup just a solid overall core squad ffs.
@darylmitchell said in All Blacks 2025:
@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
I don't see us winning the WC with DMac, Barrett (or Mo'unga for that matter) at 10
what an idiotic comment, plenty of World Cups have been won by sides with arguably less talented 10s (see 2007, 2011, 1987,1991, 1995, 2019, 2023, starting fly halfs..) you don't need Jesus Christ to win a world cup just a solid overall core squad ffs.
FFS, you had a good argument and then lost the plot by including these two.
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AB oil begins.
All Blacks camp getting underway this Wednesday with players from franchises minus Chiefs and Crusaders obviously.
I will work to try and find what extra players they have in camp while a fair amount will be preparing for the final.
@Landers92 Good oil. IMHO it is sensible for the guys not involved in the Super Rugby Final to start preparing for the AB season and the French series a bit this week.
It suggests to me that we may see some of the squad leaking this week and that where there are any remaining selection either/ors they are perhaps between Crusaders and Chiefs players.
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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.
Just not all 3. Re BB: understand why he used him last year and maybe as a bench option, but he really needs to start blooding a new 10 this year.
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He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections. “You learn on the job,” he surmises with a smile, and he “feels better for that”.@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections. “You learn on the job,” he surmises with a smile, and he “feels better for that”.But, but, but...... Weren't we repeatedly assured international experience wasn't necessary and he'd bring a totally fresh approach?
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If only the 2025 SR's performances are taken into account, then certainties like Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipolutu shouldn't be in the squad. The only Blues players deserving a selection are AJ Lam and Dalton Papali'i.
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If only the 2025 SR's performances are taken into account, then certainties like Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipolutu shouldn't be in the squad. The only Blues players deserving a selection are AJ Lam and Dalton Papali'i.
@cgrant said in All Blacks 2025:
If only the 2025 SR's performances are taken into account, then certainties like Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipolutu shouldn't be in the squad. The only Blues players deserving a selection are AJ Lam and Dalton Papali'i.
i think all these players will be in camp this week but all wont be in first squad
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@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections. “You learn on the job,” he surmises with a smile, and he “feels better for that”.But, but, but...... Weren't we repeatedly assured international experience wasn't necessary and he'd bring a totally fresh approach?
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections. “You learn on the job,” he surmises with a smile, and he “feels better for that”.But, but, but...... Weren't we repeatedly assured international experience wasn't necessary and he'd bring a totally fresh approach?
As arguably Foster's most ardent defender on here, it's kinda strange that you keep heaping criticism on Robertson for not changing enough?
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I’d be tempted to take a punt on Leroy carter ,
I think wing is probably a bit unique in that players tend to run hot and cold more so than most other positions , and I think it’s one position where you can play the guys who are running hot and replace them when they aren’t .
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If only the 2025 SR's performances are taken into account, then certainties like Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipolutu shouldn't be in the squad. The only Blues players deserving a selection are AJ Lam and Dalton Papali'i.
@cgrant said in All Blacks 2025:
If only the 2025 SR's performances are taken into account, then certainties like Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipolutu shouldn't be in the squad. The only Blues players deserving a selection are AJ Lam and Dalton Papali'i.
Beehre was pretty good
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If only the 2025 SR's performances are taken into account, then certainties like Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipolutu shouldn't be in the squad. The only Blues players deserving a selection are AJ Lam and Dalton Papali'i.
@cgrant said in All Blacks 2025:
If only the 2025 SR's performances are taken into account, then certainties like Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipolutu shouldn't be in the squad. The only Blues players deserving a selection are AJ Lam and Dalton Papali'i.
Ngani Laumape couldnt get a gig in 2019 with much better form than the rogues gallery named in your first sentence.
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I’d be tempted to take a punt on Leroy carter ,
I think wing is probably a bit unique in that players tend to run hot and cold more so than most other positions , and I think it’s one position where you can play the guys who are running hot and replace them when they aren’t .
@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2025:
I’d be tempted to take a punt on Leroy carter ,
I think wing is probably a bit unique in that players tend to run hot and cold more so than most other positions , and I think it’s one position where you can play the guys who are running hot and replace them when they aren’t .
Id agree.
When someone has a hot hand you have to go with them.
Beauden up until 2019ish, Roigard in RWC final 2023. Milner Skudder in 2015.
They couldnt be ignored, but in Roigards case he was.
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@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2025:
I’d be tempted to take a punt on Leroy carter ,
I think wing is probably a bit unique in that players tend to run hot and cold more so than most other positions , and I think it’s one position where you can play the guys who are running hot and replace them when they aren’t .
Id agree.
When someone has a hot hand you have to go with them.
Beauden up until 2019ish, Roigard in RWC final 2023. Milner Skudder in 2015.
They couldnt be ignored, but in Roigards case he was.
@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:
When someone has a hot hand you have to go with them.
up to a point, yes. Outside backs probably. But Test rugby is a different beast to Super. Form does not necessarily translate.
Edit: experience in Tests are valued for a reason. They are (and should be) damn hard
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections. “You learn on the job,” he surmises with a smile, and he “feels better for that”.But, but, but...... Weren't we repeatedly assured international experience wasn't necessary and he'd bring a totally fresh approach?
As arguably Foster's most ardent defender on here, it's kinda strange that you keep heaping criticism on Robertson for not changing enough?
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:
He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections. “You learn on the job,” he surmises with a smile, and he “feels better for that”.But, but, but...... Weren't we repeatedly assured international experience wasn't necessary and he'd bring a totally fresh approach?
As arguably Foster's most ardent defender on here, it's kinda strange that you keep heaping criticism on Robertson for not changing enough?
Nah. Just pointing out the absurdity of much of the hype posted on here and elsewhere about what a "once-in-a-century, transformational coaching God" Robertson was touted to be.
I've consistently predicted Robertson would be understandably conservative in his first year, and equally consistently, said this year is the opportunity for him to be much bolder. For some weird reason, he seems to agree.
