2025 All Blacks v France series
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@nostrildamus said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Can Norris play both sides to a good level?
Why does he need to play both sides well if you have two props on the bench?
@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@nostrildamus said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Can Norris play both sides to a good level?
Why does he need to play both sides well if you have two props on the bench?
Just curious.
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The French have named their squad to play an England XV next Saturday and then to be of the squad to tour New Zealand. 14 more players will be added to this squad next week.
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More details on that French Squad:
Forwards:
Props:
Demba Bamba, Racing, 27, 28 caps
Baptiste Erdocio, Montpellier, 25, Uncapped
Paul Mallez, Provence in Division 2, 24, Uncapped
Régis Montagne, ASM Clermont, 24, Uncapped
Rabah Slimani, Leinster, 35, 57 CapsHooker:
Gaëtan Barlot, Castres, 28, 9 caps
Guillaume Marchand, Lyon, 27, UncappedLocks:
Hugo Auradou, Pau, 21, 6 Caps.
Tyler Duguid, Montpellier, 24. Uncapped. Canadian.
Mickaël Guillard, Lyon, 24, 10 Caps.
Romain Taofifenua, Racing, 34, 54 caps (2:03!)
Théo William, Lyon, 24, UncappedBack Row:
Alexandre Fisher, ASM Clermont, 27, Uncapped
Lilian Trixerot, ASM Clermont, 23, 1 Cap
Jaco Von Tronder, Perpignan, 27, Uncapped, Saffa.
Cameron Woki, Racing, 26, 30 Caps, Plays Lock too.Lots of tall timber there. A set of forwards assembled to drive mauls.
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And the Backs:
Half Back:
Thibault Daubagna, Pau, 31, Uncapped
Baptiste Jauneau, Clermont, 21, 1 Cap
Nolann Le Garret, Racing, 23, 10 CapsFirst Five:
Léo Barré, Stade Française, 22, 7 Caps
Léo Berdeau, Lyon, 27, Uncapped
Antonie Hastoy, La Rochelle, 28, 7 CapsMidfield:
Aliverti Duguivalu, Perpignan, 27, Uncapped, Fijian
Gaël Fickou, Racing, 31, 94 Caps
Emilien Gaillleton, Pau, 21, 7 Caps, English
Théo Millet, Lyon, 27, UncappedWing:
Maël Moustin, Montpellier, 22, UncappedFull Back
Théo Attissogbe, Pau, 20, 5 Caps. -
@nostrildamus said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Can Norris play both sides to a good level?
Why does he need to play both sides well if you have two props on the bench?
@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@nostrildamus said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Can Norris play both sides to a good level?
Why does he need to play both sides well if you have two props on the bench?
It's bloody handy for when you lose a prop to injury and another on the same side to a card. Just ask Ricky (who probably hadn't played LH for a decade).
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@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.
@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:
@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.
I agree. Maybe just me, but JRK seemed to make exactly the right decision when it really mattered.
That said, don't think he's quite there yet, but def. one for Robertson to keep an eye on and help develop.
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Antonio Shalfoon has a good chance to be selected : he was best Crusaders' lock this year. and his inclusion could add more cohesion to the front five, next to his Crusaders teammates.
@cgrant said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Antonio Shalfoon has a good chance to be selected : he was best Crusaders' lock this year. and his inclusion could add more cohesion to the front five, next to his Crusaders teammates.
He’s no where near Holland, Lord or Beehre. Wee way down the pecking order just yet. He does wear the right colours though
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@cgrant said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Attisogbe is a gun. Better than Penaud IMO. Best winger in France behind LBB.
I agree. I think he's fantastic. I wish we had someone like him.
@sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@cgrant said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Attisogbe is a gun. Better than Penaud IMO. Best winger in France behind LBB.
I agree. I think he's fantastic. I wish we had someone like him.
I'm sure he is immensely talented, but that highlights video didn't exactly make me think he's something we don't already have. One of the highlights was him head-highing someone.
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@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@nostrildamus said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Can Norris play both sides to a good level?
Why does he need to play both sides well if you have two props on the bench?
It's bloody handy for when you lose a prop to injury and another on the same side to a card. Just ask Ricky (who probably hadn't played LH for a decade).
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@sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@cgrant said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Attisogbe is a gun. Better than Penaud IMO. Best winger in France behind LBB.
I agree. I think he's fantastic. I wish we had someone like him.
I'm sure he is immensely talented, but that highlights video didn't exactly make me think he's something we don't already have. One of the highlights was him head-highing someone.
@WoodysRFC said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@cgrant said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Attisogbe is a gun. Better than Penaud IMO. Best winger in France behind LBB.
I agree. I think he's fantastic. I wish we had someone like him.
I'm sure he is immensely talented, but that highlights video didn't exactly make me think he's something we don't already have. One of the highlights was him head-highing someone.
This is not a good video. He has been outstanding during the Top 14 and and the few games he played in blue. He is class and has speed to burn, more speed than the 2024 AB wingers.
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A forgotten name for the All Blacks midfield below...
Players to achieve at least 50% carry dominance from at least 150 carries into contact:
Josua Tuisova (62% from 172)
Beka Gorgadze (56% from 183)
Leicester Fianga’anuku (53% from 186)
Elia Canakaivata (51% from 152) -
A forgotten name for the All Blacks midfield below...
Players to achieve at least 50% carry dominance from at least 150 carries into contact:
Josua Tuisova (62% from 172)
Beka Gorgadze (56% from 183)
Leicester Fianga’anuku (53% from 186)
Elia Canakaivata (51% from 152)@Wurzel I haven't forgotten Big Leicester.
I haven't seen that he's re-signed with the Mako yet (or any other bunch of poaching NPC feckers)?
That doesn't mean he hasn't - someone who watches these things more closely may be able to tell me - but, to be eligible for the ABs this year I think he has to be signed up for NPC?
In any case they don't need to rush him into the midfield - if he were to appear immediately, I reckon there's more opportunity as a wing. But, no need to rush him in there either.
In any case, I'd be amazed if Razor hasn't been watching him closely on the telly.
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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)
Here's my guess vs the OP. I reckon there will be a couple of bolters, but I'm not going to try to pick them.
@frugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
PROPS:
Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)
Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
George Bower (Crusaders)Ollie Norris (Chiefs)
Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)
Fletcher Newell (Crusaders)
Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes)HOOKERS:
Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)
George Bell (Crusaders) (Aumua if fit, but if not - Bell)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)Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)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)
AJ Lam (Blues)
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Highlanders)Leroy Carter (Chiefs)
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)
I think they'll pick the younger Norris as opposed to the known quantity Bower.
Far from beyond the realms of possibility that CLW gets picked - he's been playing well, but I think there's enough No. 8s already - and Jacobson's utility value and experience probably gets him in.
As per last year, I think Dave Havili is a nice to have, but not a must have. They need Tupaea to effectively cover both midfield positions (Lam can do the same if QT were to be injured) and ALB and Big Leicester likely to enter the frame later in the season.
Picking AJ gives an opportunity to make the bolder, but probably more risky pick of Carter over Narawa - but, that could easily go the other way.
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@Wurzel I haven't forgotten Big Leicester.
I haven't seen that he's re-signed with the Mako yet (or any other bunch of poaching NPC feckers)?
That doesn't mean he hasn't - someone who watches these things more closely may be able to tell me - but, to be eligible for the ABs this year I think he has to be signed up for NPC?
In any case they don't need to rush him into the midfield - if he were to appear immediately, I reckon there's more opportunity as a wing. But, no need to rush him in there either.
In any case, I'd be amazed if Razor hasn't been watching him closely on the telly.
@Chris-B said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@Wurzel I haven't forgotten Big Leicester.
I haven't seen that he's re-signed with the Mako yet (or any other bunch of poaching NPC feckers)?
That doesn't mean he hasn't - someone who watches these things more closely may be able to tell me - but, to be eligible for the ABs this year I think he has to be signed up for NPC?
In any case they don't need to rush him into the midfield - if he were to appear immediately, I reckon there's more opportunity as a wing. But, no need to rush him in there either.
In any case, I'd be amazed if Razor hasn't been watching him closely on the telly.
Yes Leicester has signed with Ta$man .
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A forgotten name for the All Blacks midfield below...
Players to achieve at least 50% carry dominance from at least 150 carries into contact:
Josua Tuisova (62% from 172)
Beka Gorgadze (56% from 183)
Leicester Fianga’anuku (53% from 186)
Elia Canakaivata (51% from 152)@Wurzel he's been outstanding in the Top14. Easily one of the best midfielders in the comp, if not the best.
We currently have the best midfielder in the URC. And the best midfielder in the Top14 (arguably).There's a lot of pessimism around, but I think we're close to being very good again.
