2025 All Blacks v France series
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I think Caleb Clarke can count himself lucky to be there. He didn't score a try for the Blues this season.
@1kiwi said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
I think Caleb Clarke can count himself lucky to be there. He didn't score a try for the Blues this season.
His form has been dreadful for the Blues this year, but the coaches are backing themselves to get the best out of him in the AB environment and train/play him back into form. Fair enough. I hope it works.
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interesting squad.
Tight 5 pretty much selected itself bar maybe the next hooker in line.
I can understand the loose forward numbers, not as attritional as some think, we don't tend to go through too many.
Lots of 12s which is interesting.I look forward to seeing how this squad is turned in to a team.
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Well done Narawa.
I hope De Groot is fit enough
So this season the coaches don't have a Crusaders bias, they have an anti blues one. Joke! But Clarke and Ioane may be considered a little lucky.@nostrildamus said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Well done Narawa.
He didn't make the team, just injury cover for the midfield, but Reece did.
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interesting squad.
Tight 5 pretty much selected itself bar maybe the next hooker in line.
I can understand the loose forward numbers, not as attritional as some think, we don't tend to go through too many.
Lots of 12s which is interesting.I look forward to seeing how this squad is turned in to a team.
@mariner4life said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Lots of 12s which is interesting.
It suggests that JB faces a lot of competition for the 12 jersey or they see him as a bit more of a utility back.
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The best story out of this squad naming is Fabian Holland. He took a punt as a 16-year-old back in 2019 to leave his family and all he knew behind to come down to New Zealand because of his love for rugby and the All Blacks and six years later is named in the All Blacks. Love that his mother coincidently is currently in NZ visiting him and got to share in his joy of being named.
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@Chris-B said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
They've only picked 33 guys I think - when 35 was foreshadowed?
I wonder if a couple of guys from the Māori squad are going to come over to the AB squad as cover and as an apprenticeship once their games are done?
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I think the selectors know they are bringing in Parker and Tangitau, and no one else particularly interests them in these areas, whereas Tupaeas form and Big Jim's potential demand inclusion. Thus explaining there being less wingers and loose forwards and more midfielders
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Congratulations to Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Hollland, Du Plessis Kirifi, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Christian Lio-Willie for being named in the ABs squad of the first time.
I know Brodie McAlister has been in there as injury cover before
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Pretty happy with that squad. Pleased McA made it ahead of Bell. Thought ALB injury rest period was now up, so happy he is there.
I feel Hotham is a bit fortunate, but will have the chance to prove himself along with Clarke Ioane Finau and the newbies. -
Not a bad squad, but am not sure about Reece, McAlister and ALB. I don't understand why they didn't pick 35 players though, and with the RWC only 2 years away, surely you want to get as many players into the environment as possible and build depth.
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@sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
McAlister ahead of Bell is the right call.
Hopefully Brodie is over his injuries the last couple of years he has had a lot of injuries, Shoulders,Calfs etc he was injured a lot at the Crusaders and for Canterbury.
@Chris said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
McAlister ahead of Bell is the right call.
Hopefully Brodie is over his injuries the last couple of years he has had a lot of injuries, Shoulders,Calfs etc he was injured a lot at the Crusaders and for Canterbury.
I’m hoping he’s good to go because he should get an opportunity in this series.
A couple of more adept dark arts observers on here called McAlister a couple of seasons ago to make the ABs. Specific mention to his scrum work was made.
