2025 All Blacks v France series
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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.
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Hoskins Sotutu's form this season was patchy so he didn't scream to be included. Dalton Papalii, however, was probably the Blues best and most consistent player, lots of Test experience too so he should have been picked.
AJ Lam doesn't get a look in and should have been there ahead of ALB.
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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.@ARHS said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Pretty happy with that squad. Pleased McA made it ahead of Bell.
Thinking about it - it makes sense.
McAllister has gone well and I don't think Bell has started a match - four or five games of the bench, I think?
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Maybe Blackadder time is not over in the black jersey
Crusaders loose forward Ethan Blackadder is one of the unlucky names to miss out, although it must be said he's another who has struggled with injury problems."He could have easily been picked," Robertson says.
"It's margins and we've got to balance the squad. He'll be in and around at some stage this campaign.
"We're just looking for a little bit more versatility."
