All Blacks 2025

Bovidae

@frugby said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

I think that Tavatavanawai's AB career will be short.

I would imagine so too, but Tupaea shifting to 13 could help his case. Still think he has a lot of offer as a bench option.

He is only a realistic option at 12. Too slow for a winger.

reprobate

I had a quick look but couldn't see the old 'favourite conspiracy' thread.
Anyway, got 8 x AB card in the kids' weetbix boxes: fucken 3 out of 8 are Richie Mo'unga!

Canes4life

@frugby said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

@Canes4life said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

@frugby said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

@Canes4life Sorry, initial statement was going to be for ALB. With Tupaea playing 13, I think there is every chance ALB or Proctor gets shunted down - particularly if they see Tavatavanawai being able to fill the bench role.

J Barrett & Tupaea backed up by T Tavatavanawai and R Ioane.

If they are looking for a fifth one, they may favour ALB's experience + ability to also play 12.

Tupaea's performance in Perth was comfortably better than anything Proctor has shown this year, and probably somewhat puts to bed the argument that the reason he has been a bit lacklustre due to those inside him.

Tupaea had a great match, don't get me wrong but it also coincided with McKenzie playing 10, which allowed Tupaea to get the ball in his hands more. If the ABs used Proctor the way the Hurricanes have, I'm almost certain he would have a lot more positive effect on this team.

Come on, McKenzie didn't play that well. Tupaea just runs harder lines which sucks the defence - he's also a much better tackler than Proctor.

Proctor had six tests to start the year, and didn't even show a glimpse. I'm not writing him off forever, but the fact Ioane was on the bench in Perth, and came on at centre, would suggest Proctor has been relegated to third choice.

I'm not arguing against Tupaea, because he was very good. I just don't think Proctor has fallen as far as you make out. I still think he'd be preferred over Ioane and ALB who have been given more than enough opportunity in the 13 jersey. We need to move on from them.

antipodean

@upthelanders said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

Would you rather have Josh Jacomb or Rivez Reihana starting for the All Blacks XV at 10…?

Prior to the NPC I'd have said the latter, but now I'm preferring Jacob.

pakman

@Bovidae said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

@ARHS said in All Blacks & All Blacks XV EOYT Squads 2025:

I remain surprised Tevita Mafileo rates ahead of George Dyer in AB pecking order.

I could understand taking him to Arg with a smaller squad as Mafileo can play LH, but he doesn't even make the Hurricanes 23 as a TH.

Yes, but then he does have two AB THs ahead of him. Whereas only Numia high level on LH.

Bovidae

@pakman My point is that Mafileo doesn't play that often at TH.

Chris B.

@reprobate I really wanted "two Ioanes" for posting here...

John

This post is deleted!

Tim

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360846698/all-blacks-winger-emoni-narawa-ruled-out-year-after-puncturing-lung-against-springboks

booboo

@Tim said in All Blacks 2025:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360846698/all-blacks-winger-emoni-narawa-ruled-out-year-after-puncturing-lung-against-springboks

Shame. Am a fan of Narawa.

Tim

@booboo Another player who's really been held back by injuries.

upthelanders

Looks like it’s Tangitau time

ShaquilleOatmeal

@upthelanders I wouldn't get your hopes up. The Rugby Championship squad had Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan and Ruben Love. Leroy Carter came in as an injury replacement for Clarke, then stayed after Narawa was injured. I don't see Caleb Tangitau (or any other outside back) coming into the squad unless they drop Reece, which they should but probably won't.