All Blacks 2025
-
@DurryMexted said in All Blacks 2025:
@ShaquilleOatmeal The Ardie situation is arguably even tougher than the BB situation. It feels like the Barrett situation will run its course following this tour, where he physically is not up to it and its fairly obvious even to the lesser engaged fans. Beaudie could retire from international footy or just have an 'injury cloud' and fade into a much lesser role in the squad. Its not a hard decision for Razor to make.
Ardie on the other hand is actually still in seemingly great physical condition, but is just refusing to be a role player in the team. For one, its not immediately clear that the coaching staff even see this issue, but assuming they actually do some analysis on this - Razor has to either re-train him into actually peforming his core role (& him actually doing it on the field) or drop him for an actual 7 who can and will tackle and hit rucks all day. For a coach/organisation that seems to be so heavily dictated by broader influence, i dont see this happening until it becomes so bad that everyone starts to agree (as per BB situation) and even then all it takes is a short instagram snippet of a turnover or big dummie and the masses will be satisfied that all is well. I just cant see a situation where Ardie is dropped, and i cant see one where he changes his play. So will be a holding pattern through to the RWC
The BB situation has a limited timeline because of Mo'unga coming back anyway - it's just a disgusting shortsighted waste of development opportunity which will leave us in a worse position post WC.
Ardie is a problem, which becomes a bigger problem if you want to pick Sititi too.
-
@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
This is the problem I have with the Paps scenario and by extension Akira (don't tell me he wouldn't have stayed if they asked) and Hoskins. He was given work ons and he appears to have done what they asked. But he still doesn't get picked and lots of fans would base their opinions on whether he should get another shot or not purely on past performance. But if we did that we would have never seen the best from rodders or Kaino, who were both dropped and told to go away and work on stuff. I think we can all agree they ended up having pretty good AB careers the second time around
For me whatever the workons for Papali'i were are misguided BS. The current set of loose forwards collectively are a defensive failure and not up to test standard. They were selected as hybrid jack of all trades because Razor thought that the loose forwards should be able to play all positions.
The record scores are all defensive issues. When the ABs get a 12 point lead they should win easily.
You dont see nominee world player of the year PSDT playing at 8 or openside. He sticks to blindside and very occasionally plays at lock. Hes primarily a specialist who dominates in defense and at the breakdown then occasionally chimes in with a opportunitic run.
Hes a specialist who doesnt suit the role of 8 or openside.
At the moment we dont have that player in our loose forward mix.
South Africa are easily the best team in the world at the moment and their loose forward trio are all primarily specialists. Kolisi at openside and Weise at 8. You dont see Weise playing at openside for his club sides like Lakai often does. Even Smith primarily comes on for Kolisi. He can cover different positions but he usually replaces Kolisi
Why do we have Sititi replacing Parker when they are completely different players? Even the Chiefs were replacing similar for similar in Finau for Parker.
You make some great points, just might have missed my point
.If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
-
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@DurryMexted said in All Blacks 2025:
@ShaquilleOatmeal The Ardie situation is arguably even tougher than the BB situation. It feels like the Barrett situation will run its course following this tour, where he physically is not up to it and its fairly obvious even to the lesser engaged fans. Beaudie could retire from international footy or just have an 'injury cloud' and fade into a much lesser role in the squad. Its not a hard decision for Razor to make.
Ardie on the other hand is actually still in seemingly great physical condition, but is just refusing to be a role player in the team. For one, its not immediately clear that the coaching staff even see this issue, but assuming they actually do some analysis on this - Razor has to either re-train him into actually peforming his core role (& him actually doing it on the field) or drop him for an actual 7 who can and will tackle and hit rucks all day. For a coach/organisation that seems to be so heavily dictated by broader influence, i dont see this happening until it becomes so bad that everyone starts to agree (as per BB situation) and even then all it takes is a short instagram snippet of a turnover or big dummie and the masses will be satisfied that all is well. I just cant see a situation where Ardie is dropped, and i cant see one where he changes his play. So will be a holding pattern through to the RWC
The BB situation has a limited timeline because of Mo'unga coming back anyway - it's just a disgusting shortsighted waste of development opportunity which will leave us in a worse position post WC.
Ardie is a problem, which becomes a bigger problem if you want to pick Sititi too.
Well, Mounga was missing tackles six years ago in vital games, so that's unlikely to improved as time has marched on.
His one trick is using his speed to fix forwards in the backline, again at what 33(?) that pace has to be fading, and it was a trick that worked great at super rugby level but was only effective at Test level against minnows.
He's not the answer either, just another step in the lowering the AB standard down from Test level to Super Rugby level. We'll look great with a lead, score some pretty trys in some games, and as soon as the heat comes in with a team with a strong forward pack and strong defence, we'll crack like we have for the past 18 months.
If we don't change the coaches now we have little chance of winning a QF in a World Cup, yet alone winning the thing. And we'll have more record losses on the way.
-
@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@Nogusta said in All Blacks 2025:
You can't say its "DP's decision" unless you have some evidence that Razor actually picked him and DP said no.
Razor: "Dalton I've picked you for the All Blacks"
DP: "No thanks.
Nailed it bruv
Got the 'call up' whilst with the ABXVs
Said thanks but no thanks.
Won't play for a coach he has lost respect for
NZRU considering sanction/fine of some
kind.
He got shafted last year around the time of the Northern tour and again this year.
Was it (this years shafting) to do with his non selection? Yes and no.Ok if that's his principled position then fair enough.
Im out of touch with the younger generation. They are a lot more high minded than me.
Im more inclined to grub around in the mud if I have to get the things I think will benefit my family in the long run.
Ive been critical of Razor and I dont like Ryan but at the end of the day they are just like everyone else - flawed human beings. A bit of forgiveness rather than holding grudges and seeking revenge can be beneficial.
On the other hand sometimes its not worth getting involved with toxic people.
Tough position.
One thing is for certain, if players are refusing to accept call ups then the ABs current culture as at an all time low.
Good post.
A bit beyond this thread, but as someone who works with new young people every year, I would say that our generations focus on pragmatism has become dramatically less important - some will act against their best interests emphasizing personal well being and current priorities in a way that I find bizarre but does seem to actually work for them (btw, I'm not talking about the feverish, ideological purity of this generation to some ideas, despite clear evidence to the contrary in support of a doctrine).
Let's see where this lands, I suspect we'll have to wait for some biographies to find out.
-
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@DurryMexted said in All Blacks 2025:
@ShaquilleOatmeal The Ardie situation is arguably even tougher than the BB situation. It feels like the Barrett situation will run its course following this tour, where he physically is not up to it and its fairly obvious even to the lesser engaged fans. Beaudie could retire from international footy or just have an 'injury cloud' and fade into a much lesser role in the squad. Its not a hard decision for Razor to make.
Ardie on the other hand is actually still in seemingly great physical condition, but is just refusing to be a role player in the team. For one, its not immediately clear that the coaching staff even see this issue, but assuming they actually do some analysis on this - Razor has to either re-train him into actually peforming his core role (& him actually doing it on the field) or drop him for an actual 7 who can and will tackle and hit rucks all day. For a coach/organisation that seems to be so heavily dictated by broader influence, i dont see this happening until it becomes so bad that everyone starts to agree (as per BB situation) and even then all it takes is a short instagram snippet of a turnover or big dummie and the masses will be satisfied that all is well. I just cant see a situation where Ardie is dropped, and i cant see one where he changes his play. So will be a holding pattern through to the RWC
The BB situation has a limited timeline because of Mo'unga coming back anyway - it's just a disgusting shortsighted waste of development opportunity which will leave us in a worse position post WC.
Ardie is a problem, which becomes a bigger problem if you want to pick Sititi too.
Well, Mounga was missing tackles six years ago in vital games, so that's unlikely to improved as time has marched on.
His one trick is using his speed to fix forwards in the backline, again at what 33(?) that pace has to be fading, and it was a trick that worked great at super rugby level but was only effective at Test level against minnows.
He's not the answer either, just another step in the lowering the AB standard down from Test level to Super Rugby level. We'll look great with a lead, score some pretty trys in some games, and as soon as the heat comes in with a team with a strong forward pack and strong defence, we'll crack like we have for the past 18 months.
If we don't change the coaches now we have little chance of winning a QF in a World Cup, yet alone winning the thing. And we'll have more record losses on the way.
Yeah look I don't see Mo'unga as the solution to the ABs problems - and if he is, it's a very short term one - but he is the end of the BB problem.
-
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
if you've ever worked on the door of a bar or club, this is the "sorry mate, not in those shoes" tactic. Look, we both know you're blind, but this is less likely to result in an argument and quite possibly a fight.
-
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@DurryMexted said in All Blacks 2025:
@ShaquilleOatmeal The Ardie situation is arguably even tougher than the BB situation. It feels like the Barrett situation will run its course following this tour, where he physically is not up to it and its fairly obvious even to the lesser engaged fans. Beaudie could retire from international footy or just have an 'injury cloud' and fade into a much lesser role in the squad. Its not a hard decision for Razor to make.
Ardie on the other hand is actually still in seemingly great physical condition, but is just refusing to be a role player in the team. For one, its not immediately clear that the coaching staff even see this issue, but assuming they actually do some analysis on this - Razor has to either re-train him into actually peforming his core role (& him actually doing it on the field) or drop him for an actual 7 who can and will tackle and hit rucks all day. For a coach/organisation that seems to be so heavily dictated by broader influence, i dont see this happening until it becomes so bad that everyone starts to agree (as per BB situation) and even then all it takes is a short instagram snippet of a turnover or big dummie and the masses will be satisfied that all is well. I just cant see a situation where Ardie is dropped, and i cant see one where he changes his play. So will be a holding pattern through to the RWC
The BB situation has a limited timeline because of Mo'unga coming back anyway - it's just a disgusting shortsighted waste of development opportunity which will leave us in a worse position post WC.
Ardie is a problem, which becomes a bigger problem if you want to pick Sititi too.
Well, Mounga was missing tackles six years ago in vital games, so that's unlikely to improved as time has marched on.
His one trick is using his speed to fix forwards in the backline, again at what 33(?) that pace has to be fading, and it was a trick that worked great at super rugby level but was only effective at Test level against minnows.
He's not the answer either, just another step in the lowering the AB standard down from Test level to Super Rugby level. We'll look great with a lead, score some pretty trys in some games, and as soon as the heat comes in with a team with a strong forward pack and strong defence, we'll crack like we have for the past 18 months.
If we don't change the coaches now we have little chance of winning a QF in a World Cup, yet alone winning the thing. And we'll have more record losses on the way.
Yeah look I don't see Mo'unga as the solution to the ABs problems - and if he is, it's a very short term one - but he is the end of the BB problem.
Be careful what you wish for is my warning, things are going to get worse IMO. If we pick has-been-never-was type players like RM, the worse will be coming quickly.
-
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
if you've ever worked on the door of a bar or club, this is the "sorry mate, not in those shoes" tactic. Look, we both know you're blind, but this is less likely to result in an argument and quite possibly a fight.
It is. Hoskins went and put in all the effort to go home and get some fucking great shoes too. That'd fuck me right off.
-
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
if you've ever worked on the door of a bar or club, this is the "sorry mate, not in those shoes" tactic. Look, we both know you're blind, but this is less likely to result in an argument and quite possibly a fight.
It is. Hoskins went and put in all the effort to go home and get some fucking great shoes too. That'd fuck me right off.
And regularly outplayed the guy picked ahead of him, once in a Super Rugby final.
-
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@DurryMexted said in All Blacks 2025:
@ShaquilleOatmeal The Ardie situation is arguably even tougher than the BB situation. It feels like the Barrett situation will run its course following this tour, where he physically is not up to it and its fairly obvious even to the lesser engaged fans. Beaudie could retire from international footy or just have an 'injury cloud' and fade into a much lesser role in the squad. Its not a hard decision for Razor to make.
Ardie on the other hand is actually still in seemingly great physical condition, but is just refusing to be a role player in the team. For one, its not immediately clear that the coaching staff even see this issue, but assuming they actually do some analysis on this - Razor has to either re-train him into actually peforming his core role (& him actually doing it on the field) or drop him for an actual 7 who can and will tackle and hit rucks all day. For a coach/organisation that seems to be so heavily dictated by broader influence, i dont see this happening until it becomes so bad that everyone starts to agree (as per BB situation) and even then all it takes is a short instagram snippet of a turnover or big dummie and the masses will be satisfied that all is well. I just cant see a situation where Ardie is dropped, and i cant see one where he changes his play. So will be a holding pattern through to the RWC
The BB situation has a limited timeline because of Mo'unga coming back anyway - it's just a disgusting shortsighted waste of development opportunity which will leave us in a worse position post WC.
Ardie is a problem, which becomes a bigger problem if you want to pick Sititi too.
Well, Mounga was missing tackles six years ago in vital games, so that's unlikely to improved as time has marched on.
His one trick is using his speed to fix forwards in the backline, again at what 33(?) that pace has to be fading, and it was a trick that worked great at super rugby level but was only effective at Test level against minnows.
He's not the answer either, just another step in the lowering the AB standard down from Test level to Super Rugby level. We'll look great with a lead, score some pretty trys in some games, and as soon as the heat comes in with a team with a strong forward pack and strong defence, we'll crack like we have for the past 18 months.
If we don't change the coaches now we have little chance of winning a QF in a World Cup, yet alone winning the thing. And we'll have more record losses on the way.
Yeah look I don't see Mo'unga as the solution to the ABs problems - and if he is, it's a very short term one - but he is the end of the BB problem.
Be careful what you wish for is my warning, things are going to get worse IMO. If we pick has-been-never-was type players like RM, the worse will be coming quickly.
Razors master plan of "everything will be right when Richie returns" seems more and more baffling.
-
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
if you've ever worked on the door of a bar or club, this is the "sorry mate, not in those shoes" tactic. Look, we both know you're blind, but this is less likely to result in an argument and quite possibly a fight.
It is. Hoskins went and put in all the effort to go home and get some fucking great shoes too. That'd fuck me right off.
that happened to me once, i actually cracked up.
still didn't let him in, pulled a Razor
-
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
if you've ever worked on the door of a bar or club, this is the "sorry mate, not in those shoes" tactic. Look, we both know you're blind, but this is less likely to result in an argument and quite possibly a fight.
It is. Hoskins went and put in all the effort to go home and get some fucking great shoes too. That'd fuck me right off.
And regularly outplayed the guy picked ahead of him, once in a Super Rugby final.
And won player of the tourney didn't he?
-
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
if you've ever worked on the door of a bar or club, this is the "sorry mate, not in those shoes" tactic. Look, we both know you're blind, but this is less likely to result in an argument and quite possibly a fight.
It is. Hoskins went and put in all the effort to go home and get some fucking great shoes too. That'd fuck me right off.
that happened to me once, i actually cracked up.
still didn't let him in, pulled a Razor
The "Clothes too casual" manouvre
-
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
if you've ever worked on the door of a bar or club, this is the "sorry mate, not in those shoes" tactic. Look, we both know you're blind, but this is less likely to result in an argument and quite possibly a fight.
It is. Hoskins went and put in all the effort to go home and get some fucking great shoes too. That'd fuck me right off.
that happened to me once, i actually cracked up.
still didn't let him in, pulled a Razor
The "Clothes too casual" manouvre
sorry mate, private function
-
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@DurryMexted said in All Blacks 2025:
@ShaquilleOatmeal The Ardie situation is arguably even tougher than the BB situation. It feels like the Barrett situation will run its course following this tour, where he physically is not up to it and its fairly obvious even to the lesser engaged fans. Beaudie could retire from international footy or just have an 'injury cloud' and fade into a much lesser role in the squad. Its not a hard decision for Razor to make.
Ardie on the other hand is actually still in seemingly great physical condition, but is just refusing to be a role player in the team. For one, its not immediately clear that the coaching staff even see this issue, but assuming they actually do some analysis on this - Razor has to either re-train him into actually peforming his core role (& him actually doing it on the field) or drop him for an actual 7 who can and will tackle and hit rucks all day. For a coach/organisation that seems to be so heavily dictated by broader influence, i dont see this happening until it becomes so bad that everyone starts to agree (as per BB situation) and even then all it takes is a short instagram snippet of a turnover or big dummie and the masses will be satisfied that all is well. I just cant see a situation where Ardie is dropped, and i cant see one where he changes his play. So will be a holding pattern through to the RWC
The BB situation has a limited timeline because of Mo'unga coming back anyway - it's just a disgusting shortsighted waste of development opportunity which will leave us in a worse position post WC.
Ardie is a problem, which becomes a bigger problem if you want to pick Sititi too.
Well, Mounga was missing tackles six years ago in vital games, so that's unlikely to improved as time has marched on.
His one trick is using his speed to fix forwards in the backline, again at what 33(?) that pace has to be fading, and it was a trick that worked great at super rugby level but was only effective at Test level against minnows.
He's not the answer either, just another step in the lowering the AB standard down from Test level to Super Rugby level. We'll look great with a lead, score some pretty trys in some games, and as soon as the heat comes in with a team with a strong forward pack and strong defence, we'll crack like we have for the past 18 months.
If we don't change the coaches now we have little chance of winning a QF in a World Cup, yet alone winning the thing. And we'll have more record losses on the way.
That hasn't really changed. I only watch full games occasionally, but I remember the semi final last year because lots of kiwis were involved, and he was a turn style (despite being excellent on attack, I have to say).
A quick google (Rugbypass) shows he made 1 completed tackle in that game, and missed 3 (tackles made = 4; tackles completed = 1, tackles missed =3). I think I'm interpreting their stats correctly as that is how it adds up for other players.
To be fair, it does look like that was his worst defensive game of the playoffs, it looks like he completed 6, missed none in the final. On the other hand, the Kobe team had some of the best inside backs he faced (Gatland, Lafaele, Little) and their midfielders were excellent that day.
-
@gt12 said in All Blacks 2025:
@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@Nogusta said in All Blacks 2025:
You can't say its "DP's decision" unless you have some evidence that Razor actually picked him and DP said no.
Razor: "Dalton I've picked you for the All Blacks"
DP: "No thanks.
Nailed it bruv
Got the 'call up' whilst with the ABXVs
Said thanks but no thanks.
Won't play for a coach he has lost respect for
NZRU considering sanction/fine of some
kind.
He got shafted last year around the time of the Northern tour and again this year.
Was it (this years shafting) to do with his non selection? Yes and no.Ok if that's his principled position then fair enough.
Im out of touch with the younger generation. They are a lot more high minded than me.
Im more inclined to grub around in the mud if I have to get the things I think will benefit my family in the long run.
Ive been critical of Razor and I dont like Ryan but at the end of the day they are just like everyone else - flawed human beings. A bit of forgiveness rather than holding grudges and seeking revenge can be beneficial.
On the other hand sometimes its not worth getting involved with toxic people.
Tough position.
One thing is for certain, if players are refusing to accept call ups then the ABs current culture as at an all time low.
Good post.
A bit beyond this thread, but as someone who works with new young people every year, I would say that our generations focus on pragmatism has become dramatically less important - some will act against their best interests emphasizing personal well being and current priorities in a way that I find bizarre but does seem to actually work for them (btw, I'm not talking about the feverish, ideological purity of this generation to some ideas, despite clear evidence to the contrary in support of a doctrine).
Let's see where this lands, I suspect we'll have to wait for some biographies to find out.
I think Dalton wants to play. Just as Akira and Hoskins did. But you can only put yourself up to get knocked down and passed over by lesser players so often before you stop
-
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
If you give a guy work ons and he does these, then you fail to pick him anyway, what message does that send? Could he take you at your word, or would he start to feel that he was being lied to and that you actually had no intention to give him another chance?
if you've ever worked on the door of a bar or club, this is the "sorry mate, not in those shoes" tactic. Look, we both know you're blind, but this is less likely to result in an argument and quite possibly a fight.
It is. Hoskins went and put in all the effort to go home and get some fucking great shoes too. That'd fuck me right off.
that happened to me once, i actually cracked up.
still didn't let him in, pulled a Razor
Don't call me 'him' bro, I'm right here.
-
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@gt12 said in All Blacks 2025:
@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@Nogusta said in All Blacks 2025:
You can't say its "DP's decision" unless you have some evidence that Razor actually picked him and DP said no.
Razor: "Dalton I've picked you for the All Blacks"
DP: "No thanks.
Nailed it bruv
Got the 'call up' whilst with the ABXVs
Said thanks but no thanks.
Won't play for a coach he has lost respect for
NZRU considering sanction/fine of some
kind.
He got shafted last year around the time of the Northern tour and again this year.
Was it (this years shafting) to do with his non selection? Yes and no.Ok if that's his principled position then fair enough.
Im out of touch with the younger generation. They are a lot more high minded than me.
Im more inclined to grub around in the mud if I have to get the things I think will benefit my family in the long run.
Ive been critical of Razor and I dont like Ryan but at the end of the day they are just like everyone else - flawed human beings. A bit of forgiveness rather than holding grudges and seeking revenge can be beneficial.
On the other hand sometimes its not worth getting involved with toxic people.
Tough position.
One thing is for certain, if players are refusing to accept call ups then the ABs current culture as at an all time low.
Good post.
A bit beyond this thread, but as someone who works with new young people every year, I would say that our generations focus on pragmatism has become dramatically less important - some will act against their best interests emphasizing personal well being and current priorities in a way that I find bizarre but does seem to actually work for them (btw, I'm not talking about the feverish, ideological purity of this generation to some ideas, despite clear evidence to the contrary in support of a doctrine).
Let's see where this lands, I suspect we'll have to wait for some biographies to find out.
I think Dalton wants to play. Just as Akira and Hoskins did. But you can only put yourself up to get knocked down and passed over by lesser players so often before you stop
Especially when the likes of CLW has a decent season, not awesome, just decent, and gets elevated off the back of it or Kirifi gets elevated after toiling away for years and isn't a success.
Man, I went to bed last night not expecting to wake up this morning and see multiple threads with wagons being circled for Razor..
-
Just on the Papalii piece
He didnt feature in the last 9 tests of 2024.
He got one opportunity in 2025 (due to a warm up injury) and had a superb 15 minutes from the bench.
Has then been overlooked again until a injury cover call up on the end of year tour.
I'd be pissed off as well.
-
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
This is the problem I have with the Paps scenario and by extension Akira (don't tell me he wouldn't have stayed if they asked) and Hoskins. He was given work ons and he appears to have done what they asked. But he still doesn't get picked and lots of fans would base their opinions on whether he should get another shot or not purely on past performance. But if we did that we would have never seen the best from rodders or Kaino, who were both dropped and told to go away and work on stuff. I think we can all agree they ended up having pretty good AB careers the second time around
Why do we have Sititi replacing Parker when they are completely different players? Even the Chiefs were replacing similar for similar in Finau for Parker.
I think Robertson decided at the start of this year that he wanted to have 1 x lump + Savea + Sititi. The latter two being considered too good to leave out. Because of that, his lump needs to be a first class lineout target, a defensive enforcer and effective ball carrier in heavy traffic, and have a massive workrate hitting rucks and making tackles. Unfortunately for us that player doesn't exist.
Sititi post-injury and shift to 8 and a tighter role underwhelmed. So he's now gone with Lakai to start and Sititi on the bench, but this changes little as Lakai is predominantly a carrier too, and not the biggest guy, and not a lineout target.Parker can't last 80 even at Super level, so he has to be replaced. We aren't clever enough / too risk averse to have 2 loosies on the bench. And as per above, Sititi too good to leave out.
Sititi isnt too good to leave out. Hes been inconsistent. What did he do in the weekend?
Zero tackles in 26 minutes.
