All Blacks 2026
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@ShaquilleOatmeal yes...but....."the strongest" needs to be evaluated against how they want to play rather than like fantasy rugby rating or something....and it might mean we start the "second best" player in a position if a particular attribute is key to the gameplan or the combination with other players brings another strength
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal yes...but....."the strongest" needs to be evaluated against how they want to play rather than like fantasy rugby rating or something....and it might mean we start the "second best" player in a position if a particular attribute is key to the gameplan or the combination with other players brings another strength
I agree, although I'd add that sometimes the game plan they want to play might not be possible with the players available to them, whether they're the first, second or third best. The game plan comes first, for sure, but it might need to be adjusted.
I'm not sre there's been much of a game plan at all recently.
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@Kiwiwomble yeah it seems in recent years (back to c 2018) we have a game plan, but have either used the wrong players or havent had the players to execute it.
Like your example, we selected Goodhue asking him to play like Laumape.
Similarly our back-row for the past 4 or 5 years just hasnt been set up for the way we have tried to play.
The team selection and game plan needs to be more in sync.
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2026:
@Kiwiwomble yeah it seems in recent years (back to c 2018) we have a game plan, but have either used the wrong players or havent had the players to execute it.
Like your example, we selected Goodhue asking him to play like Laumape.
Similarly our back-row for the past 4 or 5 years just hasnt been set up for the way we have tried to play.
The team selection and game plan needs to be more in sync.
Doesn't help when the game plan isn't a particularly good one either...
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@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me. -
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
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@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Points to someone choosing family first to me.
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Just my read on it. They will go for a big blindside in the mould of Finau (rather than a Sititi), an above average sized openside in the mould of Withy or Lakai (rather than a Kirifi or an Ardie) and a genuine ball-player at 8 which will be either Ardie or Sititi in the first instance.
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after. -
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.I think the difference is he has a decent chance to make the side under a new coach. But he's not sticking around to find out, he wants out
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@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
@brodean said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
If he was serious about making the ABs couldn't he have waited until the coach was announced the first squad named? Just seems he's had a gutful and the black jersey isn't enough to keep him here anymore
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
@brodean said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
Couldn't agree more .That exactly what I was saying, he's not going because of lak of support , or for the rumour etc, he going because the certainty of the money is what he wants.
I in no way have a problem with him for that. -
@brodean said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
If he was serious about making the ABs couldn't he have waited until the coach was announced the first squad named? Just seems he's had a gutful and the black jersey isn't enough to keep him here anymore
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@brodean said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
If he was serious about making the ABs couldn't he have waited until the coach was announced the first squad named? Just seems he's had a gutful and the black jersey isn't enough to keep him here anymore
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@brodean said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
If he was serious about making the ABs couldn't he have waited until the coach was announced the first squad named? Just seems he's had a gutful and the black jersey isn't enough to keep him here anymore
Yep, and as I said above he wanted the money. There has always been and always will be players who want the money more than the jersey, so c'est le vie.
We have had it for years, as has most countries at one time or the other.
You remember Piatau ,Luatua ,Evans, Reihana etc
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It is bullshit to say he chose money over 'the jersey'.
He chose money. The jersey was not available.
The coach contracted from 2024 through to 2027 fucked him around. As a result NZR is paying the consequences.
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It is bullshit to say he chose money over 'the jersey'.
He chose money. The jersey was not available.
The coach contracted from 2024 through to 2027 fucked him around. As a result NZR is paying the consequences.
@SouthernMann said in All Blacks 2026:
It is bullshit to say he chose money over 'the jersey'.
He chose money. The jersey was not available.
The coach contracted from 2024 through to 2027 fucked him around. As a result NZR is paying the consequences.
But that guy is gone. He's not staying around to get another shot with the new man
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@SouthernMann said in All Blacks 2026:
It is bullshit to say he chose money over 'the jersey'.
He chose money. The jersey was not available.
The coach contracted from 2024 through to 2027 fucked him around. As a result NZR is paying the consequences.
But that guy is gone. He's not staying around to get another shot with the new man
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@SouthernMann said in All Blacks 2026:
It is bullshit to say he chose money over 'the jersey'.
He chose money. The jersey was not available.
The coach contracted from 2024 through to 2027 fucked him around. As a result NZR is paying the consequences.
But that guy is gone. He's not staying around to get another shot with the new man
Razor pushed him out the door.
The deal would have been in the works for a fair while.
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@brodean said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:
@sparky It’s disappointing he didn’t stick around through 2027 to see how things unfold.
Points towards a breakdown in his relationship with NZR, not just with Razor
I bet this was on before he knew Razor was going.
Points to someone not willing to fight to earn his spot to me.Not about fight. Putting his actions together with the rumours, Dalton is turning his back on NZR because he feels like he was not supported
OK, I suppose you can say that about any player that head overseas.
I just assume they going because they can get more cash than they will if they not picked.
I make no 2 ways about it, I don't know why these players are all seemingly starting to need support etc. I guess it just way is now .
And I not just saying rugby players, but all sports seem to be having problems with athletes needing looking after.He made it pretty clear that it was about earning for his family. I dont have any issues with that. The reality is the lure of the All Blacks jersey isnt what it once was.
A signed contract offers more certainty for players who are out of favour.
Couldn't agree more .That exactly what I was saying, he's not going because of lak of support , or for the rumour etc, he going because the certainty of the money is what he wants.
I in no way have a problem with him for that.@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
Couldn't agree more .That exactly what I was saying, he's not going because of lak of support , or for the rumour etc, he going because the certainty of the money is what he wants.
I in no way have a problem with him for that.He's not exactly going to come out and talk about these reasons publicly - at least not yet
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
Couldn't agree more .That exactly what I was saying, he's not going because of lak of support , or for the rumour etc, he going because the certainty of the money is what he wants.
I in no way have a problem with him for that.He's not exactly going to come out and talk about these reasons publicly - at least not yet
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2026:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:
Couldn't agree more .That exactly what I was saying, he's not going because of lak of support , or for the rumour etc, he going because the certainty of the money is what he wants.
I in no way have a problem with him for that.He's not exactly going to come out and talk about these reasons publicly - at least not yet
Young people these days. Not hard like the men of the 70s. They just got on and did what was needed!
