All Blacks XV 2022

[KiwiMurph]

@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks XV:

@pakman said in All Blacks XV:

Two things:

1. Not a development team (at least this year), which explains Heem; and

2. Surprised no Christie, given his province, but glad Harmon made it.

have to ask...if its not a development team...whats the point...they're effectively playing friendlies, nothing on the line

I think the idea is that they are front of the queue as 'next cabs off the rank' in 2023 if needed (not counting injured players) - with a little bit of experience (Heem) and youth (Bell) thrown in. Of course that can change and in the case of locks the list right now would probably look something like 1) Whitelock 2) Retallick 3) Barrett 4) Vaai 5) Lord 6) Tuipolotu 7) Dickson - in other words the queue is quite long......

[ACT Crusader]

All Blacks XV squad: Forwards: Asafo Aumua (Wellington), George Bell (Canterbury), Brodie McAlister (Canty), Finlay Brewis (Canty), Oli Jager (Canty), Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty), Angus Ta’avao (Auckland), Tamaiti Williams (Canty), Josh Dickson (Otago), Zach Gallagher (Canty), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland – captain), Dominic Gardiner (Canty), Billy Harmon (Canty), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Christian Lio-Willie (Otago), Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (Hawkes Bay).

Backs: TJ Perenara (Wellington), Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay), Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau), Bryn Gatland (North Harbour), Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Levi Aumua ( Ta$man), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Alex Nankivell ( Ta$man), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), AJ Lam (Auckland), Ruben Love (Wellington), Mark Telea (North Harbour).

Congrats to all these fellas. Some have a big opportunity to stake a claim.

Looks like @BartMan had the good oil on Brodie McAlister. I thought it was possible but had a couple of doubts. Bell is a FAB for sure and this will be a project opportunity.

Brewis? Aye??? Jager has improved out of sight. Good to see Ta’avao in there.

Gallagher is definitely one for the future. Just turned 21 and has the foundation of a good lock. I’d be starting Dickson and Patty T.

Only surprise in the loosies is Lio-Willie over PGS. I wonder if they will play Harmon or Jacobsen at 7? Good to see MMT in the mix.

Very surprised to see both of the older halfbacks. Congrats to Hoigard.

DMac not surprised, but am a little surprised by Gatland making it. Where’s Cameron aye Grant Fox

I don’t mind Heem. He’s a pretty good player that has versatility. Nankivell not sold on him. AJ could’ve been a smokey for the ABs if we weren’t so close to the RWC. His time will come. Aumua is a little up and down, as is Love. Telea and Sullivan would’ve been no brainers for this squad.

[Bones]

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

I just wonder whether these guys get decent advice, when they are eligible for multiple nations. Does someone have an honest conversation; you are probably not going to be a 50, 30 or even 15 test All Black. Will half a dozen caps fill your apetite for the black jersey. Or wpuld you rather play 50 tests for Fiji

Yeah someone really should have had a word to young Kaino and Nonu to represent another country after not being the best early in their careers.

Lomu should probably have gone to the 95 RWC with Tonga too after that shit show in 94.

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

I just wonder whether these guys get decent advice, when they are eligible for multiple nations. Does someone have an honest conversation; you are probably not going to be a 50, 30 or even 15 test All Black. Will half a dozen caps fill your apetite for the black jersey. Or wpuld you rather play 50 tests for Fiji

Yeah someone really should have had a word to young Kaino and Nonu to represent another country after not being the best early in their careers.

Lomu should probably have gone to the 95 RWC with Tonga too after that shit show in 94.

Yeah... not the level of players I was talking about there buddy....

A player with a handful of caps who didn't hit their straps until getting selected a "second time around"? Sounds right to me.

Righto... No. Not guys who were rockstar age grade players who made their debuts as teenagers. More the lads who could be jepordising decent opportunities for other nations rhey may be eligible for. But I'm sure you'll come back with a wicked response dripping with sarcasm.

Nah. Just a bit early to be writing off PGS. I wouldn't be lining up a 3 course hat meal over it.

[taniwharugby]

@Bones thing is, at 27, he is, or should be in his prime now, and looking over the main squad and this odd development/retirement 15, I do think he will struggle for another cap next year...I know he said it was his dream to play for the ABs, so I guess he achieved his dream, maybe he is happy regardless?

[MN5]

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

I just wonder whether these guys get decent advice, when they are eligible for multiple nations. Does someone have an honest conversation; you are probably not going to be a 50, 30 or even 15 test All Black. Will half a dozen caps fill your apetite for the black jersey. Or wpuld you rather play 50 tests for Fiji

Yeah someone really should have had a word to young Kaino and Nonu to represent another country after not being the best early in their careers.

Lomu should probably have gone to the 95 RWC with Tonga too after that shit show in 94.

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

I just wonder whether these guys get decent advice, when they are eligible for multiple nations. Does someone have an honest conversation; you are probably not going to be a 50, 30 or even 15 test All Black. Will half a dozen caps fill your apetite for the black jersey. Or wpuld you rather play 50 tests for Fiji

Yeah someone really should have had a word to young Kaino and Nonu to represent another country after not being the best early in their careers.

Lomu should probably have gone to the 95 RWC with Tonga too after that shit show in 94.

Yeah... not the level of players I was talking about there buddy....

A player with a handful of caps who didn't hit their straps until getting selected a "second time around"? Sounds right to me.

Righto... No. Not guys who were rockstar age grade players who made their debuts as teenagers. More the lads who could be jepordising decent opportunities for other nations rhey may be eligible for. But I'm sure you'll come back with a wicked response dripping with sarcasm.

Nah. Just a bit early to be writing off PGS. I wouldn't be lining up a 3 course hat meal over it.

He’ll struggle to get game time once fern legend Cullen Grace comes back and becomes the best player in the world.

[antipodean]

@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV:

A back three of Stevenson, Telea and Lam would be bloody good to watch.

I'm very interested in seeing how well Telea and Lam can play at this next level.

[ACT Crusader]

@MN5 said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

I just wonder whether these guys get decent advice, when they are eligible for multiple nations. Does someone have an honest conversation; you are probably not going to be a 50, 30 or even 15 test All Black. Will half a dozen caps fill your apetite for the black jersey. Or wpuld you rather play 50 tests for Fiji

Yeah someone really should have had a word to young Kaino and Nonu to represent another country after not being the best early in their careers.

Lomu should probably have gone to the 95 RWC with Tonga too after that shit show in 94.

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV:

I just wonder whether these guys get decent advice, when they are eligible for multiple nations. Does someone have an honest conversation; you are probably not going to be a 50, 30 or even 15 test All Black. Will half a dozen caps fill your apetite for the black jersey. Or wpuld you rather play 50 tests for Fiji

Yeah someone really should have had a word to young Kaino and Nonu to represent another country after not being the best early in their careers.

Lomu should probably have gone to the 95 RWC with Tonga too after that shit show in 94.

Yeah... not the level of players I was talking about there buddy....

A player with a handful of caps who didn't hit their straps until getting selected a "second time around"? Sounds right to me.

Righto... No. Not guys who were rockstar age grade players who made their debuts as teenagers. More the lads who could be jepordising decent opportunities for other nations rhey may be eligible for. But I'm sure you'll come back with a wicked response dripping with sarcasm.

Nah. Just a bit early to be writing off PGS. I wouldn't be lining up a 3 course hat meal over it.

He’ll struggle to get game time once fern legend Cullen Grace comes back and becomes the best player in the world.

Cullen is taller than Ardie too, but only just

[Bones]

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones thing is, at 27, he is, or should be in his prime now, and looking over the main squad and this odd development/retirement 15, I do think he will struggle for another cap next year...I know he said it was his dream to play for the ABs, so I guess he achieved his dream, maybe he is happy regardless?

I thought he was a late comer to rugby anyway? He was a basketball player in his youth from what I recall. So probably not following the same path as your typical player...bit hard to be an age grade rugby star if you're not playing rugby.

[MN5]

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones thing is, at 27, he is, or should be in his prime now, and looking over the main squad and this odd development/retirement 15, I do think he will struggle for another cap next year...I know he said it was his dream to play for the ABs, so I guess he achieved his dream, maybe he is happy regardless?

I thought he was a late comer to rugby anyway? He was a basketball player in his youth from what I recall. So probably not following the same path as your typical player...bit hard to be an age grade rugby star if you're not playing rugby.

Ease up on the sarcasm, we get your point

[Bones]

@MN5 said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones said in All Blacks XV:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks XV:

@Bones thing is, at 27, he is, or should be in his prime now, and looking over the main squad and this odd development/retirement 15, I do think he will struggle for another cap next year...I know he said it was his dream to play for the ABs, so I guess he achieved his dream, maybe he is happy regardless?

I thought he was a late comer to rugby anyway? He was a basketball player in his youth from what I recall. So probably not following the same path as your typical player...bit hard to be an age grade rugby star if you're not playing rugby.

Ease up on the sarcasm, we get your point

EABOD.

[antipodean]

Should Ta'avao be going with the amount of head knocks he's taken lately?

[cgrant]

A few thoughts :

• a huge number of props, considering there are six other ones traveling with the All Blacks.
• MMT and CLW are very similar players. Gutted for Suafoa who has been very good for NH and the Maoris.
• No Moorby, no Stevenson : both are better than Love, IMO. Maybe the latter's versatility (1st Five / fullback) has pleaded for him ?
• Brewis in the touring team but not Hodgman shows how big is Ryan's influence.
• Heem selected but none of the UJs is weird.

[ACT Crusader]

@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV:

So a top XV of:

Ross
Aumua
Ta'avao
Tuipulotu
Dickson
MMT
Harmon
Jacobson
Weber/TJP
Gatland
Lam
Nankivell
Sullivan/Aumua
Telea
DMac

I’d have DMac at 1st 5 and Gatland on the bench. Can’t Bailyn play fullback too? Heem to start in the midfield (or RTS)

Forward pack looks right.

[bayimports]

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks XV:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV:

So a top XV of:

Ross
Aumua
Ta'avao
Tuipulotu
Dickson
MMT
Harmon
Jacobson
Weber/TJP
Gatland
Lam
Nankivell
Sullivan/Aumua
Telea
DMac

I’d have DMac at 1st 5 and Gatland on the bench. Can’t Bailyn play fullback too? Heem to start in the midfield (or RTS)

Forward pack looks right.

I personally think DMac will get play as a dual play maker, with Perofeta getting some time on the field.. they may switch during a match), but I suspect this is what will happen.

They always did say some ABs would play

[Victor Meldrew]

@Canes4life said in All Blacks XV:

Same with Peter Umaga-Jensen. Mind you, he looks to be carrying a shoulder injury

Bugger me, there's a surprise. Poor bloke's becoming the new Richard Kahui

[Bovidae]

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks XV:

I don’t mind Heem. He’s a pretty good player that has versatility.

I think they should have selected one more specialist winger (or outside back) and one less midfield back. Heem is a wasted pick for me.

[Bovidae]

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks XV:

I’d have DMac at 1st 5 and Gatland on the bench.

I picked DMac at fullback as I wouldn't be starting Love there.

Can’t Bailyn play fullback too?

No, midfield or wing. He may end up playing a game on the wing.

[booboo]

Having not watched much NPC a couple of genuine questions and vague rambling comments:

1. Gatland. Deserved? Been kinda average for a few years. He come right?

2. Got the impression Burgus Ferk is one for the future. Am I wrong given he misses out to BG?

3. Heem is an interesting pick. Selectors obviously think he is close because he's not "the future". Selectors think he is next cab off the rank?

4. PGS. An obvious error early in the year.

5. Surprised at the captain . Would have picked Jacobsen.

6. Hookers. How close was Thompson?

7. Know nothing of midfield Aumua. He ok?

8. Halves. Obviously picked with RWC in mind.

[TheMojoman]

Overall again like the AB squad a fairly predictable squad which is a good thing. Lots of test caps which bodes well for the younger guys.

• PGS has been a shadow of himself since he was dropped and has paid the price. What a shame. I really hope he bounces back in 2023

• Why they didn’t pick Stevenson is a mystery. Dude has been the form fullback of the NOC and tore it up for the Māori this year

• Naitoa Ah Khoui has been playing well with his versatility. Unlucky.

• Christian Lio-Willie? What exactly has he done? Suafoa given his versatility would’ve been a better pick or even Braydon Iose

• Would’ve likes to have seen Fabian Holland tour given the likely departures of Whitelock and potentially Retallick after RWC

[Bones]

I guess Heem is someone who could really "fill a role". Only going off super, but he was a pretty safe pick in whatever position he was selected and does cover from 12 out potentially. Perhaps if they're looking at a Jordie 12 type player, he could be fairly like-for-like?