All Blacks 2024.. locked

[sparky]

Back Row -

Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell are off to Japan for a bit. Neither has clearly called time on their ABs career. They might have a role to play at international level again, but I don’t think either will be in the All Blacks team in 2027.

Beyond that, there is lots and lots to pick from: Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Samipeni Finau, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Billy Harmon, Kaylum Bolshier, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, MM-T, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Anton Segner and maybe Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu if they get going again.

[Bones]

@sparky mate it's way too early to be so drunk. In what world is Kaylum Boshier a better shot than Ioane and Sotutu?

[sparky]

Leadership:

It’s going to be very interesting to see who Razor picks as his Captain.

I’d go with Ardie who will only grow from his 2023 RWC experiences, is World Player of the Year and is outstanding with the off-field stuff.

Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor are all proven leaders too. Jordie Barrett was an on-field leader in the 2023 RWC and deserves to be part of the leadership group going forward.

[sparky]

@Bones He looked the business for Taranaki in this year’s NPC. Yeah, he’s obviously behind two guys with 22 and 14 All Blacks Tests at the minute, but I think Bolshier could be a helluva player by 2027.

[sparky]

If you’ll indulge me, this thread is fantastic therapy.

Despite the utter shiteness of last Saturday’s result, I’m buzzing now for 2024 and to see what Razor and his coaching team can do with this set of players.

[sparky]

@frugby Not sure about Parker and Springer yet if I’m honest. Ethan Blackadder will be there if fit. Your other calls are all a good shout.

[sparky]

@cgrant I agree with most of that. I’m not sure about Saufoa though.

[Mr Fish]

Feel like you've basically thrown every Super Rugby starter (and then some) into the ABs mix for next year, @sparky

I wouldn't be surprised if over 50% of the guys who get a call-up over the next few years have only played one Super season to date at the point in time.

The guys that absolutely need replacing for next year's squad are Coles, Laulala, Retallick, Whitelock, Frizell, Smith, Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett. You'd think most of those guys will be replaced by already capped ABs (Grace, Sotutu, Aumua, Perofeta etc) with a couple of exceptions. Then I think Razor will pad out the squad with a couple of very young options, a la Barrett, Retallick etc in 2012.

[sparky]

@Mr-Fish

1. If Super Rugby is one step down from Test Rugby, then the path way for established, high-performing and successful Super Players should be on to Test Rugby, the All Blacks XV, the New Zealand Māori or lucrative contracts overseas.

2. I’d add Sam Cane to those who will need replacing next year or in the next two years.

3. I’m not sure Aumua’s set piece work is good enough for the ABs anymore.

[akan004]

I feel Razor is going to try and convince NZR to bring in the equivalent of the Giteau law. He did hint at it when he was appointed. If this happens we will see the likes of BBBR and Mounga play in black again. I'm ok with it personally if we limit it to two players.

[sparky]

@akan004 I’m near certain we haven’t seen the last of Richie Mo’unga in Black.

[akan004]

@sparky said in All Blacks 2024:

@akan004 I’m near certain we haven’t seen the last of Richie Mo’unga in Black.

He's Razor's guy, won him so many SR titles. Can't imagine a Razor coached team without Mounga in it.

[African Monkey]

@Bones Not playing = quality player.

[Victor Meldrew]

@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:

Not this Ioane shit again

Our visionless, hungus non-distributing centre threw the last pass in the first two tries of our biggest win in a couple of years not a fortnight ago.

He still has a few things to work on and can, I think, get even better - and he's only 26. Which for the opposition must be a frightening prospect

[Victor Meldrew]

@Nepia said in All Blacks 2024:

Rough on Bunce, Stanley and 1920s superstar Bert Cooke.

Bert Cooke was shit compared to Karl Ifwersen......

[Victor Meldrew]

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2024:

Razor will leave no stone unturned before picking his first side next season

Yeah all those coaches that left unturned stones in their quest to put points on the board in a game of two halves.

Reading that made me as sick as a parrot.

[Victor Meldrew]

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024:

@cgrant Lord should already be the incumbent, he's got enough size.

Just needs to get in touch with Ethan Blackadder's trainer.

[MN5]

@sparky said in All Blacks 2024:

First Five - NZ Rugby looks thin here.

DMac is the obvious pick to start. Both Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga are off to Japan for a bit and could be back by 2027 to be RWC squad members, but younger options are needed.

I’d like to see more of David Havili at First Five to see if he is a Test option. Stephen Perofeta looked great at Ten for the All Blacks XV, but needs more time playing there at Super Level.

Beyond that, the cupboard looks rather bare.

I’m confused as to how things are thin here but midfield is apparently an area of strength ?

[Machpants]

@sparky said in All Blacks 2024:

Back Row -

Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell are off to Japan for a bit. Neither has clearly called time on their ABs career. They might have a role to play at international level again, but I don’t think either will be in the All Blacks team in 2027.

Beyond that, there is lots and lots to pick from: Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Samipeni Finau, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Billy Harmon, Kaylum Bolshier, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, MM-T, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Anton Segner and maybe Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu if they get going again.

Cane is available for all ABs tests next year, and I can't see Razor dropping him from the squad

[sparky]

@Machpants I doubt he will make it to 2027. He’ll be eased out sooner or later. I don’t think he’ll be dumped like Gary Whetton but he won’t be central to Razor’s plans either.