All Blacks 2024

[Tim]

Quick reexamination of the 2022 AB XV squad. If we get these sorts of forwards selections in the ABs this year then we are in trouble. Hopefully Jason Ryan won't opt for as many comedy options this time.

Forwards:

Props

Finlay Brewis (22, Crusaders / Canterbury)

Oli Jager (27, Crusaders / Canterbury)

Aidan Ross (26, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty)

Angus Ta’avao (32, Chiefs / Auckland)

Tamaiti Williams (22, Crusaders / Canterbury)

Hookers

Asafo Aumua (25, Hurricanes / Wellington)

George Bell (20, Crusaders / Canterbury)

Brodie McAlister (25, Crusaders / Canterbury)

Locks

Josh Dickson (27, Highlanders / Otago)

Zach Gallagher (21, Crusaders / Canterbury)

Patrick Tuipulotu - Captain (29, Blues / Auckland)

Loose Forwards

Dominic Gardiner (21, Crusaders / Canterbury)

Billy Harmon (27, Highlanders / Canterbury)

Luke Jacobson (25, Chiefs / Waikato)

Christian Lio-Willie (24, Crusaders / Otago)

Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (24, Highlanders, Hawkes Bay)

[Bones]

@Tim makings of a bloody good pack in there though.

[Tim]

@Bones well, minus Finlay Brewis, Brodie McAlister, George Bell, Dominic Gardener, Christian Lio-Willie, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, and Billy Harmon.

Really hope ABs never get that desperate.

[sparky]

I've seen enough already to hope Samipeni Finau gets another shot this year in the All Blacks 6 jersey.

[DaGrubster]

@sparky

Yes, I am looking forward to seeing him get more game time in black this year.

I know we have lost some experience but I am excited about the potential of our pack over the next couple of years

[African Monkey]

@Tim Gardiner and Bell have been extremely disappointing in the first 2 games, especially Bell with all the hype that has surrounded him early in his career so far.

[Dan54]

Miles to early to be selecting ABs I know, but at this early stage both Jacobson and Sotutu are throwing hands in air for 8. I thought Jacobson was absolutely huge against Brumbies yesterady, looked like he was on search and destroy mission for anyone in Brumbies jersey. Sotutu was certainly letting everyone know he was there on Friday night with ball in hand.

[KiwiMurph]

I thought Ruben Love was excellent yesterday for the Canes. He enjoyed the day time conditions and didn't get sloppy or overplay his hand.

The battle of the fullbacks this season is terrific to watch.

[Windows97]

What on earth has Sotutu been eating during the off season as he's been playing like an absolute beast this year. Admittedly early doors but gracious, he really seems to have bulked up and added a lot of power to his game.

[cgrant]

Sullivan has the highest ceiling IMO. Love and Stephenson seem lost at times, especially in defence. Sullivan's huge left boot is a weapon. That would allow us to get rid of Jordie Barrett's banana kicks to find touch after penalties on the right side of the pitch.

[ACT Crusader]

@Windows97 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

What on earth has Sotutu been eating during the off season as he's been playing like an absolute beast this year. Admittedly early doors but gracious, he really seems to have bulked up and added a lot of power to his game.

Funny you say that because watching him live on the weekend he actually looked leaner/smaller than when I last saw him live

[Dan54]

@Windows97 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

What on earth has Sotutu been eating during the off season as he's been playing like an absolute beast this year. Admittedly early doors but gracious, he really seems to have bulked up and added a lot of power to his game.

As you say it early doors as yet, but it's good seeing who strats season hot. Sotutu is playing the beast as is bloody Luke Jacobson, who was absolutely burying Brumbies on Sunday. Just quietly so is Tupou Vai.

[sparky]

Cam Roigard must be the first-choice All Blacks Half Back.

[Canes4life]

@sparky the way Fakatava is playing I wouldn't mind Roigard starting with Fakatava's razzle off the bench.

[BerniesCorner]

Roigard showed serious pace chasing Telea in the intercept try.

[sparky]

Apart from Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor, how many players from the Sith are going to be All Blacks regulars this year?

[antipodean]

@sparky said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

Cam Roigard must be the first-choice All Blacks Half Back.

The contest is against daylight for second place.

[BerniesCorner]

Yeah half of the ABs will be Canes this year.

[Canes4life]

@BerniesCorner I wouldn't say that but Proctor, Love and Lakai should be in contention. Early days yet.

[BerniesCorner]

It amazes me where all the talent comes from year after year from a small country.
The backline:
Roigard, DMac, JB, Higgins, Jordan, Telea, Nareki, Love, Reiko , Jacob RK ...
Awesome