The Silver Fern

@Duluth
Great, thanks.

@duluth
I lodged my Super Rugby tips about an hour or so ago. The screen confirmed my tips had been processed, but went back into the link just now and it loaded with the blank tipping sheet again.

@Frank
And me too please? Just scanned Reddit and couldn't find anything that I'd classify as drastic.

Allez Les Bleus!

James Lowe not in the squad for the France match.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360934320/andy-farrell-axes-james-lowe-move-sends-message-depleted-ireland

This article cites an interview with Ian Foster https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ian-fosters-verdict-on-all-blacks-vacancy-and-issues-sure-of-it-prediction-after-scott-robertsons-sacking

“It’s Jamie Joseph’s job, I’m sure of it, then it’s either Brown with him or they are going to chase an experienced coach to do it with him for 18 months and then probably go to Tony Brown after the World Cup.”

Will the preseason trials be televised?

@game_film said in All Blacks - New Coach Selection:

@Tim Must have been in the timeframe when Razor knew but everyone else didn’t. Would be a logical move - just get over and live on the Gold Coast. Napier also said he was paid out at least a year.

And maybe place him in the mix for future Wallabies coaching role/s?

@Chris said in All Blacks - New Coach Selection:

As I posted a while ago what if coaches turn down the chance ATM,due to what they see as bad timing etc.
Since then Brown,Schmidt,McMillan maybe Rennie and Cotter could also opt out.
That leaves a default Joseph option what if he opts out.
Left with assistant coaches Hanson,Ryan or Who ?.
A few posters jumped on my post and bagged it maybe they didnt stop and think about what coaches maybe walking into.
It may hurt the coaching portfolio not booster it in the short time, After the WC perfect time for a coach to take over.

If JJ opts out NZR will have no option but to expand the recruitment parameters , which would include non kiwi’s unless they opt for changing the HC experience criteria.

@george33 said in All Blacks - New Coach Selection:

So hearing Rennie is out .

Do you know why?

@sparky said in All Blacks 2026:

So it will be a New Zealand coach with International Head Coaching experience.

Allan Bunting meets that criteria.

This in STUFF seems abit misleading
“Schmidt, who will finish up as Wallabies coach in July, was sounded out by NZ Rugby about his interest in making a return to the All Blacks following Scott Robertson’s sacking on January 15, according to sources with knowledge of the matter who cannot comment publicly.”

And “The coach has been coy about committing to an ongoing consultancy role with the Wallabies and RA, but there is a quiet confidence Schmidt will re-engage next year after a break.”

So he hasn’t formally committed to the Wallabies post July.

@allblackfan2 said in All Blacks 2026:

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:

@allblackfan2 said in All Blacks 2026:

This is from the SMH, behind a paywall which I can’t access. But based on the headline looks like Joe won’t be involved with the AB’s . https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/golden-loyalty-schmidt-rules-himself-out-of-race-for-all-blacks-job-20260125-p5nwt7.html

Don't think Joe was ever a realistic choice, after reading his comments on his son etc last year needing him around more.

I’m assuming the Wallabies gig requires him to be regularly travelling to/from Oz. I’d have thought being based back in NZ would have been the more attractive option given his family’s needs.

Though perhaps NZR haven’t or weren’t going to approach him for a senior level non HC role.

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:

@allblackfan2 said in All Blacks 2026:

This is from the SMH, behind a paywall which I can’t access. But based on the headline looks like Joe won’t be involved with the AB’s . https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/golden-loyalty-schmidt-rules-himself-out-of-race-for-all-blacks-job-20260125-p5nwt7.html

Don't think Joe was ever a realistic choice, after reading his comments on his son etc last year needing him around more.

I’m assuming the Wallabies gig requires him to be regularly travelling to/from Oz. I’d have thought being based back in NZ would have been the more attractive option given his family’s needs.

This is from the SMH, behind a paywall which I can’t access. But based on the headline looks like Joe won’t be involved with the AB’s . https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/golden-loyalty-schmidt-rules-himself-out-of-race-for-all-blacks-job-20260125-p5nwt7.html

I’m disappointed…naturally…….and concerned. Linking with the AB’s post July would have seemingly provided him with a great situation, still involved with rugby at the top level but not the high pressure HC and back home with family. A bit of a worry that he has chosen to continue with the Wallabies, and that they’ll have his expertise leading up to and at the RWC.

If the new coach and their team are able to work their magic leadership, skills and strategies wise do we have the players available to match it with the likes of SA, England, France and the Pumas?

@His-Bobness said in All Blacks 2026:

Why would Wayne Smith, aged 68, and semi-retired on the Gold Coast want another high pressure rugby gig at this time of his life? Is he short of super? Or is he suffering from relevance deprivation syndrome?

Maybe it’s not a high pressure position e.g. head coach, people manager? If you’re 68 or older and feeling physically and mentally fit, want to keep your brain active and feel you can contribute to a team or an organisation, and enjoy a challenge …why not?

@sparky said in Six Nations 2026:

My prediction:

England
France
Scotland
Ireland
Italy
Wales

Mine the same except France over England.

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2026:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2026:

have to think someone like Mealamu who is obviously fairly close to things still would be well aware if one or two players are gettign too big for themselves and pull them back into line or be equally as keen to push them out the door if they are contributing to a toxic environment.

PLenty of these older players will be hurting from the past 5 or 6 years, regardless of Marshall being a twat, the issues he has had in the public eye with Akira stem from his love of the jersey and seeing it devalued, and probably like most, frustrated that someone as talented as Akira never quite turned that final corner and realised the immense talent he possessed.

Marshall was quite adamant that Razor was doing an ok job as coach, wasn't he?

Don’t recall, but sounds like he’s moved on https://www.planetrugby.com/news/justin-marshall-warns-all-blacks-that-possible-total-mindset-change-needed-in-super-rugby-pacific-after-scott-robertsons-departure

@MN5 said in Six Nations 2026:

France or England to take the whole thing. Ireland looking in a bit of decline.

Huge Wooden Spoon game between Wales and Italy.

I think Wales for the Wooden Spoon, Italy tracking strongly last season and given the kerfuffle with the Welsh rugby clubs this may impact on their squad.

I’d love to see France take it out.