@ACT-Crusader said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@No-Quarter said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

Really pleased they are continuing with the axis of 10. Love, 14. Jordan, 15. DMac. It's easily the best use of all three players talents, and gives us lots of options for the makeup of the bench. I think those three players are going to be critical to our chances in SA.

And Jordie.

His versatility created several opportunities last weekend. Plus for a guy that was fairly error prone early on in his test career, he’s as reliable as ever now.

Yeah agree on Jordie. It's just after seeing 15. Jordan, 23. DMac, and Left Right Out. Love last season, it's great that Rennie is using their strengths to our advantage as they all have the ability to break the game open. We didn't ustilise at all last season, and if we want to unlock the best defenses we need players like that in the run-on side in their best positions. Looking forward to seeing what they can do against Italy!

@No-Quarter said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ACT-Crusader said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@No-Quarter said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

Really pleased they are continuing with the axis of 10. Love, 14. Jordan, 15. DMac. It's easily the best use of all three players talents, and gives us lots of options for the makeup of the bench. I think those three players are going to be critical to our chances in SA.

And Jordie.

His versatility created several opportunities last weekend. Plus for a guy that was fairly error prone early on in his test career, he’s as reliable as ever now.

Yeah agree on Jordie. It's just after seeing 15. Jordan, 23. DMac, and Left Right Out. Love last season, it's great that Rennie is using their strengths to our advantage as they all have the ability to break the game open. We didn't ustilise at all last season, and if we want to unlock the best defenses we need players like that in the run-on side in their best positions. Looking forward to seeing what they can do against Italy!

It's refreshing to see the change in intent.

Obviously early days and they're still gelling but as you said, they're using skillsets rather than a robotic lateral passing game before a stupid chip and hoping to get lucky.

@Jnr said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Jnr it’s not just this year or the Blues environment where Barrett’s been poor and I wouldn’t say he'd recaptured his 2017 form based on a one-off performance against Italy.

I don’t want him playing any more test rugby at all but I’m a little curious to see if he can make it through a game against quality opposition without letting loose with a dozen useless chip kicks.

We can agree to disagree on whether he's been poor and for how long. It's pretty clear if you don't value his previous games even another motm against Italy won't change your mind.

The fact is Rennie is the latest AB coach to pick him and he's not only in the squad but impressing Rennie.

So, following your approach he would stay in the squad and go to SA regardless, or following my suggestion Rennie can try him in the current environment and make an educated decision before the SA tour.

If he doesn’t have it, cut him loose and bring in Harkin/Mo'unga. But if he does have it then Rennie will have options.

The chip kicks were a team tactic, BB did them, Dmac did them, hell even Havili used to. I think everyone is happy they're on the way out.

Rennie said something diplomatic about Barrett, just as he does with every player he’s asked about, so I wouldn’t read too much into it.

I think Barrett is viewed as a squad player who’ll likely head to South Africa with the extended squad, alongside Mo’unga and play the non-test matches, unless there are injuries or dramatic slips in form.

There’s no need for him to play this weekend or next while they’re trying to settle on their best lineup and give those players time together. Barrett will remain the same player whether he plays or not.

@Jnr said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Landers92 said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Jnr that’s what you would do or that’s what you think happens?

I think they'll want to see what he's like outside the Auckland environment.

In theory Rennie's style suits him and he's said how impressive he's been at training.

If he can recapture form with the new style, great.

If he can't move on from his Super form that would enable them to make a call before SA to bring Mo'unga and maybe Harkin in and phase him out.

Coach says player has been impressive at training, next you’ll be telling me night comes after day…..

I don’t think we need to see him at 15 this weekend. I personally think we need to get DMac more comfortable at fullback. And whoever is running at left wing also needs time with DMac if he’s the one to lead from the back in SA.

@Jnr said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@No-Quarter said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ACT-Crusader said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@No-Quarter said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

Really pleased they are continuing with the axis of 10. Love, 14. Jordan, 15. DMac. It's easily the best use of all three players talents, and gives us lots of options for the makeup of the bench. I think those three players are going to be critical to our chances in SA.

And Jordie.

His versatility created several opportunities last weekend. Plus for a guy that was fairly error prone early on in his test career, he’s as reliable as ever now.

Yeah agree on Jordie. It's just after seeing 15. Jordan, 23. DMac, and Left Right Out. Love last season, it's great that Rennie is using their strengths to our advantage as they all have the ability to break the game open. We didn't ustilise at all last season, and if we want to unlock the best defenses we need players like that in the run-on side in their best positions. Looking forward to seeing what they can do against Italy!

It's refreshing to see the change in intent.

Obviously early days and they're still gelling but as you said, they're using skillsets rather than a robotic lateral passing game before a stupid chip and hoping to get lucky.

Man who wants BB in team pleased by team not doing what BB does?

@brodean said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@gt12 said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:

I'll be a bit disappointed if they give Tupaea one game at 13 then drop him from there.

Any Chiefs fan will tell you that he hardly plays there for us, so to expect him to walk in and be world class at defence (in probably the hardest position to be world class in at defence), is pretty unfair on the Super rugby player of the year.

He's a 12 who can stretch to 13, and if they want him to be WC there, he needs as many games as possible to start there so he can build his understanding.

He should be playing there at Super level if he wants to be 13. Test rugbys not the place you learn the ropes at 13.

13 is a specialist role.

Christ, you make it sound like he's turned up to AB camp and asked if he can have a few tests at 13 to learn the ropes. And whether he plays 13 at super rugby level is not up to him or Rennie.

@junior Really hope BB is just a squadie. Don't really want to see him anywhere near the starting 23 if everyone is fit. His day has gone and it is Love's turn to carry the mantle at 10.

@Rugbyman said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@junior Really hope BB is just a squadie. Don't really want to see him anywhere near the starting 23 if everyone is fit. His day has gone and it is Love's turn to carry the mantle at 10.

Love needs reps. Everything else is just masturbation.

Beuady has had 140 odd reps. For me he is there in the "good guy around the hotel lobby" role. To police attire and curfews. Nothing more.

@Jet then what’s the point of even having him there? I’m not sure what he offers. Why not have a younger guy in to learn a thing or two?

@jimmyb insurance. Younger guy is going to be getting zero game time.

@Jet said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Rugbyman said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@junior Really hope BB is just a squadie. Don't really want to see him anywhere near the starting 23 if everyone is fit. His day has gone and it is Love's turn to carry the mantle at 10.

Love needs reps. Everything else is just masturbation.

Beuady has had 140 odd reps. For me he is there in the "good guy around the hotel lobby" role. To police attire and curfews. Nothing more.

Guess that shows why you not an AB selector or coach, if you wasted picks like that. You would just put him on coaching staff.

@jimmyb said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Jet then what’s the point of even having him there? I’m not sure what he offers. Why not have a younger guy in to learn a thing or two?

If struck with a late injury crisis at 10 , you can call on a guy that’s not going to shit the bed

He’s not what he used to be , but he’s still handy to have around as a number 3 or 4 imo

@KiwiMurph said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Jnr said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

In theory Rennie's style suits him

Rennie's style suits 2016 BB. I don't think it suits 2026 BB.

because Rennie's trying to win?

Rennie confirmed just before that Ardie will be playing this week (not big news, of course) and wasn't really hinting at BB getting a run in relation to questions on that.

Landers on point again.

@Bones said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

Landers on point again.

Yep, @landers92 coming through with the goods once again.

not a huge fan of guys like Fineangnofo getting a short run off the bench one week and then gone the next, not sure we we saw enough to judge, possible he also picked up a small niggle i guess

all in all not bad

Segner gets named then I look up at the telly screen...

@Kiwiwomble said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

not a huge fan of guys like Fineangnofo getting a short run off the bench one week and then gone the next, not sure we we saw enough to judge, possible he also picked up a small niggle i guess

all in all not bad

Hes out injured shoulder

@Jnr said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Kiwiwomble said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

not a huge fan of guys like Fineangnofo getting a short run off the bench one week and then gone the next, not sure we we saw enough to judge, possible he also picked up a small niggle i guess

all in all not bad

Hes out injured shoulder

Excellent news, it's a tough row to hoe learning to trust the AB coach again.

@Jnr cheers, shit for him but good to think he might not have dropped off the radar after such a short run

@Canes4life said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Bones said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

Landers on point again.

Yep, @landers92 coming through with the goods once again.

I better be careful. I might get called out for pointing out a blues winger was dropped from the 23

@Landers92 said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Canes4life said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Bones said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

Landers on point again.

Yep, @landers92 coming through with the goods once again.

I better be careful. I might get called out for pointing out a blues winger was dropped from the 23

Lol mate, no doubt a response is coming your way.

Have they said anything about Lakai and if that’s an injury replacement, rotation or searching for the right loose forward combination?

Best thing about this team, no Beauden Barrett once again

@ShaquilleOatmeal Kirifi?

@Kiwiwomble said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal Kirifi?

Kirifi, Lakai, Savea... same thing innit?

@Bones i guess the rule has been all loosies are interchangeable

@Kiwiwomble said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal Kirifi?

*Lakai. Brain fart there.

@ShaquilleOatmeal fair, same with QT for me....new (ish) to a position and gone after one game

too be clear, still think largely good team

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Kiwiwomble said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal Kirifi?

*Lakai. Brain fart there.

It looks like they are rotating the squad? Newell, Aumua, Numia, Lakai, Tupaea, Clarke.

@brodean said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Kiwiwomble said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal Kirifi?

*Lakai. Brain fart there.

It looks like they are rotating the squad? Newell, Aumua, Numia, Lakai, Tupaea, Clarke.

I'd say that is correct. There aren't many opportunities to give the squad time before the August Tour.

@brodean said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@Kiwiwomble said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal Kirifi?

*Lakai. Brain fart there.

It looks like they are rotating the squad? Newell, Aumua, Numia, Lakai, Tupaea, Clarke.

I would’ve thought they’d stick with Lakai, given last week was his first ever start at blindside. But maybe they really don’t think the numbers on the jerseys matter at all or they’re trying to work out who’s best suited to the role as they see it. The other players are known quantities so it makes a little more sense to rotate there.

It would appear there might be players who wont play at all through these 3 NC games?

@taniwharugby said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

It would appear there might be players who wont play at all through these 3 NC games?

I kind of hope so. I’d much rather they worked on giving those that need it experience, find the best lineup and work on combinations than just gave everyone a run. Assuming everyone in this week’s team gets aim the field, it’s only Parker, Preston and Beauden Barrett yet to feature, though.

@Kiwiwomble said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

@ShaquilleOatmeal fair, same with QT for me....new (ish) to a position and gone after one game

too be clear, still think largely good team

I think they mentioned QT was a bit beaten up. I think they wanted to see him at 13 to see if he was a viable option alongside Proctor.

After this weekend they should have a better idea of where each stands.

@1kiwi said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:

Best thing about this team, no Beauden Barrett once again

I am very pleased the spine of hooker, 8, halfback, ten and fullback has remained the same.

Basically happy with that 23 to take on Italy.

Might have been a good one to have given Preston some time at half back. The drop off in that position after Cam Roigard is massive.