Ardie should start and it should be at no8. Sure sub him off if they don’t want him to go the distance. But moving Lakai to 8 would make no sense at this early juncture after playing him at blindside in the opener. Lakai played 50 odd minutes, maybe this week sub off the 7 or 8 and try a different combo to close things out.
@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Ardie should start and it should be at no8. Sure sub him off if they don’t want him to go the distance. But moving Lakai to 8 would make no sense at this early juncture after playing him at blindside in the opener. Lakai played 50 odd minutes, maybe this week sub off the 7 or 8 and try a different combo to close things out.
With a similar lineup, they're perfectly suited to a 6:2 bench split. It'd be very easy this weekend to sub Savea at half-time without also having to shift Jacobson or Lakai - assuming they're starting again - and still give one of them a rest too.
Looking like the forecast for this game has improved dramatically (for now). No wind and only a small chance of a shower.
@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.
@brodean said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@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.
I actually agree with this, but the current coaches want him at 13, and the truth is that the ABs are not just a rep side, they also develop players to be what they want at the international level.
We can hate that all we want, but I think it's a reality.
My point is that if the coaches want him to be a solid international level 13, he's going to make mistakes. If that is where they are going, then I'd prefer him to have as many games as possible, especially against Italy where the threat shouldn't be as high as against France. Those are the games where he needs to be in the 13 shirt if that is their plan.
Thinking a bit more about the team and last weekend’s lineup, I’d make at most one change in the backs: Clarke out for Fineanganofo and even that is a maybe.
Beyond that, I’m not convinced by the loose forwards mix but if the coaches have a clear plan and believe those are the right players to execute it, they should stick with the same trio to start.
Elsewhere in the forwards, I’d bring Vaa’i in if he’s available and start Aumua and/or Numia. On the bench, I’d include Taukei’aho and Tosi, along with an extra loose forward rather than a specialist wing.
And I'd like to see plenty of early substitutions.
@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@brodean 3 tests as a starter at 13 and 3 wins. He’s also come off the bench and played 13 off the bench.
Aren’t all the positions specialist?
He was exposed badly when he came off the bench against SA last year
@gt12 said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@brodean said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@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.
I actually agree with this, but the current coaches want him at 13, and the truth is that the ABs are not just a rep side, they also develop players to be what they want at the international level.
We can hate that all we want, but I think it's a reality.
My point is that if the coaches want him to be a solid international level 13, he's going to make mistakes. If that is where they are going, then I'd prefer him to have as many games as possible, especially against Italy where the threat shouldn't be as high as against France. Those are the games where he needs to be in the 13 shirt if that is their plan.
One thing I don't like about this approach is it can create an unfair assessment of a player. They may not perform to the required standards in an unfamiliar position and then it impacts the perception of them in their preferred position too.
@brodean said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
He should be playing there at Super level if he wants to be 13.
Except it's not "he" wanting to. He doesn't select the squad/team.
@brodean said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Missed tackles on Saturday
5 @37.5% Damian Mckenzie
3 @66% Quinn Tuapaea
3 @72% Xavier Numia
2 @81% Jordie Barrett
2 @71% Peter Lakai
2 @89% Sam Darry
1 @75% Caleb ClarkeOf all the guys you could talk about who had poor defence on Saturday.
Quite surprised only 3 for QT - felt like he missed about that many in one movement down the sideline.
For all the focus on tackling, he played a crucial role in at least a couple of tries with sweet hands, timing and positioning. That tip on to open up space off the ball from Darry was superb.
There were a few niggles picked up on Saturday night for the ABs. Nothing serious but anyone carrying a niggle that could be made worse by playing will not be playing this week.
I don’t have names of those with niggles.
No mention of Tana anywhere in the thread? Not sure how much time he has had to make a difference or how big his role is but lets hope he can help stem the tide of points scored against the ABs in recent years.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@pakman said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@Victor-Meldrew I expect three or four. BB to get a start at 15.
Minimal changes 9-12. Ditto 15. Think they should give Love and DMac more time together as well. Proctor at 13. - and give QT game time at 12.
I'd like to see Tupaea get a run at 12, but need to start Roigard/Love/Jordie as much as possible.
@chimoaus said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
No mention of Tana anywhere in the thread? Not sure how much time he has had to make a difference or how big his role is but lets hope he can help stem the tide of points scored against the ABs in recent years.
He has copped it a bit but I think it’s a little unfair. He has had just over a week to work with the squad. From what I heard, the main focus in the first week or so was on attack. More time went into that than defense.
Let’s give him some time to get his systems in place and make adjustments where needed.
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@Tim said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Start the Hurricanes front row with Tosi starting or on bench. Vaai replaces Lord. Taukei'aho on the bench. Segner on the bench. Might need to manage Savea's minutes, so 6-2 split?
Wouldn't be surprised if Clarke picked up an injury before being subbed against France.
Think we'll see minimal changes in the starting XV. But maybe quite a few on the bench. Preston in for Ratima.
Who captains if RD is subbed? Jordie?
I don't disagree with having Preston ahead of Ratima in the pecking order but what's the point in dropping Ratima after playing just five minutes?
Italy are probably an easier proposition and better opportunity to see how Preston goes under the new regime. Halfback depth is a worry so need to test options.
Yeah, the Ratima thing was a bit weird. Can see why Rennie left Roigard on as the game was tight, but why sub him at 76 minutes?
@Landers92 said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
There were a few niggles picked up on Saturday night for the ABs. Nothing serious but anyone carrying a niggle that could be made worse by playing will not be playing this week.
I don’t have names of those with niggles.
Well that's Todd Blackadder out then.
@Landers92 and some of the misses were poor attempts at tackles more than a pattern or alignment issue.
Were.some great patches of good d while also some not good ones...
Is the French side known for thier D?
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
There were a few niggles picked up on Saturday night for the ABs. Nothing serious but anyone carrying a niggle that could be made worse by playing will not be playing this week.
I don’t have names of those with niggles.
Well that's Todd Blackadder out then.
He was a limited player at test level in 2000, I'm not sure he's in the running 26 years later.
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Given coaches have made noises about everyone getting a run i would expect a fair few changes noting too that Italy lost to Japan on the week
I think so too.
Guys like Beaudy and ALB - and even Bower and Takeiáho - don't necessarily need a run, because we know what they have to offer - but, if the newbies are to get a test anytime soon, then this is the one to give them.
I'd expect all of Segner, Moorby, Fehi and Numia to be somewhere in the 23.
Despite the above, I reckon we'll also see Takei'aho and possibly Bower playing, because we don't need to see more from EDG and especially Taylor - though EDG could do with matchplay.
I think something like:
EDG, Aumua, Lomax
Darry, Lord
Lakai, Segner, Savea
Ratima, Love
Barrett, Proctor
Fineanganofo, Moorby, Jordan
Takei'aho, Numia, Tosi
Hannah/Patrick, Sititi
Preston, DMac, Tupaea
They'll probably also be looking at workloads of the Canes and Chiefs stalwarts, but also aware that there's time off after Ireland.
@Chris-B. said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Given coaches have made noises about everyone getting a run i would expect a fair few changes noting too that Italy lost to Japan on the week
I think so too.
Guys like Beaudy and ALB - and even Bower and Takeiáho - don't necessarily need a run, because we know what they have to offer - but, if the newbies are to get a test anytime soon, then this is the one to give them.
I'd expect all of Segner, Moorby, Fehi and Numia to be somewhere in the 23.
Despite the above, I reckon we'll also see Takei'aho and possibly Bower playing, because we don't need to see more from EDG and especially Taylor - though EDG could do with matchplay.
I think something like:
EDG, Aumua, Lomax
Darry, Lord
Lakai, Segner, Savea
Ratima, Love
Barrett, Proctor
Fineanganofo, Moorby, JordanTakei'aho, Numia, Tosi
Hannah/Patrick, Sititi
Preston, DMac, TupaeaThey'll probably also be looking at workloads of the Canes and Chiefs stalwarts, but also aware that there's time off after Ireland.
I'd keep Jordan away from 15. Weapon on the wing, so-so at FB.
@Victor-Meldrew We will have to disagree on Jordan - but, he needs matchplay and DMac doesn't, so I think they'll probably go this way.
BB may be on the bench instead of DMac.
@Chris-B. said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@Victor-Meldrew We will have to disagree on Jordan - but, he needs matchplay and DMac doesn't, so I think they'll probably go this way.
BB may be on the bench instead of DMac.
To carry on from my post above. Clarke out. Jordan remains on the wing and Dmac in 15.
@Landers92 said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@chimoaus said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
No mention of Tana anywhere in the thread? Not sure how much time he has had to make a difference or how big his role is but lets hope he can help stem the tide of points scored against the ABs in recent years.
He has copped it a bit but I think it’s a little unfair. He has had just over a week to work with the squad. From what I heard, the main focus in the first week or so was on attack. More time went into that than defense.
Let’s give him some time to get his systems in place and make adjustments where needed.
No. I already have my favourite pitchfork.
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Is the French side known for thier D?
I think Shaun Edwards has now left so they have a new defence coach. But France were leaking points at the end of the 6N.
@Tim said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Clarke out.
Injured?
Don’t have the answer to that sorry.
I’m hearing Ratima is likely to retain his bench spot as well. Other than that, team is subject to change due to a couple of heavy training sessions today and tomorrow. I’ll hold off posting anything else team naming related until things are locked in.
@Tim said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@Landers92 said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Clarke out.
Injured?
Nasty case of niggles?
@Chris-B. said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
@Victor-Meldrew We will have to disagree on Jordan - but, he needs matchplay and DMac doesn't, so I think they'll probably go this way.
BB may be on the bench instead of DMac.
After Rennie’s comments last week I doubt we will see Jordan at fullback unless there’s an emergency.
I got the sense that he likes the “two fullbacks” approach in 15 and 14, so makes sense to play Jordan on the right wing.
If they want to try something they can just bring in Moorby to the right, but again I can’t see Jordan being rested given his importance in our attack.
@george33 said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:
8- 9 changes within 23 . Expect Vaii to start at 6.
Are you looking over the fence again at training @george33 ?
@SouthernMann said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:
I'll stand up for our lad. EDG has played one game in six weeks. He needs to keep playing.
We want him full noise for Ireland. I want a statement win against Ireland at Eden park.
For a few reasons:
To hopefully show the progression and improvement across the July tests.
To make the bokke sit up and take notice. I would like to come in under the radar on the SA tour and for the boks to underestimate us. But seeing improvement is more important. I want SA to feel a little uneasy about the ABs coming over.
Ireland embarrassed us in 2022 on our home turf. We have beaten them 3 times since then - in France, Dublin and Chicago. I want a big performance that says we are back. And beating them at home will show Ireland that normal service has resumed.
So De Groot is in career best form. Let’s keep him that way. Rest ip against Italy or 20 minutes and then starting against Ireland
@Bovidae said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks v Italy, 2026:
Is the French side known for thier D?
I think Shaun Edwards has now left so they have a new defence coach. But France were leaking points at the end of the 6N.
Yes, galthie was running defence at the end of the six nations and Edwards subsequently left.
They then shipped 96 points against Scotland and england .
@george33 said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:
8- 9 changes within 23 . Expect Vaii to start at 6.
I don’t have any inside on the forward at the moment, who have you heard George?
I’ll say this, there are 2 changes to the starting backline and 2 changes in the backs on the bench at this stage.
Like I said further up the thread. All subject to change depending how guys pull up after yesterday and today. Should get confirmation tomorrow
@Landers92 Based on earlier posts, changes on the left wing and the reserve backs excluding Ratima?
@george33 said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Italy:
Have been told that Reiko will join squad next week.
Oh! Maybe that locked in starting backline from a few weeks ago was for the Ireland game.
@ShaquilleOatmeal maybe tomorrow.
