Vaa'i will be better for the run.

@williethewaiter a few weeks ago put the mockers on LJ, saying he would break! And in his first ever back to back consecutive weeks of starting a test match too.

I certainly hope that if LJ cannot start that they just bring back Lakai and go with Ardie, Lakai and Sititi

Reposting my team.

Few players who haven't had minutes, otherwise probably need to lock in the top team - can then give them some extra minutes in the first couple of warm-up games in South Africa. Savea looks like he could use a rest.

Keeps the spine in tact, gives one final midfield combo a run to determine the best option going forward, allows a few extra players to get some minutes.

1. De Groot

2. Taukei'aho

3. Newell

4. Darry

5. Vaa'i

6. Parker

7. Jacobson

8. Lakai

9. Roigard

10. Love

11. Moorby

12. Barrett

13. Lienert-Brown

14. Jordan

15. McKenzie

Reserves:

16. Aumua

17. Numia

18. Tosi

19. Tuipulotu

20. Segner

21. Preston

22. Tupaea

23. Fineanganofo/Clarke

They aren't gonna drop/rest the captain against Ireland, although was good to see then sub him off.

If every player has to get a run, that’s Preston, Parker, Tuipulotu if available and - ugh - Beauden Barrett.

I'd really like to see QT given a decent run at 12 and Harkin at 15. Other than that, keep the core of the team.

@Victor-Meldrew said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Ireland:

I'd really like to see QT given a decent run at 12 and Harkin at 15. Other than that, keep the core of the team.

Harkin?

I'd like to see him get a run too but probably a slim chance given he's not in the squad (unless you know something we don't). Do you mean Moorby?

@Mr-Fish

Yes Moorby.

Bloody hot here and the Ghost Ship has been sliding down too well...

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

If every player has to get a run, that’s Preston, Parker, Tuipulotu if available and - ugh - Beauden Barrett.

There's reports DR had said earlier that everyone in squad will get game time, but heard, I think on ZB, that he said that wasn't the case in recent presser.

@booboo said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Ireland:

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

If every player has to get a run, that’s Preston, Parker, Tuipulotu if available and - ugh - Beauden Barrett.

There's reports DR had said earlier that everyone in squad will get game time, but heard, I think on ZB, that he said that wasn't the case in recent presser.

That’s good. I’m not sure exactly what he said originally but if it was something like ‘we’d like to give everyone a run’ or ‘the goal is to give everyone a run’, that’s a bit different to guaranteeing it. .

If think we should go with the following.

1. De Groot
2. Taukei'aho
3. Newell
4. Darry
5. Vaa'i
6. Parker
7. Jacobson
8. Lakai
9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Fineanganofo
12. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Moorby

Reserves:
16. Aumua
17. Numia
18. Tosi
19. Tuipulotu
20. Segner
21. Preston
22. McKenzie
23. ALB

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

If think we should go with the following.

1. De Groot
2. Taukei'aho
3. Newell
4. Darry
5. Vaa'i
6. Parker
7. Jacobson
8. Lakai
9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Fineanganofo
12. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Moorby

Reserves:
16. Aumua
17. Numia
18. Tosi
19. Tuipulotu
20. Segner
21. Preston
22. McKenzie
23. ALB

Solid but Jacobson might be injured?

This is the biggest game of this Nations Championship series this year, I would not be bringing in anyone into the starting lineup that hasn’t played unless it’s a fairly like for like replacement for injury. Look at our number one lock yesterday, he looked rusty as in that first half.

This is the test to hit a peak (of sorts).

6- Lakai
7- LJ (Segner)
8- Ardie
Bench: Sititi

Lots of talk about the front row, I’d be very surprised if Taylor didn’t start. Sami on the bench.
I’m not too fussed about Newell or Lomox starting, but I’d have Tosi on the bench regardless of who starts. EDG is in top shape and has been performing well, so first name on the team sheet….

Darry and Vaa’i pick themselves. PT hasn’t played any footy since June 12. Lord hasn’t been too bad either.

There are a few calls to rest Savea. If they were going to rest the captain, surely that would have happened against Italy.

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

There are a fell calls to rest Savea. If they were going to rest the captain, surely that would have happened against Italy.

Savea won’t be rested, Rennie has already mentioned that.

Sounds like Savea's rest will come at the start of the Bok tour

Parker will be 6 maybe Lakai bench
Jacobson poss injured? If so Segner 7
ALB prob starts 13- Quinn to bench but could also be other way round
Like to see Numia and Aumia start

@ACT-Crusader said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

first name on the team sheet….

T Lander

@kidcalder said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Parker will be 6 maybe Lakai bench
Jacobson poss injured? If so Segner 7
ALB prob starts 13- Quinn to bench but could also be other way round
Like to see Numia and Aumia start

You have a source?
Or your speculation?

@Frank Purely my speculation how I feel it will roll... Parker unused so far and likely will get a decent run

@kidcalder
He would have been used by now if they really wanted to embed him into their style of play.