@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV:
I'd like to know how much communication there has been (in both directions) between NZR and Robertson. I wouldn't be surprised if Robertson decided to accept the Baabaas offer without NZR knowing, which then ruled him out of the AB XV coaching position.
I would be, he's under NZR contact and would have to get permission to coach elsewhere. I reckon, despite what I said above, that he'd have an out that his NZR contact is primary if required by NZ
Stuff understands MacDonald will take charge of the All Blacks XV tour later this year, when those who miss out on All Blacks selection will be given the chance to impress in the northern hemisphere.
After today's underwhelming announcement, what might an NZ A squad look like? Entire Blues squad is in, of course.
The interesting one for me and this team is what they do at halfback.
It’s a new(ish) concept and we will want to win so do we take a couple of experienced heads or is this purely about eye to the future.
@ACT-Crusader Yep, and then there's the cross-over between the senior squad and this squad. Games of the ABs XV may be used to give game time to ABs who haven't played much. For example, if they use Smith and Fakatava for most tests, Christie may get a run for this team.
@ACT-Crusader Really hoping they don't take Perenara. Would like to see Ratima get a go. Maybe Roe too.
@Stargazer Hope Weber is the senior halfback, if he isn't in the ABs.
Surely they pick the next best players. There are only 3 tour games so not much time for development players, but that could be dependent on the squad size.
@Stargazer said in All Blacks XV:
@ACT-Crusader Yep, and then there's the cross-over between the senior squad and this squad. Games of the ABs XV may be used to give game time to ABs who haven't played much. For example, if they use Smith and Fakatava for most tests, Christie may get a run for this team.
I really hope that is the case. So you would think this squad would be no more than 25 or 26 players.
@ACT-Crusader Also from a cost perspective, that's the sensible thing to do.
Anyone who doesn't make the AB XV might find themselves in the Barbarian team if Razor is still the Barbarian coach by then.
Possible squad :
Eklund, Aumua, Thompson (McAllister, Vikena eventual bolters)
Norris, Williams, Jager, Newell, Ainsley
Gallagher, Sangster, IWL, PPP (if fit)
MMT, Robinson, Harmon, Suafoa, Grace + an openside (Gibson, Christie ?)
Weber, Ratima, TJP
Ioane + AN other (Morgan, Love, Gatland, Burke, Gilbert ?)
TUJ, PUJ, Nankivell + AN other (Sullivan, Proctor, Evans, Savea ?)
Telea, Stevenson, Lam, Sullivan, Moorby (DMac ?)
@cgrant I hope Flanders is in the equation, too, although the Canes' selection policy and his injury late in the season haven't done him any favours. I guess it may depend on whether Grace will be in the ABs EOYT squad, as he should be. Otherwise, he may have to wait a year.
Bailyn Sullivan should not be listed under "AN other". I'd pick him over PUJ.
And whether we like it or not, Ennor is a near certainty for this team, unless he's in the ABs to stay. As a midfielder or a wing, or a utitlity back.
