All Blacks 2024

@DaGrubster said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

So 15 test matches looks likely next year with 8 of them against the other 4 teams in the top 5 - 6 away.

For a new coaching team and relatively new(ish) squad, I’m not sure if it is brave or stupid to have them such a schedule

I suspect Razor will have to select up to 45 ABs across 2024, picking the most debutants in a season for quite some time!

I'm not sure the squad will be all that radical and suspect/hope any changes to the current A team will be limited. Key for me is Robertson and co. getting their feet under the table, tweaking their game plans and starting to develop the wider squad.

The schedule looks a good mix to allow that to happen. A loss or two at this stage is fine.

@Windows97 doesn't have the explosiveness I'd like to see in any AB 6.

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Windows97 doesn't have the explosiveness I'd like to see in any AB 6.

Agree 100%.

He’s like a brown Rueben Thorne from what I’ve seen.

An honest question but isn't everyone in the rebuilding phase ex the RWC? So we can't really use that as an excuse if everyone else is in the same boat?

Are there any teams that genuinely aren't? SA maybe?

What are peoples thoughts on midfield? Any bolters? QT?

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

What are peoples thoughts on midfield? Any bolters? QT?

If you’ve played for the ABs you’re not a bolter.

That young Riley Higgins from the canes looks ok

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Windows97 doesn't have the explosiveness I'd like to see in any AB 6.

Agree 100%.

He’s like a brown Rueben Thorne from what I’ve seen.

He's defiantly not RT - was carrying the ball into traffic quite effectively for the Chiefs but that seemed to fall away once he was in the AB's. Maybe that's the gap between SR and internationals or he was asked to play a different role in the team - who knows.

I'm not a fan of his - he seems to be another one of these "athletic" players that never kicks on and as an AB's fan that's a pity.

@Windows97 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Windows97 doesn't have the explosiveness I'd like to see in any AB 6.

Agree 100%.

He’s like a brown Rueben Thorne from what I’ve seen.

He's defiantly not RT - was carrying the ball into traffic quite effectively for the Chiefs but that seemed to fall away once he was in the AB's. Maybe that's the gap between SR and internationals or he was asked to play a different role in the team - who knows.

I'm not a fan of his - he seems to be another one of these "athletic" players that never kicks on and as an AB's fan that's a pity.

I must have missed all his athleticism.

Granted I last watched a Chiefs game about five years ago but I’ve seen pretty much all his AB efforts.

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@DaGrubster yeah unless you are picking guys solely on thier physical attributes, I've not seen anything from Parkinson that screams I am AB quality.

For me, if he can stay injury free, I think Lord will play a big role next year in black, he has the size and ability.

i definitely thought early on he had the goods, his first game for the Highlanders he manhandling attackers at will and making good yards with ball in hand...hasnt kicked on but sometimes I wonder if some better coaching would sort that out

@Victor-Meldrew

Well we will generally pick a bigger squad for the RC etc than the RWC squad. We have about 10 players retired or moving on from AB contention.

The basis of the squad is there but as ever injuries etc will play a big part as well as Razor bringing in some players that were ignored previously and new players putting their hands up.

15 tests is a tough schedule which will inevitably require a pretty large base of players in the different squads we choose.

Exciting though, it’s a real baptism of fire for Razor and expect he will embrace the challenge

I'm most excited about Telea. He was outstanding in France. Really hope he kicks on. The Jordie-Reiko combo also has huge potential even if Reiko is a better winger

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

I'm most excited about Telea. He was outstanding in France. Really hope he kicks on. The Jordie-Reiko combo also has huge potential even if Reiko is a better winger

I feel like the players that enhanced their reputation for the ABs and solidified their positions moving forward were Ardie Savea (for obvious reasons), Jordie Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Cam Roigard, Mark Telea, Fletcher Newell, Tamaiti Williams, Reiko Ioane, Will Jordan and Scott Barrett. Those players will be the foundation for the ABs going forward IMO.

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

I'm most excited about Telea. He was outstanding in France. Really hope he kicks on. The Jordie-Reiko combo also has huge potential even if Reiko is a better winger

I feel like the players that enhanced their reputation for the ABs and solidified their positions moving forward were Ardie Savea (for obvious reasons), Jordie Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Cam Roigard, Mark Telea, Fletcher Newell, Tamaiti Williams, Reiko Ioane, Will Jordan and Scott Barrett. Those players will be the foundation for the ABs going forward IMO.

I'd agree with all of that except Jordan, who shit the bed in the big games.

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

I'm most excited about Telea. He was outstanding in France. Really hope he kicks on. The Jordie-Reiko combo also has huge potential even if Reiko is a better winger

I feel like the players that enhanced their reputation for the ABs and solidified their positions moving forward were Ardie Savea (for obvious reasons), Jordie Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Cam Roigard, Mark Telea, Fletcher Newell, Tamaiti Williams, Reiko Ioane, Will Jordan and Scott Barrett. Those players will be the foundation for the ABs going forward IMO.

I'd agree with all of that except Jordan, who shit the bed in the big games.

Did Reiko Ioane really ‘enhance’ his reputation ?

I think the guy who really enhanced his reputation was Shannon Frizell who went from ‘why is he in the team?’ to ‘undroppable’ on the back of one game vs SA

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

I'm most excited about Telea. He was outstanding in France. Really hope he kicks on. The Jordie-Reiko combo also has huge potential even if Reiko is a better winger

I feel like the players that enhanced their reputation for the ABs and solidified their positions moving forward were Ardie Savea (for obvious reasons), Jordie Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Cam Roigard, Mark Telea, Fletcher Newell, Tamaiti Williams, Reiko Ioane, Will Jordan and Scott Barrett. Those players will be the foundation for the ABs going forward IMO.

I'd agree with all of that except Jordan, who shit the bed in the big games.

Did Reiko Ioane really ‘enhance’ his reputation ?

As a person who has played a fair bit at 13, I thought he was good with limited opportunities. For all the complaints that he can't free his outsides, he did give the last pass a number of times for our tries.

At the moment I don't think our shape affords him much space and time to use his threats as much as we'd like.

I think the guy who really enhanced his reputation was Shannon Frizell who went from ‘why is he in the team?’ to ‘undroppable’ on the back of one game vs SA

Speaks volumes about our depth at 6.

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

I'm most excited about Telea. He was outstanding in France. Really hope he kicks on. The Jordie-Reiko combo also has huge potential even if Reiko is a better winger

I feel like the players that enhanced their reputation for the ABs and solidified their positions moving forward were Ardie Savea (for obvious reasons), Jordie Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Cam Roigard, Mark Telea, Fletcher Newell, Tamaiti Williams, Reiko Ioane, Will Jordan and Scott Barrett. Those players will be the foundation for the ABs going forward IMO.

I'd agree with all of that except Jordan, who shit the bed in the big games.

Did Reiko Ioane really ‘enhance’ his reputation ?

I think the guy who really enhanced his reputation was Shannon Frizell who went from ‘why is he in the team?’ to ‘undroppable’ on the back of one game vs SA

everyone snapped out of it after the final didnt they?

@Rancid-Schnitzel

I struggle to understand why he is so evasive. I expect he will have a lot more attention on him next year.

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

At the moment I don't think our shape affords him much space and time to use his threats as much as we'd like.

the last 3 games our midfield played very straight and very narrow to pull in defenders and free up Mo'unga to the loop. SA shut it down instantly the first time we ran it, so we just played straight and narrow.

Working out how to free up RI should the attack coaches first priority

@MN5

It was unfair to put him at 6 in the game against France.

I’ve said before that he is a light lock that players about 10kgs lighter than he is.

I suspect he is a little like Sotutu at this stage where they are seen as forwards who want to do the nice parts of their roles and need to embrace the shit parts like hitting ducks and opposition a lot more.

We don’t have many candidates for locks so we need everyone reaching their potential.

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

I'm most excited about Telea. He was outstanding in France. Really hope he kicks on. The Jordie-Reiko combo also has huge potential even if Reiko is a better winger

I feel like the players that enhanced their reputation for the ABs and solidified their positions moving forward were Ardie Savea (for obvious reasons), Jordie Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Cam Roigard, Mark Telea, Fletcher Newell, Tamaiti Williams, Reiko Ioane, Will Jordan and Scott Barrett. Those players will be the foundation for the ABs going forward IMO.

Taukeiaho

@Bones not sure he enhanced his reputation given he dropped down and was a toss up between him and Coles, Taylor def did (bar a few mis-fires in the final) and Coles had regained some earlier career form and desperately unlucky not to make the final.

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

That young Riley Higgins from the canes looks ok

Ta. Will look out for him a bit more closely.

Any news on QT's recovery?

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

Did Reiko Ioane really ‘enhance’ his reputation ?

I think he's still work in progress in some ways but has come on in leaps and bounds and his defence and organisation has been good. Hard to believe he's only 26 when he seems to have been on the ABs forever.

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

Any news on QT's recovery?

He played half a dozen games in the NPC

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones not sure he enhanced his reputation given he dropped down and was a toss up between him and Coles, Taylor def did (bar a few mis-fires in the final) and Coles had regained some earlier career form and desperately unlucky not to make the final.

We all know ST is our best hooker, but if you don't get to play, you generally look shit in your random cameos. I wasn't really thinking about just the RWC.

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

Did Reiko Ioane really ‘enhance’ his reputation ?

I think he's still work in progress in some ways but has come on in leaps and bounds and his defence and organisation has been good. Hard to believe he's only 26 when he seems to have been on the ABs forever.

Six years is hardly forever

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones not sure he enhanced his reputation given he dropped down and was a toss up between him and Coles, Taylor def did (bar a few mis-fires in the final) and Coles had regained some earlier career form and desperately unlucky not to make the final.

We wll know ST is our best hooker, but if you don't get to play, you generally look shit in your random cameos. I wasn't really thinking about just the RWC.

Well no he wasn’t, Taylor played much better after being shit the year before whereas ST went backwards.

Apologies for the abbreviation but trying to spell his name is a pain in the arse after a few beers, I’m glad OT and KT aren’t in the conversation.

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones not sure he enhanced his reputation given he dropped down and was a toss up between him and Coles, Taylor def did (bar a few mis-fires in the final) and Coles had regained some earlier career form and desperately unlucky not to make the final.

We wll know ST is our best hooker, but if you don't get to play, you generally look shit in your random cameos. I wasn't really thinking about just the RWC.

Well no he wasn’t, Taylor played much better after being shit the year before whereas ST went backwards.

I hope that's temporary, 2nd year stuff. His throwing seemed to go to shit this year while last year it was outstanding. An on-form Samisoni Taukei'aho is a real asset.

Apologies for the abbreviation but trying to spell his name is a pain in the arse after a few beers, I’m glad OT and KT aren’t in the conversation.

Who's KT?

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones not sure he enhanced his reputation given he dropped down and was a toss up between him and Coles, Taylor def did (bar a few mis-fires in the final) and Coles had regained some earlier career form and desperately unlucky not to make the final.

We wll know ST is our best hooker, but if you don't get to play, you generally look shit in your random cameos. I wasn't really thinking about just the RWC.

Well no he wasn’t, Taylor played much better after being shit the year before whereas ST went backwards.

Apologies for the abbreviation but trying to spell his name is a pain in the arse after a few beers, I’m glad OT and KT aren’t in the conversation.

Taylor didn't play much better unless you're comparing him to the dogshit that was Taylor the year before. Why didn't ST get the same chance to show his value? He got the odd game here and there, despite being a better player. He's a much better player than Taylor and just needs actual minutes, sitting in the stands doesn't make you look great.

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones not sure he enhanced his reputation given he dropped down and was a toss up between him and Coles, Taylor def did (bar a few mis-fires in the final) and Coles had regained some earlier career form and desperately unlucky not to make the final.

We wll know ST is our best hooker, but if you don't get to play, you generally look shit in your random cameos. I wasn't really thinking about just the RWC.

Well no he wasn’t, Taylor played much better after being shit the year before whereas ST went backwards.

Apologies for the abbreviation but trying to spell his name is a pain in the arse after a few beers, I’m glad OT and KT aren’t in the conversation.

Taylor didn't play much better unless you're comparing him to the dogshit that was Taylor the year before. Why didn't ST get the same chance to show his value? He got the odd game here and there, despite being a better player. He's a much better player than Taylor and just needs actual minutes, sitting in the stands doesn't make you look great.

I think that’s a problem a lot of players have in terms of not achieving greatness

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Bones not sure he enhanced his reputation given he dropped down and was a toss up between him and Coles, Taylor def did (bar a few mis-fires in the final) and Coles had regained some earlier career form and desperately unlucky not to make the final.

We wll know ST is our best hooker, but if you don't get to play, you generally look shit in your random cameos. I wasn't really thinking about just the RWC.

Well no he wasn’t, Taylor played much better after being shit the year before whereas ST went backwards.

I hope that's temporary, 2nd year stuff. His throwing seemed to go to shit this year while last year it was outstanding. An on-form Samisoni Taukei'aho is a real asset.

Apologies for the abbreviation but trying to spell his name is a pain in the arse after a few beers, I’m glad OT and KT aren’t in the conversation.

Who's KT?

@Victor-Meldrew personally I am happy with Ioane, he was strong on the carry and defense. He formed a good partnership with Barrett. He showed some good soft passes like the try for Savea against Ireland. I think the gameplan in the final was poor and he ended up pushing a few passes he shouldn't have and dropped a few pills. But generally I would keep them as a partnership and allow them time to grow. We have been blessed in the 13 jumper with Smith, Umaga and Bunce but we remember them at their peak. I would give Ioane time. I like having a physical threat at 13 who keeps the defense honest and creates more space for the wings because they can't drift outwards lest he scores like he did against France in 22.

@Bones I would add De Groot, he had 1 bad game but was solid in the final once our first choice frontrow was available. I would be happy to work with him going forward.

@Blunders

Agree with that. Needs to learn how to hold the ball better too. The likes of Conrad and Ma'a creates tries by how and where the held the ball.

@Blunders yeah he's come on hugely in his carrying into defence, so a definite string added to his bow. His option taking in space still needs work but hopefully he doesn't get used as much in the carrying into defence role and can get running some great lines at pace and develop his vision.

@Bones I think Taylor was excellent this year, although not as good in the final.

Agree though re ST not.being afforded the same opportunities to play back into form as Taylor did previously, when his form was considerably worse, but still doesn't take away from Taylor being very good this year.

@taniwharugby Nope not taking away from that, I just think ST woulda been better - and I can't help but feel Taylor's form last year help shaped how great we think he was this year too.

I really think that Aumua needs to be brought into the ABs this year - that would make a very strong group of hookers

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

What are peoples thoughts on midfield? Any bolters? QT?

This is tough one. To really answer it, I have to mention some of my AB midfield pet peeves:

1. Picking players out of position (e.g. fullbacks or wingers at 13)
2. I love pace at 13. However, I generally dislike the play of Winger/Centre hybrid players (e.g. Ennor).
3. There is a bit of a logjam Ito NPC midfield talent getting meaningful Super Rugby gametime. So, the chances of AB Bolters are not high ATM imo.

It's very frustrating watching Ioane play at 13 for the ABs. Their outside backs are traditionally their strength and his distribution is not great. JB at 12 is pretty good.

Possible bolters:

1. Levi Aumua (gainline tank with better than expected passing & offloading skills). He reminds me of the hedgehog in the fox and hedgehog story. The Fox does many things well, but the hedgehog does one thing extremely well and prevails.
2. Super Young guns: Meihana Grindlay & Riley Higgins. Not saying make them the ABs first choice combo, but IF they get Super Rugby gametime and go well, they could be EOY tour bolters in 2024 or 2025. Again, see pet peeve number 3 above
3. PPL have cooled on him (perhaps myself included), but PUJ has the all-round game for 13 that many of the other previously capped candidates lack and he's at that age that post-2015 AB selectors love (midfield players supposedly reach maturity in their mid-to-late 20s).

@Punch_up said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024 - no interminable Foster arguments:

What are peoples thoughts on midfield? Any bolters? QT?

This is tough one. To really answer it, I have to mention some of my AB midfield pet peeves:

1. Picking players out of position (e.g. fullbacks or wingers at 13)
2. I love pace at 13. However, I generally dislike the play of Winger/Centre hybrid players (e.g. Ennor).
3. There is a bit of a logjam Ito NPC midfield talent getting meaningful Super Rugby gametime. So, the chances of AB Bolters are not high ATM imo.

It's very frustrating watching Ioane play at 13 for the ABs. Their outside backs are traditionally their strength and his distribution is not great. JB at 12 is pretty good.

Possible bolters:

1. Levi Aumua (gainline tank with better than expected passing & offloading skills). He reminds me of the hedgehog in the fox and hedgehog story. The Fox does many things well, but the hedgehog does one thing extremely well and prevails.
2. Super Young guns: Meihana Grindlay & Riley Higgins. Not saying make them the ABs first choice combo, but IF they get Super Rugby gametime and go well, they could be EOY tour bolters in 2024 or 2025. Again, see pet peeve number 3 above
3. PPL have cooled on him (perhaps myself included), but PUJ has the all-round game for 13 that many of the other previously capped candidates lack and he's at that age that post-2015 AB selectors love (midfield players supposedly reach maturity in their mid-to-late 20s).

add to point 2 gideon-wrampling