All Blacks XV 2024

@cgrant said in All Blacks XV 2024:

A bolter for the AB XV could be Waikato's Xavier Saifoloi (195cm, 114 kg), a bruising blindside.
My selection :

Props : Kaivelata, Numia, Dyer, Renata, Lauaki
Hookers : McAllister, Riccitelli,
Locks : IWL, Holland, McWhannel,
LF : Haig, Saifoloi, Segner, Kirifi, Stodart, Suafoa (I hope Lakai will be with the ABs)
Scrum halves : Fakatava, Christie
1st Fives : Jacomb, Millar
Midfielders : Lam, Telea, Higgins, B. Sullivan
Back three : Tavatavanawai, Naholo, Banks, Z. Sullivan, ENS

If Narewa and Love aren’t in AB 36 they’d have to be here.

@pakman they play Georgia in France

Off the wall, but I’d like to see TJP and Cane Co-captains of XV.
Can pass on the AB way to the youngsters and injury cover for 36.
For example, at 9 would allow, Ratima, Roigard, Christie, Hotham and TJP all to travel.
Riccitelli and Eklund allows Bell to float between.

@pakman I don’t understand the point of that. A hundred test ex captain in the development team? TJP is past development and hasn’t got better in the past 2-3 years.

It’s the beginning of a RWC cycle. No room for old heads

@KiwiInLondon said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@pakman I don’t understand the point of that. A hundred test ex captain in the development team? TJP is past development and hasn’t got better in the past 2-3 years.

It’s the beginning of a RWC cycle. No room for old heads

Are you getting confused between the ABs and the AB XV?

It's a development team, not the ABs. Makes perfect sense to get old heads to pass on their knowledge and advice to promising players - particularly on a tour.

@Victor-Meldrew TJP wouldn’t be my choice on mentor for young players. A bit of an idiot

They’ll get that regardless from being in the same room, and I assume training paddock, with the ABs squad.

Maybe an argument for Cane, but again, in what world would they put an ex captain and 100 test AB in a development team. That’s not going to happen

@KiwiInLondon said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@Victor-Meldrew TJP wouldn’t be my choice on mentor for young players. A bit of an idiot

Which 87+ cap AB halfback would you prefer?

They’ll get that regardless from being in the same room, and I assume training paddock, with the ABs squad.

Better they get match practice with uber-experienced ABs that just being in the same room with them.

Maybe an argument for Cane, but again, in what world would they put an ex captain and 100 test AB in a development team.

A world where there's original thinking, a longer-term view on player development, experienced players are used to mentor upcoming talent and work with coaches on developing that talent?

They all have ABs in their super teams. If you want to take Sam Cane etc as a mentor, don't take him in a playing role.

@reprobate said in All Blacks XV 2024:

They all have ABs in their super teams. If you want to take Sam Cane etc as a mentor, don't take him in a playing role.

Not all Super Teams have a 100 Test opensides or 87 Test 9's playing with them, though. And playing internationals with a mix of players from SR franchises is very different and a step up from super rugby

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@reprobate said in All Blacks XV 2024:

They all have ABs in their super teams. If you want to take Sam Cane etc as a mentor, don't take him in a playing role.

Not all Super Teams have a 100 Test opensides or 87 Test 9's playing with them, though. And playing internationals with a mix of players from SR franchises is very different and a step up from super rugby

Very true, but every Super team has decent international experience, and if you look at the names being thrown around for this team, there is a solid amount of international experience in the playing group. Sure nobody of the Cane level, but enough that if you want him there it should be as non-playing mentor.
If it means a Lakai / Hotham / Fakatava misses out it would be a mistake. If they're going to select a Mitch Drummond / Tom Christie then TJ / Cane by comparison would have merit - but I think that whole path would be a mistake.

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@reprobate said in All Blacks XV 2024:

They all have ABs in their super teams. If you want to take Sam Cane etc as a mentor, don't take him in a playing role.

Not all Super Teams have a 100 Test opensides or 87 Test 9's playing with them, though. And playing internationals with a mix of players from SR franchises is very different and a step up from super rugby

A big part is the attitude and detail in training, both Tj and Cane will be able to lead in that way - for all his errors TJ does the extras in training and Cane should be able to provide the detail and requirements to leaders. They t need to even play unless necessary

Why would Cane or Perenara want to risk injury heading into a lucrative period in their careers to support a whole lot of up and comers.

@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Why would Cane or Perenara want to risk injury heading into a lucrative period in their careers to support a whole lot of up and comers.

Leave the jersey better than you found it - exactly what you want to see from your senior leaders, exactly the example to set.

Pre-season for league 1 starts at the end of October. And the league itself starts just before Xmas (I think).

@gt12 said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Pre-season for league 1 starts at the end of October. And the league itself starts just before Xmas (I think).

Pre-season matches start at the end of October - the pre-season training is well underway for anyone who isn't playing elsewhere.

@gt12 said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Pre-season for league 1 starts at the end of October. And the league itself starts just before Xmas (I think).

That seems a real clash. Wonder what is the contractual position?

@pakman said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@gt12 said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Pre-season for league 1 starts at the end of October. And the league itself starts just before Xmas (I think).

That seems a real clash. Wonder what is the contractual position?

Need to be released for International Window but that is only 28th to 17th. However we don't know when Cane or TJ contract actually starts

@Victor-Meldrew that’s not original thinking. Came is a very good 7 but you can’t make an argument for TJ. Has repeatedly shown a lack of leadership and rugby smarts. Wouldn’t want him near any young player

@KiwiInLondon said in All Blacks XV 2024:

that’s not original thinking

It is for NZR.....

The All Blacks XV 2024 Tour schedule is:

v Munster, 2 November 5.30PM (GMT) / 3 November 6.30AM (NZDT), Thomond Park Limerick, Ireland
v Georgia, 10 November, 2PM (CET), 11 November 2.00AM (NZDT), GGL Stadium, Montpellier, France

Who gets to select squad?

@pakman said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Who gets to select squad?

Normally abs selectors, I'm sure there is some discussion with XV coaches

Brought up in the other thread, but what are the odds of Sotutu not being picked?

I say 100% or there will be a riot.

Certainly this place will be worth me using my favorite gif again.

@gt12 said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Brought up in the other thread, but what are the odds of Sotutu not being picked?

I say 100% or there will be a riot.

Certainly this place will be worth me using my favorite gif again.

Both sides of the ball.

@gt12 said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Brought up in the other thread, but what are the odds of Sotutu not being picked?

I say 100% or there will be a riot.

Certainly this place will be worth me using my favorite gif again.

Also brought up in the other thread, Razor said leaving out Sotutu was the hardest decision in July. So he should be in there unless he's subsequently done something to piss Razor off.

@gt12 said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Brought up in the other thread, but what are the odds of Sotutu not being picked?

I say 100% or there will be a riot.

Certainly this place will be worth me using my favorite gif again.

But would Hoskins agree?

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Razor said leaving out Sotutu was the hardest decision in July.

both sides of the mouth

@nzzp said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Razor said leaving out Sotutu was the hardest decision in July.

both sides of the mouth

As bad as Foster so far.

McMillan has had some input into squad selection. The squad will be named on Tuesday, the day after the AB squad.

Taking last year and slotting in ex ABs and injury back up ABs, with a couple of additions, gives this. Not close enough to NPC form to know who's missing.

Assumes TJS, Cane, and Finau remain in AB squad.

Props

George Dyer
Xavier Numia
George Bower
Marcel Renata

Hookers

Ricky Riccitelli
Brodie McAllister

Locks
Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Josh Lord
Isaia Walker-Leawere
Fabien Holland

Loose Forwards

Hoskins Sotutu
Christian Lio-Willie
Billy Harmon
Peter Lakai
Cameron Suafoa
Zach Gallagher

Halfbacks
Finlay Christie
Noah Hotham

First-five-eighths
Josh Jacomb
Harry Plummer

Midfielders
Rameka Poihipi
Quinn Tuapea
Daniel Rona (also wing)
Braydon Ennor

Outside Backs
A J Lam (can also go at 12)
Shaun Stevenson
Emoni Narewa
Etene Nanai-Seturo
Jona Nareki

As always, loosies probably the most difficult to select.

Surely they take 5 props. Rakete-Stones was chosen last year as someone who could cover both sides.

If they are using this team for development there is no point selecting Harmon.

Which squad does Perofeta make? Gallagher as a lock.

You should have stuck with B Sullivan.

None of the Highlanders forwards mentioned are listed.

@pakman
Hookers

Ricky Riccitelli: if he’s not selected over Bell in the ABs, what’s the point of taking him?

Loose Forwards
Christian Lio-Willie
Billy Harmon: Going to Japan to what’s the point in taking Harmon?
Peter Lakai
Cameron Suafoa
Zach Gallagher: Is a lock. Another out of position loose forward? No

You haven’t picked a single out and out six. Why?

Midfielders
Quinn Tuapea: Absolutely not. Shouldn’t be anywhere near the ABs set up
Braydon Ennor: What’s the point?

@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Surely they take 5 props. Rakete-Stones was chosen last year as someone who could cover both sides.

You may be right, but only taking 29, so I assume Ofa and Tosi will be available if required.

If they are using this team for development there is no point selecting Harmon.

True, but not sure who is the form NPC 7 and Kirifi not my kettle of fish.

Which squad does Perofeta make?

He's in ABs.

Gallagher as a lock.

Too small for international level. We need another 6' 5" big body who can play 6. If not Zach, maybe Simon Parker?

You should have stuck with B Sullivan.

They can always leave out Tupaea.

None of the Highlanders forwards mentioned are listed.

Haig fits the size model. Who are you thinking of?

Bear in mind I've only seen Super rugby this year and a few NPC highlights!

@pakman Yes, Haig, Withy and Taylor were mentioned. There are better options than Taylor for hooker.

I'd be giving Lakai the games at 7. I am assuming that Papalii gets to play against Japan.

Mc Whannell, Riley Higgins, A Ross, Haig are all contenders surely. Brayden Iose and Segner worthy loosies. D McLeod and Stevenson are chances in backs.

@Bovidae Haig, Lakai and Sititi. The ABs u20s back row. It’s balanced, which is a start

@pakman said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Surely they take 5 props. Rakete-Stones was chosen last year as someone who could cover both sides.

You may be right, but only taking 29, so I assume Ofa and Tosi will be available if required.

If they are using this team for development there is no point selecting Harmon.

True, but not sure who is the form NPC 7 and Kirifi not my kettle of fish.

Which squad does Perofeta make?

He's in ABs.

Gallagher as a lock.

Too small for international level. We need another 6' 5" big body who can play 6. If not Zach, maybe Simon Parker?

You should have stuck with B Sullivan.

They can always leave out Tuapea.

None of the Highlanders forwards mentioned are listed.

Haig fits the size model. Who are you thinking of?

Bear in mind I've only seen Super rugby this year and a few NPC highlights!

Gallagher is 6ft 6 and 115 kg not small for an international lock .

@ARHS said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Mc Whannell, Riley Higgins, A Ross, Haig are all contenders surely.

Agreed, McWhannell could edge Ah Khoi. Ross for me behind Numia and Bower if only two LHs taken.

@Chris said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@pakman said in All Blacks XV 2024:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV 2024:

Surely they take 5 props. Rakete-Stones was chosen last year as someone who could cover both sides.

You may be right, but only taking 29, so I assume Ofa and Tosi will be available if required.

If they are using this team for development there is no point selecting Harmon.

True, but not sure who is the form NPC 7 and Kirifi not my kettle of fish.

Which squad does Perofeta make?

He's in ABs.

Gallagher as a lock.

Too small for international level. We need another 6' 5" big body who can play 6. If not Zach, maybe Simon Parker?

You should have stuck with B Sullivan.

They can always leave out Tuapea.

None of the Highlanders forwards mentioned are listed.

Haig fits the size model. Who are you thinking of?

Bear in mind I've only seen Super rugby this year and a few NPC highlights!

Gallagher is 6ft 6 and 115 kg not small for an international lock .

Marginal. Seen him listed at 6' 5", but can't trust what you read!