No Blackadder
@Frank said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
A lot of midfielders.
Reiko for the wing?No Christie, Havili or Blackadder = sweet.
Sotutu and Papalii notale omissions.
Big Jim!...will wait to see if he actually gets any game time but love it when someone gets the nod off the back of hard graft, i've thought all season its a really good trait hes been playing well whilst being captain, so many wilt under that extra responsibility, hes truly something different, could change a game coming off the bench rather than the like for like replacements we too often see
i dont like injury cover and naming who theyre for.....if theyre not right then just give it to the guy thats fit
So I guess we are looking at:
6: Samipeni Finau
7: Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi
8: Wallace Sititi
6/7/8 cover: Luke Jacobsen
So first test is looking like a Finau - Ardie - Sititi trio
@Jet said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
No Blackadder
I know it was flagged earlier so was expecting it somewhat, but I think it would be hard to argue that he's not been the outstanding loosie of the playoffs, so it's still a surprise omission.
Huge surprise to see a 28 year old hooker handed a place in the squad. Especially over Bell.
Thrilled that Razor's gone for some bold selections. No Havilli, Blackadder, Christie and Papalii are big calls but not ones I'm upset over.
On the other hand I'm stoked super rugby form has been rewarded and Big Jim and Kirifi got call ups.
Norris is a well deserved call up. And it's great to see Tupea back in Black.
Don't think Reece offers much over a few other wingers, but get why he's in the mix. Suspect we'll see him dropped for Finganuku later in the year.
@reprobate said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@Jet said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
No Blackadder
I know it was flagged earlier so was expecting it somewhat, but I think it would be hard to argue that he's not been the outstanding loosie of the playoffs, so it's still a surprise omission.
Yeah, I wonder if it's the fact he's 30 now and they don't think his body is up to the rigors of test footy given all the injuries, more than form based
@reprobate said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@Jet said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
No Blackadder
I know it was flagged earlier so was expecting it somewhat, but I think it would be hard to argue that he's not been the outstanding loosie of the playoffs, so it's still a surprise omission.
too my point earlier in the thread....he and havili just used up all their lives, making the squad isn't the finish line....its just the opportunity to then step up