Delighted for Tupea.
Could have a heap of caps now if it wasnt for Darcy Swain.
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
@Jet said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Only 5 loosies.......seems a bit light?
Tavatavanawai to cover 7
@Jet said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Only 5 loosies.......seems a bit light?
The most attritional position, 5 guys to cover 3 spots, and no lock/6. And 6 midfielders to cover 2 spots?
@Kiwiwomble said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@Jet said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Only 5 loosies.......seems a bit light?
Tavatavanawai to cover 7
Would love to see him and Kirifi on the field at the same time.
@Canes4life or savea
@family-man said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
I like the squad but very surprised with mcallister over George bell .
Fully deserved. G.Bell needs to be playing regular footy. Well done McCalister
@reprobate said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@Jet said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Only 5 loosies.......seems a bit light?
The most attritional position, 5 guys to cover 3 spots, and no lock/6. And 6 midfielders to cover 2 spots?
arent both scooter and vaai lock/6's?
plus savea is an 80min player