@DaGrubster said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Looks a pretty strong team.
Would have gone to this but it is on my daughters birthday
They have female facilities at the ground.
@DaGrubster said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Looks a pretty strong team.
Would have gone to this but it is on my daughters birthday
C'mon Grubs, if I can take Mrs to rugby on golden wedding anniversary, surely young un would enjoy a day at rugby and a meal somewhere :beaming_face_with_smiling_eyes: It's sure part of your parental reponsibility to make sure she's a balanced kid. Just out of interst mate how old is she now, Me and other half were trying to work it out.
@cgrant said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Vern Cotter would be fine.
Except it's more likely to be supercoach Penney.
@cgrant said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Vern Cotter would be fine.
Probably not. His 'style of play' would probably count against him........
@Bones said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Am I right in thinking coaches haven't been announced?
Jamie Joseph
@Nogusta said in All Blacks XV 2025:
@Bones said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Am I right in thinking coaches haven't been announced?
Jamie Joseph
Chur!
9 days later
1 month later
Article stating Pledger will likely make the team. https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360833574/otago-halfback-dylan-pledger-emerges-player-who-can-make-all-blacks-fast-again
From a Highlanders perspective the guys I'd like to see considered
Bartlett
Ma'u (will miss out due to injury)
Taylor
One of Howden/Stodart/Haig
Either Lasaqa of Casey
Withy (I just don't know what his best role is)
Pledger
Tangitau
JRK
I expect CLW will be there out of Otago
@SouthernMann 13 try assists in 7 starts for Pledger is insane numbers, moreso otago discussion but when holland and Hurley were made unavailable I thought we were gonna be average as always luckily Pledger had other ideas 
@SouthernMann Withy might be a decent captain if they see him starting.
Listed as having the squad assemble on 24 October. The day before the final. Surely those involved in the final play and then head off with the squad.
@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Listed as having the squad assemble on 24 October. The day before the final. Surely those involved in the final play and then head off with the squad.
Yup, will assemble and head off following the final.
It’s going to be interesting to see who they select. Lot of ABs still floating around in the NPC. Blackadder, Darry, Bell, Dalton. Do they select Christie assuming he won’t be in the Northern Tour but is ranked 5th? Or do they prioritise youth and exclude a few of them
@SouthernMann said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Listed as having the squad assemble on 24 October. The day before the final. Surely those involved in the final play and then head off with the squad.
My guess not many players involved in the final will play the first game against the Barbarians on 1st November, but they might play against England A a week later.
IIRC last year the Wellington and BOP players left the day after the NPC final, while the bulk of the squad departed the day of the final.
@sparky said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Will he have an assistant? Should send Cotter along and maybe someone good with backs
@canefan said in All Blacks XV 2025:
@sparky said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Will he have an assistant? Should send Cotter along and maybe someone good with backs
The Boks are so immortal they don't need Tony Brown...
@Grooter said in All Blacks XV 2025:
@george33 good to hear George what would you think about this loose forward group Dalton, Lio-Willie, Devan Flanders, Will Stodart & a true bolter the Kerikeri Express Lucas Casey
Just listened to the interview was clear there won't be any direction from the ABs about style of play. Said will be completely upto the coaching group.
Said tight forward depth is a big focus.
With the loosie mix, I reckon we will see two or three of the Landers boys. Being one or two of Howden/Haig/Stodart. Plus either of Lasaqa or Casey. If Casey makes it will make a mockery of the WTG contract he has.
I'd like Howden to be there but they should seriously look at trialing Ah Kuoi at 6. Parker, Lakai and Kirifi were all in the 2024 squad so room for new faces. I assume Sotutu says no again. 
@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV 2025:
I'd like Howden to be there but they should seriously look at trialing Ah Kuoi at 6. Parker, Lakai and Kirifi were all in the 2024 squad so room for new faces. I assume Sotutu says no again.
Not like Ah Kuoi will get any time there for the Chiefs, being being five All Blacks...
@Bovidae said in All Blacks XV 2025:
I'd like Howden to be there but they should seriously look at trialing Ah Kuoi at 6. Parker, Lakai and Kirifi were all in the 2024 squad so room for new faces. I assume Sotutu says no again.
Sotutu had shoulder surgery last week. Not sure how long he's out for. I'd be shocked if he ever got named again while Razor and his cronies are in control.
@Kiwidom said in All Blacks XV 2025:
Wonder if the match against Georgia will be played in Montpellier again
Believe it's actually a match against Uruguay, but it will be played in Montpellier.