All Blacks 2026

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

If the incumbent is streets ahead of the young challenger, it makes sense to keep the incumbent and blood the young gun. If it is a toss up, the younger player needs to be given his chance.

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:

@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@MiketheSnow said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Rattle JGP, get him off his game and they're a bit of a nothing side now.

Same could be said for Roigard

He's easily our most important player and with a strike rate like the below he's going to break plenty of records.

I think he is our most important player, but only due to the lack of similar (in style and quality) options behind him.

Yeah but that’s also purely down to how dominant of a player he is. It’s pretty obvious that Roigard has become the dominant decision maker for the ABs.

Historically it’s been the 10 making most of the big decisions, but in recent years that has shifted to the 9, we’ve seen it with JGP at Ireland and Du Pont at France. 9s are having a lot more say on the game than they used to.

That's not some sort of historical trend mate, it's Sexton retiring and France playing a different style. There have always been some 9s who play that way (Weepu, Going, Bachop to an extent) and 10s who range from very dominant game controllers to just a link in the chain.

Roigard is dominant, and does a lot of the kicking, particularly exits. I would be mildly concerned with how that would go if Roigard gets injured.

The historical consensus in rugby has always been that the No. 10 is the primary game driver - the quarterback, so to speak, while the No. 9's role has largely been to link the forwards with the first five. What we're seeing now, though, is halfbacks taking control of matches more than ever before. One of the major benefits of that shift is that it allows you to blood a young No. 10 like Love much more comfortably, as the bulk of the decision-making no longer rests solely on his shoulders like it traditionally has.

Disagree with you on that one mate, I think it still is the consensus, and all we're seeing is 2 or 3 exceptional players causing a blip on the graph. For me it is kind of just as simple as you get a better view from 10, you're better placed to see things which trigger decisions - and that hasn't changed.

I think in the NH particularly the French , they use the halfback a lot more than us to put a bit of control on the tempo of the game .

Where as we tend to traditionally just want quick ball from the HB . Get in the tens hands ASAP .But maybe that’ part is starting to change a bit with Roigard.

I think this is because of rush defences , and 10s can get crowded more with them. I genuinely wonder at times how the likes of Merts, Carter etc would play against the rush defence we have these days. I do think it is changing how our insides play, and reason the box kicking form 9s is so much a thing.

That’s a good point , and roigard sniping probably makes the rush defence hesitant as well

@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2026:

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:

@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@MiketheSnow said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Rattle JGP, get him off his game and they're a bit of a nothing side now.

Same could be said for Roigard

He's easily our most important player and with a strike rate like the below he's going to break plenty of records.

I think he is our most important player, but only due to the lack of similar (in style and quality) options behind him.

Yeah but that’s also purely down to how dominant of a player he is. It’s pretty obvious that Roigard has become the dominant decision maker for the ABs.

Historically it’s been the 10 making most of the big decisions, but in recent years that has shifted to the 9, we’ve seen it with JGP at Ireland and Du Pont at France. 9s are having a lot more say on the game than they used to.

That's not some sort of historical trend mate, it's Sexton retiring and France playing a different style. There have always been some 9s who play that way (Weepu, Going, Bachop to an extent) and 10s who range from very dominant game controllers to just a link in the chain.

Roigard is dominant, and does a lot of the kicking, particularly exits. I would be mildly concerned with how that would go if Roigard gets injured.

The historical consensus in rugby has always been that the No. 10 is the primary game driver - the quarterback, so to speak, while the No. 9's role has largely been to link the forwards with the first five. What we're seeing now, though, is halfbacks taking control of matches more than ever before. One of the major benefits of that shift is that it allows you to blood a young No. 10 like Love much more comfortably, as the bulk of the decision-making no longer rests solely on his shoulders like it traditionally has.

Disagree with you on that one mate, I think it still is the consensus, and all we're seeing is 2 or 3 exceptional players causing a blip on the graph. For me it is kind of just as simple as you get a better view from 10, you're better placed to see things which trigger decisions - and that hasn't changed.

I think in the NH particularly the French , they use the halfback a lot more than us to put a bit of control on the tempo of the game .

Where as we tend to traditionally just want quick ball from the HB . Get in the tens hands ASAP .But maybe that’ part is starting to change a bit with Roigard.

I think this is because of rush defences , and 10s can get crowded more with them. I genuinely wonder at times how the likes of Merts, Carter etc would play against the rush defence we have these days. I do think it is changing how our insides play, and reason the box kicking form 9s is so much a thing.

That’s a good point , and roigard sniping probably makes the rush defence hesitant as well

He is the most important Allblack in the squad as it stands in my opinion.

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:

@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@MiketheSnow said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Rattle JGP, get him off his game and they're a bit of a nothing side now.

Same could be said for Roigard

He's easily our most important player and with a strike rate like the below he's going to break plenty of records.

I think he is our most important player, but only due to the lack of similar (in style and quality) options behind him.

Yeah but that’s also purely down to how dominant of a player he is. It’s pretty obvious that Roigard has become the dominant decision maker for the ABs.

Historically it’s been the 10 making most of the big decisions, but in recent years that has shifted to the 9, we’ve seen it with JGP at Ireland and Du Pont at France. 9s are having a lot more say on the game than they used to.

That's not some sort of historical trend mate, it's Sexton retiring and France playing a different style. There have always been some 9s who play that way (Weepu, Going, Bachop to an extent) and 10s who range from very dominant game controllers to just a link in the chain.

Roigard is dominant, and does a lot of the kicking, particularly exits. I would be mildly concerned with how that would go if Roigard gets injured.

The historical consensus in rugby has always been that the No. 10 is the primary game driver - the quarterback, so to speak, while the No. 9's role has largely been to link the forwards with the first five. What we're seeing now, though, is halfbacks taking control of matches more than ever before. One of the major benefits of that shift is that it allows you to blood a young No. 10 like Love much more comfortably, as the bulk of the decision-making no longer rests solely on his shoulders like it traditionally has.

Disagree with you on that one mate, I think it still is the consensus, and all we're seeing is 2 or 3 exceptional players causing a blip on the graph. For me it is kind of just as simple as you get a better view from 10, you're better placed to see things which trigger decisions - and that hasn't changed.

I think in the NH particularly the French , they use the halfback a lot more than us to put a bit of control on the tempo of the game .

Where as we tend to traditionally just want quick ball from the HB . Get in the tens hands ASAP .But maybe that’ part is starting to change a bit with Roigard.

I think this is because of rush defences , and 10s can get crowded more with them. I genuinely wonder at times how the likes of Merts, Carter etc would play against the rush defence we have these days. I do think it is changing how our insides play, and reason the box kicking form 9s is so much a thing.

Those are the two best passing and vision 10s we've had in recent memory, both with excellent accurate and varied kicking games - which is everything you need against a rush defence. They'd do just fine.

@reprobate not to mention the smarts across.the team and packs they had in front of them

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2026:

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2026:

@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@MiketheSnow said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Rattle JGP, get him off his game and they're a bit of a nothing side now.

Same could be said for Roigard

He's easily our most important player and with a strike rate like the below he's going to break plenty of records.

I think he is our most important player, but only due to the lack of similar (in style and quality) options behind him.

Yeah but that’s also purely down to how dominant of a player he is. It’s pretty obvious that Roigard has become the dominant decision maker for the ABs.

Historically it’s been the 10 making most of the big decisions, but in recent years that has shifted to the 9, we’ve seen it with JGP at Ireland and Du Pont at France. 9s are having a lot more say on the game than they used to.

That's not some sort of historical trend mate, it's Sexton retiring and France playing a different style. There have always been some 9s who play that way (Weepu, Going, Bachop to an extent) and 10s who range from very dominant game controllers to just a link in the chain.

Roigard is dominant, and does a lot of the kicking, particularly exits. I would be mildly concerned with how that would go if Roigard gets injured.

The historical consensus in rugby has always been that the No. 10 is the primary game driver - the quarterback, so to speak, while the No. 9's role has largely been to link the forwards with the first five. What we're seeing now, though, is halfbacks taking control of matches more than ever before. One of the major benefits of that shift is that it allows you to blood a young No. 10 like Love much more comfortably, as the bulk of the decision-making no longer rests solely on his shoulders like it traditionally has.

Disagree with you on that one mate, I think it still is the consensus, and all we're seeing is 2 or 3 exceptional players causing a blip on the graph. For me it is kind of just as simple as you get a better view from 10, you're better placed to see things which trigger decisions - and that hasn't changed.

I think in the NH particularly the French , they use the halfback a lot more than us to put a bit of control on the tempo of the game .

Where as we tend to traditionally just want quick ball from the HB . Get in the tens hands ASAP .But maybe that’ part is starting to change a bit with Roigard.

I think this is because of rush defences , and 10s can get crowded more with them. I genuinely wonder at times how the likes of Merts, Carter etc would play against the rush defence we have these days. I do think it is changing how our insides play, and reason the box kicking form 9s is so much a thing.

Those are the two best passing and vision 10s we've had in recent memory, both with excellent accurate and varied kicking games - which is everything you need against a rush defence. They'd do just fine.

Yep I'd hope so, we will never know though. It's just a thing I kind of do at times, I have seen some brilliant 10s over the years, Mac Hereniwi, Earle Kirton, Barry John, Mark Ella through to the likes of todays. And I just wonder how they would cope etc, the game sems to shift so much every few years.
Same in any positions, many of us older fellas (and not so old) do tend to look at the players that were through tinted glasses, and as the game has changed even since it went pro, I wonder how players would go.

One thing I do believe is that rugby has never been so strong internationally, where as anyone but top 2 were well behind, I genuinely think it has changed .

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down.

Picking Christie ahead of Roigard in the World Cup crunch matches.
Total fuckin joke.

@Frank said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down.

Picking Christie ahead of Roigard in the World Cup crunch matches.
Total fuckin joke.

Especially. considering this happened just 2 months before the RWC final against the same opponent.

Static ball from the base of a ruck, 63 meters from the try line. Beats 8 Springboks.

Yeah, Finlay Christie is our man.....

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

Lots of ifs that day. Cane getting a card, Frizell opting out of tackling, RMo playing on after being knocked out, Jordan choking.

But yes, the Roigard exclusion for being too friendly with the translator sucked.

@Jnr said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

Lots of ifs that day. Cane getting a card, Frizell opting out of tackling, RMo playing on after being knocked out, Jordan choking.

But yes, the Roigard exclusion for being too friendly with the translator sucked.

Or did she?

So with the first half of the Nations Championship done and dusted who’s on the plane to South Africa? I assume it will be this 34 + 10 others or was it less than that?

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

So with the first half of the Nations Championship done and dusted who’s on the plane to South Africa? I assume it will be this 34 + 10 others or was it less than that?

40 man squad isn't it?

Edit: 44

I'd like to see a nice mix of experienced players who need to be reexamined (eg Ioane), some form players from SR who deserve a look (eg Harkin) and maybe one or two bolters (eg Preston)

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

maybe one or two bolters (eg Preston)

Do you mean Hutchinson?

We only need to take 40, because have you seen how huge Parker is from all his work in the weights room?

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

Said by whom?

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

Said by whom?

I wasn't the only one to say it at the time. But I'm far too lazy to go back and get you a list from a three year old thread

With Love possibly picking up an injury, will Richie get the nod to go on tour?

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

Said by whom?

I wasn't the only one to say it at the time. But I'm far too lazy to go back and get you a list from a three year old thread

So yourself, apparently.

Given his performance tonight, I think you're talking out of your arse. The reality is if two players kicked reasonably straightforward penalties, we win.

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

maybe one or two bolters (eg Preston)

What a bolter that would be, reckon you're probably the only one picking him as a bolter. Worth putting some money on, Shirley.

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

The "we would have win if Cam had played" myth is getting bloody ridiculous - based on 1 try against a tired Springbok team who were so far ahead on points they were winding down and 2 tries against rugby super-power Namibia

If Roigard played in the RWC2023 Final as poorly as he did tonight, the Boks would have put 20+ points on us.

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

Said by whom?

I wasn't the only one to say it at the time. But I'm far too lazy to go back and get you a list from a three year old thread

So yourself, apparently.

Given his performance tonight, I think you're talking out of your arse. The reality is if two players kicked reasonably straightforward penalties, we win.

I do remember some fuckwit arguing that Roigard should start in the knock-out games as he had scored 2 tries against Namibia

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2026:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

Said by whom?

I wasn't the only one to say it at the time. But I'm far too lazy to go back and get you a list from a three year old thread

So yourself, apparently.

Given his performance tonight, I think you're talking out of your arse. The reality is if two players kicked reasonably straightforward penalties, we win.

I do remember some fuckwit arguing that Roigard should start in the knock-out games as he had scored 2 tries against Namibia

That’s a big part of the argument for him being the best in the world - his try-scoring ratio. ‘He’s better than Dupont. Look at how many tries he scores.’ Its a bit silly.

And this thread has gone off topic again.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

That’s a big part of the argument for him being the best in the world—his try-scoring ratio.

Seemed to me today he was more interested in his try-scoring ratio than stuff like kicking and passing. At one point he went for a dart when we had an overlap on the left.

On a positive note, absolutely loving the formation of our attack, so fun to watch

@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2026:

On a positive note, absolutely loving the formation of our attack, so fun to watch

Things in general are looking very positive and much improved from the last several years. Still a lot to improve on and a few question marks but it’s great to see.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2026:

On a positive note, absolutely loving the formation of our attack, so fun to watch

Things in general are looking very positive and much improved from the last several years. Still a lot to improve on and a few question marks but it’s great to see.

I will take this anyday.

Movement, playing positive, confident rugby, negative errors have almost disappeared. Light years more enjoyable than grinding out a win in minutes 25-40 and holding on for dear life.

Any thoughts on Beauden Barrett and Simon Parker ?
I would imagine they are taken to South Africa
and also who comes in ?

A few seasons back Taylor was in dire form and it wasn't until injuries struck that Taukei'aho was finally given a run in South Africa, where he excelled. Taylor's form is nowhere near as bad now but I still think the one-two punch of Taukei'aho and Aumua is difficult to resist. We saw against Ireland how big an impact Aumua made by coming onto the field early in the match. But hard to see Rennie changing up the formula too much in South Africa, given Taylor started all three matches in July. Maybe if Taukei'aho has a stormer against the club sides and mans up in the scrum he'll be trusted to start in the Tests?

Bit surprising that Lomax was the first-choice tighthead in July, but only because he's spent so little time on the pitch this year. Newell and Tosi seem like a better combination but Lomax was by no means terrible and, as with the hooker situation, Lomax and Newell are probably the better scrummaging combo so Rennie may stick with them for the upcoming tour. De Groot is in career-best form - his carrying and support game have gone up a notch this year - and Numia didn't struggle in either of his two appearances so those two are locked in on the loosehead side of the scrum.

We're blessed with riches in the second row. As with the props, no one let themselves down in July but think Darry/Tuipulotu may be the best pairing. If we're running with a lock on the bench, however, then I think starting Lord with Tuipulotu is the better option with Darry adding impact later in the game. Holland also comes back into the frame (though not sure he should be playing the Tests at this stage). Barnes and Ryan will have their selection work cut out for them when Barrett returns from injury too.

Think Vaa'i is the best option on the blindside flank against South Africa and the other bigger packs (Ireland and England come to mind). I also like the balance he brings to the backrow. Savea will start at No 8 and then seems like Jacobson has done enough to wear 7. Not sure who out of Lakai and Segner rides the pine and hard to see where Parker fits into things. Against the bigger teams maybe he should be the bench loosie, as the closest thing to a like-for-like replacement for Vaa'i? But clearly Rennie didn't favour him in July.

Halfback situation remains troubling. Roigard is clearly the first choice and should be playing as much as possible in every match. Ratima had some ok moments in July but wasn't properly tested while Preston didn't feature at all. They'll presumably both get starts in the opening four games of the South Africa tour. Wonder if Rennie is on the phone to some of the offshore options trying to convince them to get back to NZ ASAP. Smith or Kerr-Barlow would be great additions ahead of the World Cup.

The Love-McKenzie axis worked a charm in July. Long may it continue. Love has played a fairly understated game but mixed it up with a few excellent touches - very Carter-esque. That's the type of play we need from the 10.

Similarly, the Barrett-Tupaea axis looks to be the way forward in the midfield, though Tupaea is still going to have a few defensive lapses at centre. The problem then becomes who the back-up No 12 is, because I don't love Lienert-Brown in that role. Feels like Rennie is comfortable having him there, however. Would've been quite interesting to see what would have happened if Barrett had been ruled out of the match - would ALB have gone to 12 and Tupaea remained at 13 to continue his development there? Barrett has been a bit of a revolution this year, though he probably overplayed his hand a little bit against Ireland.

Looking forward to seeing more of Fineanganofo in Africa but Jordan, Moorby and Clarke (and even Carter) all played well in July. We definitely looked worse later in the game when McKenzie moved to 10 but I think that was potentially more a product of not being able to inject him from fullback. Really hoping Hutchinson makes the trip to Africa and gets a few runs on the board because he offers a similar threat from fullback and would allow Love/McKenzie to make way when needed. Can then take a horses for courses approach with the wings.

All in all, a very positive July. A few big questions remains around the back-up halfback, blindside flanker and midfield but there appears to be some clear buy-in to Rennie and co from the players. Plenty of reason for NZ fans to feel optimistic.

Rennie has an incredible record against South Africa opposition - can't wait to see how this group goes on their tour.

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2026:

I haven't seen much of Pledger at all yet, but one thing I'll say is Fozzie made the mistake of not giving Roigard nearly enough minutes in the lead up to the 23 WC despite his obvious talent, and that was costly as Roigard was exactly the kind of HB we could have used in the final after going a man down. Like others I want to see a lot more bravery from the coaches (we already are TBH), where if they see someone that is obviously a special player they get them in and give them meaningful minutes to develop them. I dont want situation like Love where he is 25 years old before he even gets a meaningful shot despite being obviously better than the incumbents.

It's been said many times, if Cam plays the final we probably win RWC23

Said by whom?

I wasn't the only one to say it at the time. But I'm far too lazy to go back and get you a list from a three year old thread

@canefan
@canes4life

I've started it for you.

@Steven-Harris said in All Blacks 2026:

Any thoughts on Beauden Barrett and Simon Parker ?
I would imagine they are taken to South Africa
and also who comes in ?

I'll be surprised if they don't take everyone in this 34 unless there are injuries.

Then I'm thinking another full front row, a lock, two loosies, halfback, first five, midfielder, outside back.

Not sure who has been injured who might be fit - but any of Tamaiti Williams, Holland, Big Leicester, Narawa, Tangitau would be pretty likely if they're fit.

But, on the assumption none of them are, I'd think some of:

Norris, Bell, Ahio, Hannah, Kirifi, Lio Willie, Hotham, Kemara, Ioane, Harkin

Hard to know what Rennie is looking for in his loosies.

If Rennie wants to pick Mo'unga and Frizell, I think NZR are missing a trick by not letting him. OK, we don't pick from overseas, but do we need to be puritanical about it?

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

If Rennie wants to pick Mo'unga and Frizell, I think NZR are missing a trick by not letting him. OK, we don't pick from overseas, but do we need to be puritanical about it?

Yes. They knew the cut off dates for returning and selection and decided not to return by those dates.

To recycle an old joke, there'll be enough suitcases on tour without the addition of Frizell.

@Mr-Fish Rennie said that ALB trained in JB's place during the week, so you would assume it was at 12 to avoid more disruption.

@Nepia said in All Blacks 2026:

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

If Rennie wants to pick Mo'unga and Frizell, I think NZR are missing a trick by not letting him. OK, we don't pick from overseas, but do we need to be puritanical about it?

Yes. They knew the cut off dates for returning and selection and decided not to return by those dates.

Yeah - but, I couldn't care less about these arbitrary dates and rules. They're signed to play in NZ and that should be enough - we risk shooting our feet off by being pedantic.

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

@Nepia said in All Blacks 2026:

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

If Rennie wants to pick Mo'unga and Frizell, I think NZR are missing a trick by not letting him. OK, we don't pick from overseas, but do we need to be puritanical about it?

Yes. They knew the cut off dates for returning and selection and decided not to return by those dates.

Yeah - but, I couldn't care less about these arbitrary dates and rules. They're signed to play in NZ and that should be enough - we risk shooting our feet off by being pedantic.

Of course you don't, you want your boy Friz in the team.

@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2026:

@Mr-Fish Rennie said that ALB trained in JB's place during the week, so you would assume it was at 12 to avoid more disruption.

That was my assumption too but can't be sure.

@Mr-Fish Excellent summary

I suspect with Love's injury Rennie will be able to twist NZR's arm and get Mo'unga on the plane as injury cover.

With Rennie suggesting Codie Taylor may miss the early tour games I could see ABs bringing 2 more hookers on tour - say Bell and Jack Taylor

@Nepia said in All Blacks 2026:

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

@Nepia said in All Blacks 2026:

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

If Rennie wants to pick Mo'unga and Frizell, I think NZR are missing a trick by not letting him. OK, we don't pick from overseas, but do we need to be puritanical about it?

Yes. They knew the cut off dates for returning and selection and decided not to return by those dates.

Yeah - but, I couldn't care less about these arbitrary dates and rules. They're signed to play in NZ and that should be enough - we risk shooting our feet off by being pedantic.

Of course you don't, you want your boy Friz in the team.

I couldn't actually give a fuck if Frizz is in the team or not - aside from the fabulous wind-up potential here!

If he's playing how he did when he left, he'll be quite useful for Ta$man. But, I would like us to have the best possible chance of winning in South Africa, so I think Dave should be able to pick who he wants - within reason.

If he's going to put them on a plane with the first injury (see Big Leicester last year) it's a bit farcical.

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

@Nepia said in All Blacks 2026:

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

@Nepia said in All Blacks 2026:

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

If Rennie wants to pick Mo'unga and Frizell, I think NZR are missing a trick by not letting him. OK, we don't pick from overseas, but do we need to be puritanical about it?

Yes. They knew the cut off dates for returning and selection and decided not to return by those dates.

Yeah - but, I couldn't care less about these arbitrary dates and rules. They're signed to play in NZ and that should be enough - we risk shooting our feet off by being pedantic.

Of course you don't, you want your boy Friz in the team.

I couldn't actually give a fuck if Frizz is in the team or not - aside from the fabulous wind-up potential here!

If he's playing how he did when he left, he'll be quite useful for Ta$man. But, I would like us to have the best possible chance of winning in South Africa, so I think Dave should be able to pick who he wants - within reason.

If he's going to put them on a plane with the first injury (see Big Leicester last year) it's a bit farcical.

It's slippery slope, if you let the players start dictating their availability then what's the point having regulations at all?

We've got players busting their arse off in NZ rugby, keeping the game thriving here, and then you've got overseas players making big coin, knowing the regulations and then signing new contracts based on those regulations. Let them wait, they knew the rules going in.