All Blacks 2026

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

@akan004 said in All Blacks 2026:

If our attacking shape continues to trend upward, what are we going to do with Blair when Brown comes in? He's too good to let go. Signing Brown so early may have been a mistake.

Can both of them work together?

They could theoretically work together or have separate roles that don't get in each other's way. Blair could own the attacking framework, developing the core shapes, systems and execution, while Brown could focus more on attacking strategy, set-piece innovation and finding ways to unlock defences.

To think NZR and some of the players wanted Scott Hansen retained. I'm so glad Rennie chose Mike Blair instead.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life The bench mix and how it complements the starting lineup isn’t quite perfect at the moment and not just for the loose forwards. They still need to decide what combinations they want, how that fits with their bench strategy and what risks they’re prepared to take around injury coverage.

Lakai probably deserves a place in the 23 on merit and his ability to cover all three loose forward positions is valuable but that versatility doesn’t necessarily make him essential given the other loose forwards in the team. It’s probably preferable not to move Jacobson or Savea around during a match but they could, for example, still cover an injury to any starting loose forward with a specialist number eight on the bench.

If they go with a 6:2 split or decide they don’t need a specialist lock on the bench - I think they should, even with Vaa’i starting at blindside - they could potentially carry two specialist loose forwards rather than relying on a utility option. Again, Lakai could still be one of those players though.

The loose forwards remain the least settled area of the team. Ideally, they’d have a group of high-quality specialists to choose from but there isn't. At the moment, it looks like they’re sticking with the philosophy that jersey numbers don’t necessarily define a player’s role.

Unless SA go with a 7:1 split on the bench I just don't think we need four locks in the 23 personally. I'd rather us have two loosies on the bench with the goal of running the Springboks off their feet in the last 30 odd mins, versus bringing another lock on the park late in the game. I'm sure we'll see a variety of options on this tour, and I think whatever works against the Springboks might be completely different to someone else we play moving forward. I.e. for someone like Australia, I don't really think we need Va'ai playing six, we could get away with playing more up tempo by having Sititi or Lakai in that jersey.

Good problems to have though and it's great to see we are building good depth in most positions. Halfback is still the biggest concern for me.

@akan004 said in All Blacks 2026:

If our attacking shape continues to trend upward, what are we going to do with Blair when Brown comes in? He's too good to let go. Signing Brown so early may have been a mistake.

Can the two of them work together?

No reason why they can't.

But also as it stands, we have no idea if Blair (or Rennie, for that matter) even wants to stay beyond 2027.

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life The bench mix and how it complements the starting lineup isn’t quite perfect at the moment and not just for the loose forwards. They still need to decide what combinations they want, how that fits with their bench strategy and what risks they’re prepared to take around injury coverage.

Lakai probably deserves a place in the 23 on merit and his ability to cover all three loose forward positions is valuable but that versatility doesn’t necessarily make him essential given the other loose forwards in the team. It’s probably preferable not to move Jacobson or Savea around during a match but they could, for example, still cover an injury to any starting loose forward with a specialist number eight on the bench.

If they go with a 6:2 split or decide they don’t need a specialist lock on the bench - I think they should, even with Vaa’i starting at blindside - they could potentially carry two specialist loose forwards rather than relying on a utility option. Again, Lakai could still be one of those players though.

The loose forwards remain the least settled area of the team. Ideally, they’d have a group of high-quality specialists to choose from but there isn't. At the moment, it looks like they’re sticking with the philosophy that jersey numbers don’t necessarily define a player’s role.

Unless SA go with a 7:1 split on the bench I just don't think we need four locks in the 23 personally. I'd rather us have two loosies on the bench with the goal of running the Springboks off their feet in the last 30 odd mins, versus bringing another lock on the park late in the game. I'm sure we'll see a variety of options on this tour, and I think whatever works against the Springboks might be completely different to someone else we play moving forward. I.e. for someone like Australia, I don't really think we need Va'ai playing six, we could get away with playing more up tempo by having Sititi or Lakai in that jersey.

Good problems to have though and it's great to see we are building good depth in most positions. Halfback is still the biggest concern for me.

The issue I have with having no lock on the bench - taking last weekend's team as an example - is that you're asking Vaa'i to shift positions mid-game, which isn't ideal and/or you're asking two of Vaa'i, Tuipulotu and Lord to play a full 80 minutes regardless of the circumstances.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life The bench mix and how it complements the starting lineup isn’t quite perfect at the moment and not just for the loose forwards. They still need to decide what combinations they want, how that fits with their bench strategy and what risks they’re prepared to take around injury coverage.

Lakai probably deserves a place in the 23 on merit and his ability to cover all three loose forward positions is valuable but that versatility doesn’t necessarily make him essential given the other loose forwards in the team. It’s probably preferable not to move Jacobson or Savea around during a match but they could, for example, still cover an injury to any starting loose forward with a specialist number eight on the bench.

If they go with a 6:2 split or decide they don’t need a specialist lock on the bench - I think they should, even with Vaa’i starting at blindside - they could potentially carry two specialist loose forwards rather than relying on a utility option. Again, Lakai could still be one of those players though.

The loose forwards remain the least settled area of the team. Ideally, they’d have a group of high-quality specialists to choose from but there isn't. At the moment, it looks like they’re sticking with the philosophy that jersey numbers don’t necessarily define a player’s role.

Unless SA go with a 7:1 split on the bench I just don't think we need four locks in the 23 personally. I'd rather us have two loosies on the bench with the goal of running the Springboks off their feet in the last 30 odd mins, versus bringing another lock on the park late in the game. I'm sure we'll see a variety of options on this tour, and I think whatever works against the Springboks might be completely different to someone else we play moving forward. I.e. for someone like Australia, I don't really think we need Va'ai playing six, we could get away with playing more up tempo by having Sititi or Lakai in that jersey.

Good problems to have though and it's great to see we are building good depth in most positions. Halfback is still the biggest concern for me.

The issue I have with having no lock on the bench - taking last weekend's team as an example - is that you're asking Vaa'i to shift positions mid-game, which isn't ideal and/or you're asking two of Vaa'i, Tuipulotu and Lord to play a full 80 minutes regardless of the circumstances.

I guess it all comes down to what the strategy is for the Boks. If it’s to run them off the park you’re then probably going to have to deploy a 6-2 split, one lock, two loosies on the bench. DMac to cover 10, and then probably Ratima and one other as those back reserves. Ardie can play in the backs if we get more than one injury in the backs.

Faianga’nuku would be my 23 man if he was fit and available because he can cover midfield and both wings.

Can we really expect to run other tier 1 teams off the park. It still seems too easy to slow the game down when needed.

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life The bench mix and how it complements the starting lineup isn’t quite perfect at the moment and not just for the loose forwards. They still need to decide what combinations they want, how that fits with their bench strategy and what risks they’re prepared to take around injury coverage.

Lakai probably deserves a place in the 23 on merit and his ability to cover all three loose forward positions is valuable but that versatility doesn’t necessarily make him essential given the other loose forwards in the team. It’s probably preferable not to move Jacobson or Savea around during a match but they could, for example, still cover an injury to any starting loose forward with a specialist number eight on the bench.

If they go with a 6:2 split or decide they don’t need a specialist lock on the bench - I think they should, even with Vaa’i starting at blindside - they could potentially carry two specialist loose forwards rather than relying on a utility option. Again, Lakai could still be one of those players though.

The loose forwards remain the least settled area of the team. Ideally, they’d have a group of high-quality specialists to choose from but there isn't. At the moment, it looks like they’re sticking with the philosophy that jersey numbers don’t necessarily define a player’s role.

Unless SA go with a 7:1 split on the bench I just don't think we need four locks in the 23 personally. I'd rather us have two loosies on the bench with the goal of running the Springboks off their feet in the last 30 odd mins, versus bringing another lock on the park late in the game. I'm sure we'll see a variety of options on this tour, and I think whatever works against the Springboks might be completely different to someone else we play moving forward. I.e. for someone like Australia, I don't really think we need Va'ai playing six, we could get away with playing more up tempo by having Sititi or Lakai in that jersey.

Good problems to have though and it's great to see we are building good depth in most positions. Halfback is still the biggest concern for me.

The issue I have with having no lock on the bench - taking last weekend's team as an example - is that you're asking Vaa'i to shift positions mid-game, which isn't ideal and/or you're asking two of Vaa'i, Tuipulotu and Lord to play a full 80 minutes regardless of the circumstances.

I guess it all comes down to what the strategy is for the Boks. If it’s to run them off the park you’re then probably going to have to deploy a 6-2 split, one lock, two loosies on the bench. DMac to cover 10, and then probably Ratima and one other as those back reserves. Ardie can play in the backs if we get more than one injury in the backs.

Faianga’nuku would be my 23 man if he was fit and available because he can cover midfield and both wings.

Much as I hate to say it I'd have Rieko over Faianga'nuku if you want midfield/wing cover.

At international level he'd get carved up on defence, even more so with the new attacking trend.

@Toddy said in All Blacks 2026:

Can we really expect to run other tier 1 teams off the park. It still seems too easy to slow the game down when needed.

Well we used to, so I can’t see why we can’t strive to get there. Slowing the game down will only play into the hands of the Boks.

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@Toddy said in All Blacks 2026:

Can we really expect to run other tier 1 teams off the park. It still seems too easy to slow the game down when needed.

Well we used to, so I can’t see why we can’t strive to get there. Slowing the game down will only play into the hands of the Boks.

Along with kicking the ball away, which Dave has cut out. Our speed of play is more focused than the headless chook stuff we had previously. So we are inflicting more damage on teams by making them move around and forcing them to make decisions more than before

Ideally, referees would be more proactive in stopping teams from deliberately wasting time, faking injuries and slowing the game down.

@canefan said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@Toddy said in All Blacks 2026:

Can we really expect to run other tier 1 teams off the park. It still seems too easy to slow the game down when needed.

Well we used to, so I can’t see why we can’t strive to get there. Slowing the game down will only play into the hands of the Boks.

Along with kicking the ball away, which Dave has cut out. Our speed of play is more focused than the headless chook stuff we had previously. So we are inflicting more damage on teams by making them move around and forcing them to make decisions more than before

As players get more comfortable in the system and we become even more clinical it's going to be interesting to see who can stay with us.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

Ideally, referees would be more proactive in stopping teams from deliberately wasting time, faking injuries and slowing the game down.

So noticeable with Northern hemisphere teams who take every opportunity to slow the game down. The Northern refs also let them get away with it which is so frustrating. Massive reason why we couldn't get our flow in that Italy game.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks 2026:

Ideally, referees would be more proactive in stopping teams from deliberately wasting time, faking injuries and slowing the game down.

Clearly WR don't believe that pace of play is important in delivering a quality on field spectacle, otherwise they would direct all referees to stamp out time wasting

@canefan longer game means eyeballs see sponsor logos longer

#allboutdamunneeeeeee

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2026:

@canefan longer game means eyeballs see sponsor logos longer

#allboutdamunneeeeeee

As an aside, I wouldn't mind the game being extended to 90 minutes.

Fitness becomes a bigger factor. Could reduce the incentive to make players bigger. More tactical variation with more fatigue. Less reward for time-wasting tactics. Greater importance of squad depth in tournaments.

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@Toddy said in All Blacks 2026:

Can we really expect to run other tier 1 teams off the park. It still seems too easy to slow the game down when needed.

Well we used to, so I can’t see why we can’t strive to get there. Slowing the game down will only play into the hands of the Boks.

Will it though? They have been playing at a high pace as well. Their line speed is quick and they have several fast footed backs that excel in an uptempo style. They want to be with possession more.

Plus the way they use their bench means they have ‘fresher’ players for slightly longer periods.

@canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

Unless SA go with a 7:1 split on the bench I just don't think we need four locks in the 23 personally. I'd rather us have two loosies on the bench with the goal of running the Springboks off their feet in the last 30 odd mins,

What would be the point if they've replaced a forward pack that has probably only been on the field for 10 minutes?

Some early oil perhaps - this from clubrugby.co.nz

It is understood that the All Blacks will be taking 44 players to South Africa, with several more on standby, so that is three full NPC teams of players out of 14 teams unavailable for much of the competition. Club Rugby has been told that Du Plessis Kirifi and perhaps one more player from Wellington (possibly Siale Lauaki) will be on the plane for the Greatest Rivalry tour after it is named next Monday.

@Canes4life hopefully Harkin? I would think Mafileo would be ahead of Lauaki in TH pecking order.

@Rugbyman said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life hopefully Harkin? I would think Mafileo would be ahead of Lauaki in TH pecking order.

Lauaki ended up surpassing Mafileo at the Canes so who knows.

@Canes4life they seem evenly matched with Mafileo having a bit more experience having been in AB camp before.

@Rugbyman said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life they seem evenly matched with Mafileo having a bit more experience having been in AB camp before.

Lauaki has a higher ceiling, better athlete and more mobile around the park. Hits very hard defensively as well. Mafileo is probably slightly a better scrummager but Lauaki was never beaten this season so he’s come a long way.

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2026:

I think if Tuipulotu keeps playing like he did on Saturday then you probably want him in the 23. I also think Darry played exceptionally well in his two matches. I think Lord and Holland are fighting it out for the other starting berth (assuming that Vaa'i is at 6 and that a lock is selected on the bench). Given Holland is coming back from injury, Lord has the inside running.

TH lock has to be Patty, Tupou or Darry. Lord and Holland have to be LH, so not on field at same time. Gives us nine possible starting combo's.

@restofit said in All Blacks 2026:

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

@booboo said in All Blacks 2026:

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

Tamaiti Williams, Holland, Big Leicester, Narawa, Tangitau

@Chris-B. said in All Blacks 2026:

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

Personally not sure about Kirifi. Just think his size is a disqualifier. Not sure who is next in line though.

Ahio has announced he's leaving, so does that disqualify him? What state is Ofa in?

Jim the difference get a look in?

Does Harkin cover 10?

Would love to see Hutchinson.

I too think Kirifi is a bit small, but I seem to recall Rennie name-checked him as unlucky.

Didn't know that about Ahio - a pity. Probably does rule him out.

They pretty clearly like people with fullback skills - Love, Jordie, Jordan, Moorby and DMac all in last night's team.

hopefully that means Hutchinson goes to SA.

Has he recovered from injury?

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@Rugbyman said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life they seem evenly matched with Mafileo having a bit more experience having been in AB camp before.

Lauaki has a higher ceiling, better athlete and more mobile around the park. Hits very hard defensively as well. Mafileo is probably slightly a better scrummager but Lauaki was never beaten this season so he’s come a long way.

Scrummaging is top criteria for RSA.

@pakman Historically correct and earning scrum penalties remains a valid way to gain territory but there are fewer scrums in Test rugby than ever before. Picking props who are athletes, especially for the bench, is becoming the new norm

@SecFid said in All Blacks 2026:

@pakman Historically correct and earning scrum penalties remains a valid way to gain territory but there are fewer scrums in Test rugby than ever before. Picking props who are athletes, especially for the bench, is becoming the new norm

Lauaki's scrummaging is still quality, and he's made for test rugby. He can also play both sides which the selectors will like.

Mafileo is moving on from the Canes for a reason and it's because Lauaki has surpassed him. The kid has already won two NPC titles and a Super title so is progressing nicely and has proven to be a quality impact player. As good as Numia has been this year, Lauaki will push him for that starting spot in Super next year and could be a smokey for the WC squad.

Thought it would be interesting to see which players have been used this WC cycle. Lets start with tight forwards. This is AI so could be full of errors but gives a talking point about player depth.

@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@SecFid said in All Blacks 2026:

@pakman Historically correct and earning scrum penalties remains a valid way to gain territory but there are fewer scrums in Test rugby than ever before. Picking props who are athletes, especially for the bench, is becoming the new norm

Lauaki's scrummaging is still quality, and he's made for test rugby. He can also play both sides which the selectors will like.

Mafileo is moving on from the Canes for a reason and it's because Lauaki has surpassed him. The kid has already won two NPC titles and a Super title so is progressing nicely and has proven to be a quality impact player. As good as Numia has been this year, Lauaki will push him for that starting spot in Super next year and could be a smokey for the WC squad.

Say no more.

Loose forwards, Savea and Wallace most used and loads of others. Vaai not on the list.

@chimoaus said in All Blacks 2026:

Loose forwards, Savea and Wallace most used and loads of others. Vaai not on the list.

View image

Might be helpful to split them by position and starts/bench appearances?

@canes4life said in All Blacks 2026:

@Rugbyman said in All Blacks 2026:

@Canes4life they seem evenly matched with Mafileo having a bit more experience having been in AB camp before.

Lauaki has a higher ceiling, better athlete and more mobile around the park. Hits very hard defensively as well. Mafileo is probably slightly a better scrummager but Lauaki was never beaten this season so he’s come a long way.

Looking at Herald, it seems likely Lauaki has snagged back up TH spot. Which leaves Norris, Fusitua, Ofa and maybe Mafileo competing for LH role.

Would be happy with Lauaki as the 4th choice TH. Think he has a lot of upside and one for the future.

@kiwimurph said in All Blacks 2026:

Ioane will tour.

Would be very happy to see Akira back, oh, you mean the smaller one

@kirwan ha I went to post that last night but TSF was down!

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2026:

@kirwan ha I went to post that last night but TSF was down!

You onto my cunning plan to horde content

Moorby really stands out.

What an absolute quality find.