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.
@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.
@chimoaus said in All Blacks 2026:
Loose forwards, Savea and Wallace most used and loads of others. Vaai not on the list.
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.
@kiwimurph said in All Blacks 2026:
Ioane will tour.
Would be very happy to see Akira back, oh, you mean the smaller one 
@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
