All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@ShaquilleOatmeal Preston also didn't appear to be in tip top shape in SR.

Preston is such a weird selection. Converted to 80 minute games:
Super 2025 - 5.5
NPC 2025 - 3.5
Super 2026 3.

12 games over 2 years.

They might have seen something useful, brought him into camp and found out he wasn’t quite what they were looking for.

Yeah being a (part-time) Crusader they would have had him in camp the weeks before the squad announcement too though eh? Guess the cupboard just is a bit bare.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@ShaquilleOatmeal Preston also didn't appear to be in tip top shape in SR.

Preston is such a weird selection. Converted to 80 minute games:
Super 2025 - 5.5
NPC 2025 - 3.5
Super 2026 3.

12 games over 2 years.

They might have seen something useful, brought him into camp and found out he wasn’t quite what they were looking for.

He was originally brought in as injury cover because the Canes preferred Enari and Viljoen.

He was always behind Hotham (arguably so) and that explains a lot of it.

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

27 is not old. I would pick him if he's not going overseas.

@akan004 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

27 is not old. I would pick him if he's not going overseas.

No, it's not. But it is old for a debut when there are 4 test experienced guys ahead of you in the squad.
It would be like having Taylor, Aumua, Taukeiaho, Bell - then choosing Brad Slater instead of a Jack Taylor or Oudenryn as your 5th hooker.

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@akan004 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

27 is not old. I would pick him if he's not going overseas.

No, it's not. But it is old for a debut when there are 4 test experienced guys ahead of you in the squad.
It would be like having Taylor, Aumua, Taukeiaho, Bell - then choosing Brad Slater instead of a Jack Taylor or Oudenryn as your 5th hooker.

I disagree. I think you need to select the guy with the cooler head and who you think will be a better fit at test level right now. It's not like Harkin is in his 30s either, he's young enough to make the 2031 RWC.

Not doubting Kemara's talent, but he's not ready yet imo. Would hate to lose someone like Harkin to an overseas club just because we want to develop a younger player. If I had my way, I would leave Beauden at home and take both these guys to SA, along with Love and Mounga.

@akan004 Yeah fair enough, I'd want to see Harkin play at 10 on a weekly basis before being comfortable saying he is more ready.
I'd happily take them both but don't think that's on the table.

He's played there regularly for Wellingon and had four starts at 10 for the Hurricanes this year - I think that's probably enough to give an indication of his abilities. I'd have him in my squad to Africa over someone like Taha Kemara.

@frank said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

I actually think Patty T might be one of Rennie's top three preferred locks purely because of his power game.

When he's on form it's a delight to watch - a genuine difference maker with his power and willingness to be physical.

His display against the Irish is another good marker about the current environment - he looked unrecognisable from the player that finished the SR season.

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

He's played there regularly for Wellingon and had four starts at 10 for the Hurricanes this year - I think that's probably enough to give an indication of his abilities. I'd have him in my squad to Africa over someone like Taha Kemara.

Has he really? I thought he had been mostly playing 15 for Welly too, but could easily be wrong.

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

He's played there regularly for Wellingon and had four starts at 10 for the Hurricanes this year - I think that's probably enough to give an indication of his abilities. I'd have him in my squad to Africa over someone like Taha Kemara.

Harkin, a bit like Moorby is a very reliable player. If you had him at 10 or 15 for the ABs, he wouldn't let the jersey down. On form, he's definitely a chance for South Africa so will see what happens.

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

He's played there regularly for Wellingon and had four starts at 10 for the Hurricanes this year - I think that's probably enough to give an indication of his abilities. I'd have him in my squad to Africa over someone like Taha Kemara.

Has he really? I thought he had been mostly playing 15 for Welly too, but could easily be wrong.

He's definitely played 15 the most but has also looked assured at 10 for the Canes and Lions in his 7 opportunties.

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

I see McKenzie and Barrett more as 15s that can fill in at 10 and it sounds like Mo'unga has had a poor season so I'd like another 10 centric player developing.

I get your view though and I guess it depends on the aged triumverate that we've relied on the last ten years.

@reprobate Wasn’t Moorby debuting against the Italians at 28 and that seems to be going all good for him

@SecFid said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate Wasn’t Moorby debuting against the Italians at 28 and that seems to be going all good for him

Moorby has done well, I think Harkin probably would too. It's not his age, it's age plus where he sits in the pecking order - my argument is simply that I see the 5th 10 as a development spot and therefore I'd use it for a younger player when they seem of similar quality to me right now.
I won't be having a whinge if Harkin makes the squad, I'll be stoked for him - just not what I'd pick.

@reprobate Understood.

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

I see McKenzie and Barrett more as 15s that can fill in at 10 and it sounds like Mo'unga has had a poor season so I'd like another 10 centric player developing.

I get your view though and I guess it depends on the aged triumverate that we've relied on the last ten years.

Mounga had a poor season no not true
Rennie mentioned himself that Mounga he has watched for 3 seasons and has been phenomenal.
Hardly poor season according to Rennie.

@Chris said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

I see McKenzie and Barrett more as 15s that can fill in at 10 and it sounds like Mo'unga has had a poor season so I'd like another 10 centric player developing.

I get your view though and I guess it depends on the aged triumverate that we've relied on the last ten years.

Mounga had a poor season no not true
Rennie mentioned himself that Mounga he has watched for 3 seasons and has been phenomenal.
Hardly poor season according to Rennie.

I'm not arguing about Mo'unga's season but I'm starting to take Rennie's praise of players with a grain of salt after he's talked so many of them up. Retallick is supposedly the best lock in the world, McKenzie and Jordan are the two best fullbacks in the world and Barrett has been really impressive but not good enough to feature at all so far.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Chris said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

I see McKenzie and Barrett more as 15s that can fill in at 10 and it sounds like Mo'unga has had a poor season so I'd like another 10 centric player developing.

I get your view though and I guess it depends on the aged triumverate that we've relied on the last ten years.

Mounga had a poor season no not true
Rennie mentioned himself that Mounga he has watched for 3 seasons and has been phenomenal.
Hardly poor season according to Rennie.

I'm not arguing about Mo'unga's season but I'm starting to take Rennie's praise of players with a grain of salt after he's talked so many of them up. Retallick is supposedly the best lock in the world, McKenzie and Jordan are the two best fullbacks in the world and Barrett has been really impressive but not good enough to feature at all so far.

Then according to you Rennie is full of shit,?

@Chris said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Chris said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

I see McKenzie and Barrett more as 15s that can fill in at 10 and it sounds like Mo'unga has had a poor season so I'd like another 10 centric player developing.

I get your view though and I guess it depends on the aged triumverate that we've relied on the last ten years.

Mounga had a poor season no not true
Rennie mentioned himself that Mounga he has watched for 3 seasons and has been phenomenal.
Hardly poor season according to Rennie.

I'm not arguing about Mo'unga's season but I'm starting to take Rennie's praise of players with a grain of salt after he's talked so many of them up. Retallick is supposedly the best lock in the world, McKenzie and Jordan are the two best fullbacks in the world and Barrett has been really impressive but not good enough to feature at all so far.

Then according to you Rennie is full of shit,?

I think he's being diplomatic when asked about players and occasionally lapses into a bit of hyperbole.

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Chris said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Chris said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

I see McKenzie and Barrett more as 15s that can fill in at 10 and it sounds like Mo'unga has had a poor season so I'd like another 10 centric player developing.

I get your view though and I guess it depends on the aged triumverate that we've relied on the last ten years.

Mounga had a poor season no not true
Rennie mentioned himself that Mounga he has watched for 3 seasons and has been phenomenal.
Hardly poor season according to Rennie.

I'm not arguing about Mo'unga's season but I'm starting to take Rennie's praise of players with a grain of salt after he's talked so many of them up. Retallick is supposedly the best lock in the world, McKenzie and Jordan are the two best fullbacks in the world and Barrett has been really impressive but not good enough to feature at all so far.

Then according to you Rennie is full of shit,?

I think he's being diplomatic when asked about players and occasionally lapses into a bit of hyperbole.

Ok fair enough

@shaquilleoatmeal He's obviously big on culture, and shitting on players isn't conducive to that.

@antipodean said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@shaquilleoatmeal He's obviously big on culture, and shitting on players isn't conducive to that.

Of course. And he's saying exactly the kind of thing I'd expect him to say. But I don't think we can assume every player a coach talks up is quite as good as they make them sound when speaking to the media. Coaches can be a bit cagey with the media in general and praising players is often part of that.

@Chris said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

I see McKenzie and Barrett more as 15s that can fill in at 10 and it sounds like Mo'unga has had a poor season so I'd like another 10 centric player developing.

I get your view though and I guess it depends on the aged triumverate that we've relied on the last ten years.

Mounga had a poor season no not true
Rennie mentioned himself that Mounga he has watched for 3 seasons and has been phenomenal.
Hardly poor season according to Rennie.

All I know is my brother has watched most of his games, said he seemed tackle shy and had lost 7 on the trot.

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Chris said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@Jnr said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

On the loosies, if they want a smaller Ardie then that's Kirifi. If they want a Jacobson ruck and tackle guy it might be Blackadder. They don't know themselves what they want at 6, but Casey and Barnes fit the work rate plus love of contact.

I wouldn't pick Harkin. We already have Love, McKenzie, Jordan, Moorby, Beauden, Jordie who can play fullback - admittedly too many of them might be in the top side, but Proctor has played there too as emergency cover. I'd rather they picked a 10 in Kemara and had BB play 15 midweek - that gives a more similar feel to what they are trying to achieve with the top side to me, and the midweek team needs to play the same style if we want players to step up smoothly.

I'd have Harkin. His preferred position is 1st 5 and he seems to have the mental attributes to go to the next level.

To me he has more potential upside over the the next 12 months than Kemara.

How many games did he start there this year, other than the Drua debacle?
I don't mind him, and you may well be right over the next 12 months - but he's 27, and when we have Love, McKenzie, Barrett, Mo'unga... I think we have the luxury of the next guy selected being younger i.e. looking beyond the next 12 months.

I see McKenzie and Barrett more as 15s that can fill in at 10 and it sounds like Mo'unga has had a poor season so I'd like another 10 centric player developing.

I get your view though and I guess it depends on the aged triumverate that we've relied on the last ten years.

Mounga had a poor season no not true
Rennie mentioned himself that Mounga he has watched for 3 seasons and has been phenomenal.
Hardly poor season according to Rennie.

All I know is my brother has watched most of his games, said he seemed tackle shy and had lost 7 on the trot.

I don't think he lost 7 games on his own.I have also watched a few games and haven't seen that at all.

I have been thinking about this tour and reckon its great lead up to WC especially after the wasted opportunities of the last 2 seasons.
We get to take 44 players and expose them to the hardest rugby in the world tests and midweek- there is no better magnifying glass for the coaches/selectors.
That 44 will likely expand due ti injuries which is further opportunity and these opportunities can overcover gems.
Over the 3 tests I only see us winning 1 but as long as the quality and development is there then it is a success. Mid weekers will be just as interesting for the same reasons.
This tour will uncover talent and start careers and possibly end some as well.
Can't wait

@kidcalder said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Over the 3 tests I only see us winning 1

3-1 would be expected.

2-2 would be a solid tour, we'd take that in a heartbeat - and the Bokke would be a bit nervy going forward.

1-3 with the ABs would be a ridiculous result

I would be gutted if we lost all 4

We'll win all three. South Africans will refer to the 2026 All Blacks as one of the greatest teams to ever leave the country and Craven Week will become a petanque contest.

You heard it here first!

@nzzp I'd like to see the All Blacks win one in South Africa. The Springboks might send out the B team for the friendly in Baltimore if they’ve already won the series.

Which of our games against them counts towards the Nation's championship or do none of them?

@frank None. The next fixtures are detailed at Match Centre | Nations Championship

Two games on the veldt, one at sea level, one in the US on neutral ground. If we could snatch the first game at Ellis Park that would set the cat amongst the pigeons

I fancy the first game in Joburg. We might catch them a bit cold as our prep has been better having stronger opposition in France, Ireland plus the 3 URC games to prep. The hard and fast pitches in the highveld with good conditions at that time of the year will suit our game plan and hopefully we can get off to a flier and grind them down in the 2nd half. I think their incredible depth and ability to rotate their players, so always having fresh players in games 2 and 3 might be an advantage for them in those games. I am hoping for a 2-1 AB victory but I think it might be 1-2 to them in South Africa. In Rennie we trust.

@family-man Leicester is apparently out for 10 weeks so that would rule him out the tour. If he was fit I would include him in the squad too.

No one is expecting a lot from this series. Rennie has made no bold promises. If Fehi is injury free he could well be a breakout player.

@Rugbyman said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@family-man Leicester is apparently out for 10 weeks so that would rule him out the tour. If he was fit I would include him in the squad too.

That 10 weeks diagnosis was from the time of the injury which was over a month ago. I’m not holding my breath however that he will be fit and firing to come into contention for a test spot if he has not played any of the provincial games.

It’s been pretty quiet on the Love injury front.

The All Blacks opening match is against the Stormers.

Some memory from 1976

I am not sure which Stormers team will be selected. The Stormers have Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbey, SFM, Cobus Reinach, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, Wilco Louw, Andre-Hugo Venter, Riley Norten, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos, Siya Kolisi in the Springbok squad. The Puma test will be on the same day. So I dont think he will release many to the Stormers. Also dont know if the Stormers will be able to select their 18 URC players in their conditioning period. So way will probably have a Currie Cup team with SA u20 players.

@nzzp said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@kidcalder said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Over the 3 tests I only see us winning 1

3-1 would be expected.

2-2 would be a solid tour, we'd take that in a heartbeat - and the Bokke would be a bit nervy going forward.

1-3 with the ABs would be a ridiculous result

I would be gutted if we lost all 4

My head agrees with you...but my instinct tells me the Boks are ripe for an upset in our favour. They will be under more pressure than us and, though early days, we look to be on the rise with no expectations to manage

@Chris-B.

Zim says hi. And Namibia (?).