@bovidae said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@frugby said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Pure speculation here. Wonder if there is no Parker? Could explain CLW + STT + Kirifi (if that was all to be true)
Yeah, that's all I could think of too. Going to SA? Let's downsize the loosies.
And if Vaa’i turns out to be the first choice blindside, there isn’t exactly an equivalent backup there.
I dont see why you'd pull CLW from a pre-season game, how many weeks has it been since he played? Nothing works on game fitness like an actual game.
I mean i can understand pulling say Ardie, Love, Jordie, Roigard etc, but CLW is hardly a critical peice right now with AS, PL, LJ and if rumours are.true, Kirifi, unless there's an injury we dont know about?
@1kiwi said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Staffy on Sports Nation just said that Christian Lio- Willie was a late withdrawal from the Ta$man side playing Canterbury in pre-season and it's not injury related so read into that what you will.
Gee, better options going around than that. Meh.
@frugby said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Pure speculation here. Wonder if there is no Parker? Could explain CLW + STT + Kirifi (if that was all to be true)
Rennie did name check CLW as being in the discussion when the first squad was named
@no-quarter said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
I don't think it's a coincidence that Roigard ran so much against Ireland who are well known for their rush defense. I think that's going to be a tactic against SA as well to hold their defenders in closer.
Yeah rewatched the game, felt he was keeping them honest close to the ruck, feel he was a bit harshly judged on here.
Kirifi is apparently on the plane and he played today as well so who knows.
Naholo got pulled by Taranaki today so is that a suggestion he’s going to be picked…
@shaquilleoatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@dan54 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@shaquilleoatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@dan54 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@shaquilleoatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@dan54 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@shaquilleoatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@dan54 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@shaquilleoatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
UPDATE: Just had a message saying scans came back fine on Love and nothing to worry about. Great result.
I guess they'll have to find another way to sneak Mo'unga in. Maybe one of those halfbacks they don't use will slip getting off the plane.
I was pretty sure I heard Rennie say they could only do it if a 10 was injured, and mentioned Love,BB and Dmac as examples.
Regardless of who it is, I would be pissed if someone was just thrown out to get RMo in.
You either have rules or you don't
How’d you feel about the Narawa/Blackadder situation at the World Cup?
I not sure what you talking about mate, I not aware of Blackadder or Nawara playing overseas before any WC?
Narawa was named in the squad for the World Cup despite carrying an injury that had already ruled him out of the warm-up match against South Africa. Shortly after the tournament began, he was ruled out and replaced by Blackadder. An outside back replaced with a loose forward and some suspicion around selecting an injured player to be used for this very purpose.
I'm not fussed about Mo'unga going on tour but I don't think this is as big a deal as you're making out. Mo'unga has to play NPC to become eligible but the squad will be named before he's able to do that. If someone gets injured, a spot opens up to fill however they choose. I don't think there are, or should be, rules requiring a like-for-like replacement. It's not a tournament with the same rules for all teams and Rennie can name the squad in whatever balance he sees fit.
You talking about a completely different thing mate. Blackadder was always eligible to go to WC as he was always contracted, where is RMo isn't eligible because he his terms of contract say he not eligible until after he has played NPC, and I not sure if it complete NPC comp or not.
I described a situation where an injured player was replaced by someone who plays a different position in somewhat dodgy circumstances, which you seemed to have a problem with. If your only issue is that the "rules are being broken", they aren't. Mo'unga has to play NPC (there is no minimum number of games or minutes) before he's eligible, but he can't do that until after the squad is named, so the only way he can join the squad is as an injury replacement. I'm not sure what you're upset about.
I not upset about anything, and don't care if he does go as an injury cover, so long as he has played NPC game or 2 before. And by the way it is Dave Rennie who said it had to be someone from similar position, so it's him you need to tell he is wrong.
Still the case you have mentioned is different as all players concerned were under contract to NZR from start.
Did Rennie say he absolutely has to replace like-for-like, or did he just casually mention that Mo'unga can be selected if another first five goes down? In all likelihood, I don't see Rennie bringing in another first five if one of the props goes down, so it probably won't matter anyway.
And Mo'unga will be under contract and will have played NPC if he goes on tour, so it’s essentially the exact same situation.
Really if you want to know what Rennies said, it will be online somewhere, all he said it would have to be someone who plays that position, and mentioned Dmac, BB and not sure who else. No it's not, but if you think it is good on ya, and go for it. I actually only mentioned after a couple of posters were laughing how a halfback could slip over and get sent home to be replaced. It doesn't really matter anyway, I only saying what I heard Rennie say and somehow it got thrown back to a WC. For all I know Rennie may have made rule.
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Not hearing a lot so far this week.
Still waiting to hear anything about Ruben Loves scans. Leads me to assume nothing major which is good.
There is a bit of chat around Semisi Tupou Ta’eilo. Could be the name to watch for next Monday.
I hope so
@act-crusader said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@southernmann Mid Canterbury by 5….
Will be good to see the big man back in action.
CLW a possible squad spot, although if the noise about Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa has legs, he’s a similar yet younger type of player.
Similar to CLW?
Would have picked him to be much bigger?
Every South African rugby players want to play the All Blacks. Meaning the franchises will have their strongest teams available. The URC lot is just starting their conditioning.
@mr-fish said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
I was trying to get in to post yesterday but wasn’t able to then forgot to post last night. It has now been mentioned on news outlets etc but I have been told that all 10 players have already been decided on. Out of that 10 there is ‘1’ genuine bolter.
Think Rennie may have said prior to the Ireland Test that they'd already decided on their squad for South Africa?
He implied they were down to last one. Not sure whether to take another forward or back.
@act-crusader said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Am I missing something on Hutchinson? I thought he was okay, but didn’t think he was a standout.
Showed a lot of potential in his (relatively limited) minutes for the Chiefs.
Perfect fullback mould though; strong under the high ball, nice kicking game and excellent running and support games.
Basically made every opportunity count. Would be very pleasantly surprised if he's included on the tour.
@frugby said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Mo'unga has a calf issue. Unclear how bad.
Word from earlier this week is that they're still expecting him to be fit for Round 1 against Auckland, but who knows with calf niggles
@pakman Don't know about the intricacies of the scrum but they demolished our scrum in Wellington and the ref deemed it legal. We also started to creak against them in Test 1 once Louw and the bomb squad came on in the last 20 mins. So if it is illegal then it has to be highlighted to the ref by our coaching team ahead of the game like Rassie does. Not sure it is or not but the ref was favoring them regardless because the perception was their scrum was in the ascendancy. Our scrum also struggled against England so I think our scrum is potential weakness that has come unstuck against several different opponents last year. I just hope we have fixed it this year whether it is technical or even the ref's perception of our scrum.
@ruggersman said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@pakman Don't know about the intricacies of the scrum but they demolished our scrum in Wellington and the ref deemed it legal. We also started to creak against them in Test 1 once Louw and the bomb squad came on in the last 20 mins. So if it is illegal then it has to be highlighted to the ref by our coaching team ahead of the game like Rassie does. Not sure it is or not but the ref was favoring them regardless because the perception was their scrum was in the ascendancy. Our scrum also struggled against England so I think our scrum is potential weakness that has come unstuck against several different opponents last year. I just hope we have fixed it this year whether it is technical or even the ref's perception of our scrum.
In the scrum you refer to the initial action was Boks LH down on both knees. Right in front of Angus Gardner, and should have been blown then and there penalty to Black. Lomax let him get back to his feet (why?), lost his balance and the ABs shot backwards. Assume Ryan pointed that out the reffing review panel.
@ruggersman said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@booboo will be surprised if they pick STT, doubt he has the workrate stats they would be looking at. But he would be a good bolter and a point of difference.
Someone posted his stats earlier in the year and they were surprisingly positive for a guy who doesn't necessarily look the part.
Wilco Louw is seen as the strongest scrummager in the URC.
I highly doubt he's winning scrum penalties just with cheating but maybe I'm wrong
@pakman said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
If the press are anything to go on, Lauaki, Bell (G), Holland, Hotham and Rieko are in.
LH names being talked about Norris and Ofa.
Jim the difference getting mentions.
Rennie comments suggest Kirifi also there.
Seems a loosie bolter in prospect - Casey and Tupou Ta'eiloa in the frame.
I'm assuming Richie and Brodie will be on speed dial so no need for back up 10 or lock.
That seems to leave an outside back. Depending on injury status Narawa and Hutchinson should be in the running.
Assuming Leicester unavailable for selection now, but could end up in Africa if foot heals well.
Hutchinson is unavailable for Canterbury due to the injury he sustained in the Super semi finals so no way is he being picked.
I hope they pick Callum Harkin. He stands out as a very composed, intelligent and skillful player who can cover both 10 and 15 to a high level. A replacement for Beauden Barret who is finished. Would hate to lose him to an overseas contract because NZR shows little interest. The way he has been playing would have attracted massive attention from overseas scouts and clubs.
With Mackenzie 31 and a bit of a failure at 10, Mounga a mercenary who only wants to play RWC's and Beauden finished we desperately need to develop a play maker who can handle playing 10 in addition to Reuben Love. You can't just throw someone into 10 at test level, it is better to get them a few caps playing fullback or 12 while someone else handles the playmaking. Even better to get them on a development tour to a tough place like South Africa where they will be tested playing meaningful rugby midweek.
@bones tackles per 80 = 14.3, which is not near Blackadder or Dalton, but is pretty good - better than the likes of Jacobson and Segner, who not many would call shirkers.
Carries per 80 = 12.8, so not Sititi or Valetini (or Barnes) level, same as CLW and Iose - above everyone else.
Attacking rucks are low-ish, he's near Lakai, CLW, Flanders, above Sititi, not near Blackadder/Jacobson/Dalton/Parker.
There are a few guys around who don't look that fit but get through a fair bit of work.
@reprobate tbf it is not always straight forward comparing stats of specific positions across different teams as teams.use players differently or game plans have them set up in different parts of the field setting them up for more/less carries/tackles...its more can the AB coaches see that player fitting in thier game plan.
2 things regarding halfbacks.
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
In regards to the little bit of chat around about Lennox. Rennie said that Lennox has a lot to work on before he’s in consideration. That isn’t really groundbreaking stuff but think a line can be put through him this year for those who thought he was a chance.
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
Is that important for a halfback?
Good to see he's getting the correct feedback. The running game is the cherry on top not his primary role
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
2 things regarding halfbacks.
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
In regards to the little bit of chat around about Lennox. Rennie said that Lennox has a lot to work on before he’s in consideration. That isn’t really groundbreaking stuff but think a line can be put through him this year for those who thought he was a chance.
Interesting stuff, thanks for sharing.
@landers92 Awesome to see even our best players are being given heaps of pressure to be better.
@act-crusader said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Am I missing something on Hutchinson? I thought he was okay, but didn’t think he was a standout.
Try this little thought experiment, picture him in red and black instead of red, black, and yellow - then you'll see him standout ... 
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
2 things regarding halfbacks.
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
In regards to the little bit of chat around about Lennox. Rennie said that Lennox has a lot to work on before he’s in consideration. That isn’t really groundbreaking stuff but think a line can be put through him this year for those who thought he was a chance.
Rennie clearly hasn't received the Fern memo that no criticism of Super Cam is allowed.
@duluth said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
Is that important for a halfback?
Good to see he's getting the correct feedback. The running game is the cherry on top not his primary role
That’s exactly right. It might even help for him to take a ‘blind folding’ approach (a not really very good poker strategy) to running the ball at times to bring the other areas of his game up.
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@reprobate tbf it is not always straight forward comparing stats of specific positions across different teams as teams.use players differently or game plans have them set up in different parts of the field setting them up for more/less carries/tackles...its more can the AB coaches see that player fitting in thier game plan.
Yep, but by the same token the coaches are selecting based on what they've seen, which is very much affected by the role someone is asked to play at the lower level - and while the stats on rucks+tackles+carries doesn't tell the whole story, it does provide some indication of overall work rate.
With STT I think everyone can see the raw power is the point of difference, but there's often an assumption of low work rate that goes with big fellas who hit hard and don't look much like endurance athletes - I don't think that's fair on him, I think he's got a pretty good motor.
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
2 things regarding halfbacks.
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
In regards to the little bit of chat around about Lennox. Rennie said that Lennox has a lot to work on before he’s in consideration. That isn’t really groundbreaking stuff but think a line can be put through him this year for those who thought he was a chance.
I’m not fussed on Lennox but he must be a fair way behind wity the current backup halfbacks who barely get on the field also having a lot of work to do.
@shaquilleoatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
2 things regarding halfbacks.
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
In regards to the little bit of chat around about Lennox. Rennie said that Lennox has a lot to work on before he’s in consideration. That isn’t really groundbreaking stuff but think a line can be put through him this year for those who thought he was a chance.
I’m not fussed on Lennox but he must be a fair way behind wity the current backup halfbacks who barely get on the field also having a lot of work to do.
Yup. I posted awhile ago he was really not a fan of the halfback cattle in NZ at the moment. To the point he wanted to bring a halfback playing overseas into the squad.
The Pledger injury really threw a spanner into their halfback plans.
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@shaquilleoatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
2 things regarding halfbacks.
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
In regards to the little bit of chat around about Lennox. Rennie said that Lennox has a lot to work on before he’s in consideration. That isn’t really groundbreaking stuff but think a line can be put through him this year for those who thought he was a chance.
I’m not fussed on Lennox but he must be a fair way behind wity the current backup halfbacks who barely get on the field also having a lot of work to do.
Yup. I posted awhile ago he was really not a fan of the halfback cattle in NZ at the moment. To the point he wanted to bring a halfback playing overseas into the squad.
The Pledger injury really threw a spanner into their halfback plans.
I wonder what this means for someone like Noah Hotham? He must really not rate him at this current stage if he's being left out for his backup at Super level.
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@shaquilleoatmeal said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
2 things regarding halfbacks.
Rennie wants Roigard to be quicker to the breakdown and wants him to work on his delivery, would like that to be quicker too.
In regards to the little bit of chat around about Lennox. Rennie said that Lennox has a lot to work on before he’s in consideration. That isn’t really groundbreaking stuff but think a line can be put through him this year for those who thought he was a chance.
I’m not fussed on Lennox but he must be a fair way behind wity the current backup halfbacks who barely get on the field also having a lot of work to do.
Yup. I posted awhile ago he was really not a fan of the halfback cattle in NZ at the moment. To the point he wanted to bring a halfback playing overseas into the squad.
The Pledger injury really threw a spanner into their halfback plans.
Pledger was in camp a couple of months ago too. I doubt an uncapped player who’s out injured for the whole year would be included if the coach had any confidence in the available options.
@kiwimurph said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Could Pledger be the bolter?
Isn’t he out till 2027?
