All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026

@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.

I assume the overseas player was Aaron Smith?

Could Pledger be the bolter?

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

Could Pledger be the bolter?

Isn’t he out till 2027?

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

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.

No one doubts the motivation, just wondering if the top players are available as that will make a difference to the quality of the games.

@shaquilleoatmeal he had his ACL repaired so he will probably be back late NPC I would think - I read he was training alongside Holland going jogging etc.

@african-monkey I though Hotham was good for ABs pre-injury last year but was surprised how poor he looked at times for the Crusaders this year - actually took notice of how bad his form was

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

I assume the overseas player was Aaron Smith?

Close

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

@shaquilleoatmeal he has ACL repaired so he will probably be back late NPC I would think - I read he was training alongside Holland going jogging etc.

I doubt he will play in the NPC. I reckon the focus will be getting him in too nick for 2027. He plays two or three games of NPC and suddenly there will be a push to get him on the EOYT. Just scratch him for the year, gives a clear path towards 2027.

On Lennox. It is always going to be difficult for him when an AB assistant coach is his former provincial coach and they rate a provincial battler/MLR player, Logan Crowley over him. I reckon Lennox's best chance is to become a 30 minute tempo lifter.

@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

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

I assume the overseas player was Aaron Smith?

Close

TKB

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

picture him in red and black

are you aware he still plays for Canterbury? That's my boy but even I can admit that, for as exciting as he is, he's pretty raw around the edges for a guy being in test call-up discussions.

Hutchinson will not get picked he is still out for 5/6 weeks with his shoulder injury recovery expected to be back for Canterbury around Rd 5 or 6.

Who woulda thunk Rennie was one of the haterrrz. Way, way over the top by a guy who clearly has a bad habit and doesn't appreciate any good stuff.

Disgusting

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

@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

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

I assume the overseas player was Aaron Smith?

Close

TKB

Or Weber.

If memory serves, Rennie was half keen on getting TKB into the wallabies at one point

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

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

picture him in red and black

are you aware he still plays for Canterbury? That's my boy but even I can admit that, for as exciting as he is, he's pretty raw around the edges for a guy being in test call-up discussions.

Yes, I was just helping @act-crusader conceptualise his Super form.

There's lots of raw around the edges players being discussed in the thread, especially in the bolter category.

Surely TKB and TJP ship has long sailed.

Smith was a level above them back then and likely still is now.

I wouldn't mind if Smith came on board if injury strikes

I reckon Harkin could also cover wing in a pinch too, well worth looking at.

Hutchinson just made great decisions for a young fella, as well as exciting running, more than capable kicking and solid defence. A lot to be enthusiast about.

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

Surely TKB and TJP ship has long sailed.

Smith was a level above them back then and likely still is now.

I wouldn't mind if Smith came on board if injury strikes

If we're bringing back any of those oldies (34, 35, 37) then we may as well bring back Ma'a too. What's Kaino doing these days?

I hope they pick Harkin, he has stepped up this year and at 28 he is at his peak. I think if they don't he will leave. I think he can be the replacement for BB now. 10/15 cover and probably a good bench player to cover those positions. Would like to see him play 15 against URC teams.

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

I hope they pick Harkin, he has stepped up this year and at 28 he is at his peak. I think if they don't he will leave. I think he can be the replacement for BB now. 10/15 cover and probably a good bench player to cover those positions. Would like to see him play 15 against URC teams.

eyeball test reckon he's the best under the high ball in the Canes too

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

I assume the overseas player was Aaron Smith?

There's at least one other ex AB 9 playing overseas, at the age of 35.

Edit: and a clue is he used to play for the Chiefs.

Double edit: I see I was beaten to it. Yup he's not Aaron Smith but he's also no Finlay Christie.

Your time is now, Augy