All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026

@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

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

@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

Based on Rennie’s feedback on the halfbacks as relayed helpfully by @landers92, Hotham will always struggle to get a look in because of his poor passing game (which Rennie seems to agree is quite important for a halfback).

@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

TJP believe it or not

Hotham is a very slow clearer of the ball. And then the pass itself is slow.

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

Hotham is a very slow clearer of the ball. And then the pass itself is slow.

Reminds me of a young TJP, which makes it quite surprising DR isn't a fan after lander's news.

While I wasn't a fan of TJP in his latter years, even at his worst his pass was faster than the likes of Finlay Christie - and he has many other strengths to his bow. And Ratima has gone backwards since his debut. Still wouldn't want TJP back in the ABs.

Not sure in what capacity but Ma’a Nonu has joined the Sharks. Would be awesome if he lines up for them against the ABs.

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

@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

I think it’s all precautionary at this stage. But yeah should be good to go next weekend.

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

@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.

I’ve seen him play at both levels and just don’t see it right now for a call up. Would take the Hurricanes kid or even JRK before even considering Hutchinson

@act-crusader said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

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

@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.

I’ve seen him play at both levels and just don’t see it right now for a call up. Would take the Hurricanes kid or even JRK before even considering Hutchinson

The kid from the Canes is closer to 30 than kid age, but wouldn't argue against him being a bolter, but JRK was cabbage this year.

Surely he's at least make "your" XV over those two, neither of them have played for Canterbury have they?

@nepia someone who is 28 is still a kid to me.

@act-crusader said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

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

@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.

I’ve seen him play at both levels and just don’t see it right now for a call up. Would take the Hurricanes kid or even JRK before even considering Hutchinson

I'd have him behind Harkin in the pecking order only because Harkin covers 10. Can't really fathom how you'd have JRK ahead of him though.

@canes4life said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Not sure in what capacity but Ma’a Nonu has joined the Sharks. Would be awesome if he lines up for them against the ABs.

Specialist coach with the midfield and outside backs, so not in any official playing capacity, sadly (but also can absolutely see him throwing on the boots at some point).

@mr-fish Hutchinson is injured anyway so he is out for 6/8 weeks. I would pick Harkin now as he is in form, covers 10/15 and is at the right age to be maturing into a fully fledged international. I could see him replacing BB in the squad if he was given a chance.

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

@mr-fish Hutchinson is injured anyway so he is out for 6/8 weeks. I would pick Harkin now as he is in form, covers 10/15 and is at the right age to be maturing into a fully fledged international. I could see him replacing BB in the squad if he was given a chance.

Taking a big chance there.

What if it's 7.

Paul Cully is picking Jacomb ahead of Harkin. Jacomb hasn't impressed as a fullback so doesn't have the same utility value as Harkin.

In his (Cully's) 44 man squad he has six players who can play fullback. In Love, Dmac, Moorby, Jordie, Jordan and Barrett. Five of which will be in the test 23.

We either need a mid-week fullback or 10 to be added. With Barrett filling the other role. Will depend which player the selectors want to look at to decide who will fill that role. Then work out who will be the bits and pieces bench utility too.