After missing out on selection for the North v South game, Alex Hodgman thought it was an indication he wouldn't be named in the first All Blacks squad of the year.
With Super Rugby Aotearoa due to kick-off in just over a month, the Blues have plenty to weigh up as they look to fill the void left by Beauden Barrett.
The All Blacks played just six matches this year and opportunities for welcoming in a new generation of talent have been few and far between - especially in key positions.
The Blues are determined to ensure their progress in 2020 was no aberration after naming their squad for the Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
With the All Blacks' season coming to a close with Saturday's dominant 38-0 win over Argentina, we look back on how the Kiwis fared over the course of the year.
The relative age effect is a phenomenon that has a major bearing on sport and academia, and rugby is by no means exempt.
While South Africa’s withdrawal late in the piece likely curtailed any plans Ian Foster may have had for selecting a bumper squad for this year’s Rugby Championship, the All Blacks head coach still handed caps to 36 players this season.
Argentina sent shock waves around the world by giving the All Blacks a punch in the guts loss 25-15. Here's how the Kiwis rated.