1
An inexperienced All Blacks XV shows the unprecedented depth of New Zealand rugby in 2021
While the merits of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman are yet to be determined, there’s reason to believe the New Zealand teams are performing at a higher standard than ever before.
ADVERTISEMENT
Eight rounds of gruelling Super Rugby Aotearoa action has helped mould young players into battle-hardened performers with the likes of Scott Robertson suggesting that the New Zealand-only competition was of test match intensity.
There were some casualties, with Sam Cane and Jack Goodhue unlikely to feature for the All Blacks this year, but it’s also prepared the next generation of talent for the highest level of the game.
With the All Blacks, Maori All Blacks and the new All Blacks XV all set to play matches this year, a huge number of Kiwi players will have opportunities to impress on the international stage.
Many of the youngsters currently turning out for their Super Rugby sides will likely feature in the national team, but how would a side composed of players with only limited experience at test level fare against the likes of the Wallabies, Springboks and Pumas?
Last year, Australia blooded men such as Harry Wilson and Hunter Paisami who took to test rugby like ducks to water while New Zealand retained the bulk of their side from 2019, complementing it with the undeniable X-factor of players like Hoskins Sotutu and Will Jordan.
What if New Zealand could only select players with limited appearances, however?
There wouldn’t be too many issues in the front row.
Hookers Asafo Aumua (1 test cap) and Samisoni Taukei’aho have been the pick of the young bunch this year. Aumua is a certain selection for the All Blacks later this season while Taukei’aho is perhaps the best close-range ball-running front-rower in New Zealand – but still has to develop his lineout delivery.
ADVERTISEMENT
If you’re looking for more experience, however, 32-year-old Ash Dixon is long in the tooth and would be worth a look-in if the World Cup were kicking off tomorrow.
Injuries have hurt @ChiefsRugby in the past but they're now building some exceptional depth in the second row. Will Brodie Retallick be able to walk back into the starting lineup? ? #SuperRugbyTT #CHIvBRUhttps://t.co/paXLDeP8t4
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 23, 2021
Young loosehead props Ethan de Groot and Ollie Norris have shown technique and power beyond their years at scrum time while they’ve also offered some of the dynamism around the park that’s become so desirable for props in recent times.
2020 All Black Alex Hodgman (4) is still a relative newbie in international terms but could be pipped by the Chiefs’ Aidan Ross for a spot in the national team this year. Ross has been at the forefront of the Chiefs’ scrummaging resurgence while Hodgman has been languishing on the sidelines due to a suspension brought about by a dangerous tackle against the Highlanders last month.
Crusader George Bower also found himself amongst the All Blacks squad last year but didn’t earn any minutes for the team and is another that could make the step up in 2021.
ADVERTISEMENT
On the tighthead side of the scrum, the Hurricanes’ Tyrel Lomax (6) made his test debut in 2018 but hasn’t flourished this season and has been bent out of shape in the set-piece by some of the aforementioned looseheads.
The recently returned Atu Moli (4) could be due an All Blacks recall if he can get some minutes under his belt after making his first appearance in over a year for the Chiefs on Saturday due to major hip surgery.
There’s huge depth in the second row for New Zealand, with Tupou Vaa’i (4) leading the pack and closely followed by the Crusaders’ Mitch Dunshea. Fellow youngsters Quinten Strange and Sam Darry are also hampered only by the slightly more experienced players ahead of them in the queue while Manaaki Selby-Rickit of the Highlanders earned selection in last year’s North v South match.
There’s also no shortage of back-row talent gunning for national selection.
Luke Jacobson (2), Hoskins Sotutu (5) and Dalton Papalii (4) will all push their test counts up this season while the likes of Akira Ioane (2) and Cullen Grace (1) are bound to get more opportunities at some stage.
There’s also a lot to like about uncapped ball-runners Ethan Blackadder and Pita Gus Sowakula while the openside trio of Lachlan Boshier, Du’Plessis Kirifi and the injured Tom Christie would all do the black jersey proud.
Despite playing a handful of campaigns with the All Blacks, Chiefs captain Brad Weber has just seven appearances to his name.
Just beneath him are the likes of Mitch Drummond (1) and Bryn Hall while Folau Fakatava would likely have earned his first cap for New Zealand this year if injury hadn’t robbed him of his season.
Odds on this man running out for the #AllBlacks this year must be shortening by the week. #SuperRugbyTT #CHIvBRUhttps://t.co/NjFmGAamoE
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 23, 2021
There are no obvious selections at No 10, but Otere Black is probably the most reliable first five running around in New Zealand right now who hasn’t worn black before.
Josh Ioane (1) has run hot and cold over the past 12 months and has probably played his best rugby from the fullback jersey while Mitch Hunt and Kaleb Trask have had their moments for the Highlanders and Chiefs, respectively.
He may need another season under his belt, but the Hurricanes’ Ruben Love has shown glimmers of potential at first five this season and is one to watch for the future.
26-year-old David Havili (3) has been one of the players of the season to date and despite favouring the fullback position, is likely being lined up as a midfield option for the All Blacks. His current centres partner, Braydon Ennor (1), has recently returned from injury and will likely be brought back into the squad due to the looming departure of Ngani Laumape and the injury to Goodhue.
Hurricane Peter Umaga-Jensen (1) hasn’t had many chances to advance his case this season but will likely be there or thereabouts when the All Blacks are named later this year.
Leicester Fainga’anuku must be nearing selection too – but perhaps he’ll be asked to play on the left wing in the potential absence of George Bridge. Jona Nareki has also torn up defences at times this year while Caleb Clarke (5) has found 2021 tough going but will return fresh and reinvigorated from his time with the national sevens team. The hot-stepping Etene Nanai-Seturo has also joined the NZ sevens are some solid form for the Chiefs this year.
Salesi Rayasi, meanwhile, has turned down the opportunity to travel to the Olympics, instead focussing on improving with the Hurricanes.
On the right, Seve Reece (8) has re-found his best form for the Crusaders while Mark Telea has stagnated in the latter half of the season with the Blues.
At fullback, it would be impossible to go past Will Jordan (2), who’s been a bit up and down this year but has looked sublime at times for the Crusaders. 20-year-old Zarn Sullivan is another for the future.
An inexperienced All Blacks team (Fewer than 10 caps):
1. Aidan Ross (uncapped)
2. Ash Dixon (uncapped)
3. Atu Moli (4)
4. Tupou Vaa’i (4)
5. Mitch Dunshea (uncapped)
6. Luke Jacobson (2)
7. Dalton Papalii (4)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (5)
9. Brad Weber (7)
10. Josh Ioane (1)
11. Caleb Clarke (5)
12. David Havili (3)
13. Braydon Ennor (1)
14. Sevu Reece (8)
15. Will Jordan (2)
16. Asafo Aumua (1)
17. George Bower (uncapped)
18. Tyrel Lomax (6)
19. Quinten Strange (uncapped)
20. Ethan Blackadder (uncapped)
21. Folau Fakatava (uncapped)
22. Otere Black (uncapped)
23. Leicester Fainga’anuku (uncapped)
Comments on RugbyPass
“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to comments