Papali'i tops Cane for All Blacks' 2022 form XV spot
The 87th edition of New Zealand’s Rugby Almanack was released earlier in March and highlighted the brightest achievements from both the All Blacks and Black Ferns, as well as naming the respective form XVs of 2022, as decided by the editors.
The major takeaways from the All Blacks form XV was the team’s captain being demoted to the bench while an uncapped back makes an appearance as the 23rd team member.
Shaun Stevenson’s superb play for the Chiefs, Maori All Blacks and All Blacks XV earned him that final spot, beating fellow outside backs Mark Telea and Leicester Fainga’anuku who both enjoyed some sensational form but less game-time outside of Super Rugby.
All Blacks XV of the Year: Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tyrel Lomax, Samuel Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett.
Substitutes: Codie Taylor, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, David Havili, Shaun Stevenson.
Papali’i and Cane’s battle for the All Blacks No 7 jersey has evolved into a ripe storyline, having in recent times replaced the Mo’unga v Barrett contest for the most divisive selection point within the All Blacks’ fanbase.
Papali’i is six years Cane’s junior, but with a mature head on his shoulders and he’s now in his second season as captain of the Blues. The 25-year-old started, and impressed, in all three matches of the 2022 Northern Tour due to Sam Cane suffering a cheekbone fracture against Japan.
Cane’s injury was cited as an influence in having Papali’i claim the starting role in the form team, despite the Captain still logging more minutes in the black jersey.
Cane’s form in 2023 has been some of his best to date, a great sign for All Blacks coach Ian Foster who wouldn’t commit to naming Cane as captain for 2023 following last year’s Northern Tour, instead reaffirming the notion that everyone has to earn their place each year.
Chiefs scrum coach Nick White was full of praise for his co-captain ahead of the team’s match with the Blues this weekend.
“He does the work that not a lot of guys see,” White told SENZ Breakfast.
“He does a lot of cleaning of rucks, he’s massive on defence, he’s been putting in some really solid work in his defensive game.
“He’s just a worker and he’s a great leader. He’s a bit of a ‘follow me’ but when he talks the boys will listen.
“(He delivers) good messages and obviously it’s a big year. It’s a big year for all of those guys, they need to play well in Super Rugby so that form follows them through to hopefully having a bloody good World Cup.
“I think he’s going to have a big year.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments