Results aside, All Blacks' depth off the charts
Ian Foster suggested late in the season that the All Blacks had two goals for 2021: win test matches and build depth.
Whether the former was achieved is up for debate; although the All Blacks did manage to win an impressive 12 of their 15 fixtures throughout the seasons, they dropped three of their four toughest clashes, against South Africa, Ireland and France.
With regards to the latter, however, it’s fair to suggest that Foster and his coaching group have finished the season with some excellent depth in every position across the board and created a few headaches for themselves next year when they need to select a much trimmer squad than the 40-man group (give or take) they worked with throughout much of 2021.
Outside of the contingent that travelled to Australia or Europe, the All Blacks also left some promising athletes at home – men who could conceivably push for a spot in the squad prior to the World Cup in 2023.
As such, how does the All Blacks’ depth look across the board?
Loosehead props
Although it would be a difficult job arguing that any of New Zealand’s current loosehead props are world class, the likes of Joe Moody and Karl Tu’inukuafe can hold their own at the scrum with the best of the best. Moody’s back-up at the Crusaders, George Bower, also earned his first caps this year after travelling with the squad last season.
It’s 23-year-old Ethan de Groot who looms as the man that could make the biggest strides in the next two seasons, however, after already destroying a number of more experienced options at Super Rugby level earlier in the season. De Groot managed just one start and three further appearances off the bench for the All Blacks this season but don’t be surprised if first-choice Moody is suddenly having to fight for his spot next season.
Throw in Ofa Tuungafasi, who can cover both sides of the scrum, Aidan Ross of the Chiefs, who briefly joined the squad this year as injury cover, and last year’s debutant Alex Hodgman, and the All Blacks shouldn’t lack for options next season. Add young guns Tamaiti Williams and Ollie Norris into the mix, and the future is bright in the No 1 jersey.
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Hookers
While Codie Taylor wasn’t necessarily at his best throughout the season – potentially due to the length of rugby the calendar – the emergence of Samisoni Taukei’aho means the coaches will be confident the All Blacks will travel to France with a strong one-two punch in the hooker position.
Dane Coles spent much of the season on ice but looked solid upon his return for the final internationals of the year while Asafo Aumua is still one for the future, even if he slipped behind Taukei’aho in the standings.
Meanwhile, Ash Dixon’s departure to Japan means NZ couldn’t call upon a seriously experienced hooker outside the group that was used this season, while former All Blacks Nathan Harris has called time on his career. That leaves Liam Coltman as the next cab off the ranks – who boasts a number of caps himself already.
Tighthead props
For all the depth the All Blacks have on the loosehead side of the scrum, there must be some concerns about the back-ups at tighthead prop.
Nepo Laulala dominated the No 3 jersey this season why Tyrel Lomax justified his selection with some strong performances later in the year. 2019 World Cup props Angus Ta’avao and Ofa Tuungafasi spent more time on the sidelines than they did on the playing field but are still very much contenders for the next tournament.
Other than that trio, the perpetually injured Atunaisa Moli is the next cab off the ranks but behind him, the cupboards are relatively bare. If you’re a young tighthead playing Super Rugby next season, there’s a very real chance that a breakout season could catapult you straight into the frame for national selection – otherwise, the All Blacks might have to recall Owen Franks, if everything turns pear shaped over the coming seasons.
Locks
The second row is another area of great depth for New Zealand – even if the top locks in the country weren’t necessarily up to their usual standards throughout the season.
Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu will all likely feature at the next World Cup and will have close to 400 caps between them when the tournament rolls around.
Then there’s Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord, who are promising up-and-comers, as well as the likes of Mitch Dunshea and Quinten Strange, who have been involved with the All Blacks before. Factor in other potential future call-ups like Sam Darry and Pari Pari Parkinson, and the All Blacks selectors will be very happy with their options in the second row.
Loose forwards
With eight loose forwards travelling to Europe, there’ll definitely be some culling in that department next season – but there are also half a dozen players lining up to step up if given the opportunity.
On the blindside flank, Akira Ioane, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson and Shannon Frizell are all options, with the likes of Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii and Blackadder were utilised at No 7 this year. Savea, Jacobson and Hoskins Sotutu were all employed at the back of the scrum but Ioane, Blackadder and Cane could all slot in at number 8 if called upon too.
Then, consider all the men who wouldn’t necessarily look out of place in a black jersey, if called upon: Tom Robinson, Pita Gus Sowakula, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Billy Harmon, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u have all shown plenty of promise at Super Rugby level and while many of them won’t ever get the opportunity to wear the black jersey, you would expect them to do their nation proud.
The one man the All Blacks can always rely on to break the line is Rieko Ioane – but they've still not made the most out of the 24-year-old's talents this season.
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Halfbacks
Although an underdone Aaron Smith was well and truly outplayed by Antoine Dupont in their recent head-to-head, Smith is still arguably the best halfback in world rugby and is as important as ever to the All Blacks’ fortunes.
Behind Smith, however, the picture is a little hazy. TJ Perenara is incredibly talented, but perhaps not in the key skills needed to be a world-class halfback, while Brad Weber took the opportunities handed to him this year and Finlay Christie made a good fist of his first season involved.
Folau Fakatava is the brightest up-and-comer in New Zealand – but may not be eligible to play for the All Blacks until 2023, which may not give the 21-year-old enough time to stamp his mark prior to the World Cup.
Otherwise, Mitch Drummond and Bryn Hall continue to perform for the Crusaders and have spent time in camp with the All Blacks, as has their new teammate Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. In terms of young men coming through the ranks, the trio of Xavier Roe, Cortez Ratima and Taufa Funaki could all be special players in the future, while the return of Jamie Booth for the Hurricanes should attract some attention, given his strong form in 2020.
First fives
The departure of Otere Black to Japan means there’s not quite as much experienced depth at No 10 in NZ as the All Blacks selectors would probably like, but providing Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie can stay out of harm’s way, that shouldn’t cause too many problems over the next two years.
Following 2023, however, it’s entirely possible that one or two of that trio leaves New Zealand’s shores, and there aren’t yet any obvious candidates to step in and fill their shoes.
Black and Brett Cameron – arguably the form pivots in the NPC – have both transferred to Japan, leaving only Mitch Hunt and Josh Ioane as relatively experienced options, while the young group coming through, the likes of Ruben Love, Fergus Burke and Rivez Reihana, are yet to really crack Super Rugby. Perhaps the best long-term option is Zarn Sullivan, who’s primarily featured at fullback for the Blues.
It’s a bit of a puzzle, to be sure.
As part of the deal, Savea has only re-signed to the Hurricanes for two years, opening up the possibility for a move to Moana Pasifika in two years' time. #AllBlacks #SuperRugbyPacific #Hurricanes #MoanaPasifikahttps://t.co/HVPTlBrgcf
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Midfield
Perhaps the greatest depth, even if a lot of it is still unproven, is the midfield. Yes, Ngani Laumape has left New Zealand’s shores, but the All Blacks still called upon five different centres this year: Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea and Braydon Ennor.
Jack Goodhue, meanwhile, was out through injury, while some considered Leicester Fainga’anuku seriously unlucky to miss out on selection. That leaves the next tier of players, such as Alex Nankivell and less experienced options including Peter and Thomas Umaga-Jensen, who are all supremely talented as well.
There’s also the arrival of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the Blues for fans to get excited about.
The toughest challenge for Foster and his selectors is not finding top-quality centres, it’s deciding who to partner up in the midfield for the All Blacks.
Wings
As always, NZ are well stocked out wide. Between Ioane, Ennor, Will Jordan, George Bridge, Sevu Reece and Caleb Clarke, there are ample capped options to keep the All Blacks’ attack threatening, while others such as Fainga’anuku, Salesi Rayasi, Kini Naholo and Jona Nareki could all earn black jerseys in the years to come.
Fullback
While Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett and McKenzie are all excellent options at fullback, there’s are great back-ups across the country – including Havili and Jordan, who are both yet to really get a shot in the No 15 jersey.
Sullivan is the most promising player coming through the ranks – but will likely miss out on the 2023 World Cup, given New Zealand’s depth – while others such as Stephen Perofeta and Conor Garden-Bachop have started to come into their own at Super Rugby level.
All Blacks depth chart:
Comments on RugbyPass
A Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
2 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
2 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to comments