The lucky men who may have sneaked their way into Ian Foster's first All Blacks squad
The All Blacks squad will be named at 11am today – and it will feature several new faces, including some of Super Rugby Aotearoa’s breakthrough young talents. Liam Napier reports.
Ian Foster’s new All Blacks era is expected to usher in a host of rookies and welcome the resurgence of several former test prospects.
Standout Blues No 8 Hoskins Sotutu and dynamic wing Caleb Clarke, Crusaders outside back Will Jordan and two rookie locks, along with the recall of Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua and Blues loose forward Akira Ioane, could be among the main talking points when Foster unveils his first squad this morning.
Despite ongoing uncertainty over when and where the All Blacks will play this year, Foster may name an extended squad of between 35 and 38 players which leaves plenty of room to groom prospects and, ideally, have cover three deep in most positions.
This year’s test schedule, including the Rugby Championship’s fate, is not expected to be finalised until next week.
The Herald understands Foster’s tenure will begin with two Bledisloe Cup matches against Dave Rennie’s Wallabies next month, though where those tests will take place remains uncertain. If the All Blacks open their campaign in Australia they may need additional cover outside their 35-man squad to safeguard against the challenges of replacing injured players when quarantine is required.
Selecting locks was always going to pose the major headache for Foster and fellow selectors John Plumtree and Grant Fox. Sam Whitelock and Patrick Tuipulotu are certainties but with Brodie Retallick absent on sabbatical and Scott Barrett working his way back to fitness, Foster needs to promote two test rookies.
While Crusaders lock Quinten Strange was unavailable for the North against South match because of a sternum injury, he may not be out of the frame for a potential All Blacks call-up.
Highlanders and Tasman lock Pari Pari Parkinson, considered a leading contender, is out with season-ending ankle surgery.
Crusaders lock Mitchell Dunshea and 20-year-old Chiefs prospect Tupou Vaa’i – the 1.98m, 118kg Wesley College product would be a serious bolter if included – will also contest the two vacant locking roles.
In the hotly-debated outside backs, the All Blacks may have room to select all their in-form talent, including breakout stars Clarke and Jordan. Both produced irresistible form during Super Rugby Aotearoa, with Jordan comfortable on the wing and at fullback while Clarke’s size and power adds a different dimension to options on the edge.
The All Blacks face a decision around their first five-eighth options. Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett will share the 10 jersey but the selectors may opt to include Damian McKenzie as floating back three and No 10 cover. That would leave talented playmaker Josh Ioane, who had a significant impact on the Highlanders after returning from injury late in their campaign, to continue his development in the Mitre 10 Cup with Otago, rather than sitting in the stands.
Sotutu’s speed off the back off the scrum, combined with his skill out of hand and off the boot, attracted global interest, including from the respective coaches of England and Fiji, before a knee injury sidelined him for the back end of the Blues campaign.
Now fit again, Sotutu is expected to be included in the stacked loose forwards, which may feature Akira Ioane’s rewarding recall.
The North Island couldn't seal the deal late on against the South, but that hasn't stopped some of their players from rating highly.https://t.co/0cI0hNLEBD
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 5, 2020
Ioane is yet to make his test debut for the All Blacks, playing one match against the French XV in Lyon in 2017 before slipping well down the pecking order. His consistent defensive and work rate efforts for the Blues this season, and his improve mental outlook, elevated him back into the frame. This was reflected in his starting role at blindside flanker for the North team.
Shannon Frizell’s commanding physical presence for the Highlanders this season cannot be ignored, either, but if the All Blacks opt to select six loose forwards to ensure cover across all three roles, they could include three-test Blues flanker Dalton Papalii and Ioane alongside captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea.
Such loose forward depth is reflected by the absence of Chiefs duo Luke Jacobson and Lachlan Boshier from the North squad.
Three years on from his two appearances for the All Blacks as a 20-year-old, Hurricanes hooker Aumua has launched his imposing presence back into contention after a superb Super Rugby season. Aumua’s selection to start for the North side is a nod to his dynamic abilities around the park and a maturing professional attitude.
Dane Coles’ niggly calf complaint may yet force the All Blacks to carry four hookers but Aumua is expected to be third choice.
Ngani Laumape’s fractured forearm removed the difficult midfield conundrum with all four contenders – Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane and one-test Crusaders centre Braydon Ennor – thought to be locked in, though Ennor will be sweating on the diagnosis of his knee after twisting it while tackling opposite Rieko Ioane and hobbling off 13 minutes into the North v South clash last night.
Rieko Ioane’s selection in the midfield, after impressing at centre for the Blues, signals where his long-term future lies after scoring 24 tries in 29 tests largely on the wing.
The front-row largely picks itself, with Blues prop Karl Tu’inukuafe’s resurgence expected to earn him a recall after missing last year’s World Cup squad following a viral meningitis illness.
Possible All Blacks squad
Forwards:
Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Tupou Vaa’i/Mitchell Dunshea, Quinten Strange, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Shannon Frizell.
Backs:
Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber, Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Braydon Ennor, Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Caleb Clarke, George Bridge, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments