June 21, 2025 • 19 mins
Several players will be hoping to score a spot on the 35-man All Blacks squad, set to be named on Monday at the Coastal Rugby Club in Taranaki.
There's speculation brewing, with plenty of experts outlining their predictions for who will make Scott Robertson's cut.
NZ Herald sports writer Liam Napier joined Piney to discuss.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
SO will tomorrow unveil his first all Black squad of
the year for test matches against France next month in Dunedin,
Wellington and Hamilton. The names to be read out at
midday tomorrow by ends at our board chair David Kirk.
Who's on the list, who's not and how many new
faces might we see in the first all Black squad
of twenty twenty five. New Zealand Herald Senior rugby writer
(00:36):
Liam Napier is with us. Liam, thanks for taking the
time on your Sunday afternoon. Before we go into positions,
anyone play their way in or out or reinforce their
place in the squad in the final last Night.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Afternoon ponee. I saw you were a part of the
nineteen combination last night for the commentary, So yeah, I
was going to give you some stick in. So you
might be a bit too tall for a half fect,
maybe more of a lock.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Or a loose board, a lot gluec utility. I think
you're right on alongside take who joined us now pregame
last night year so I towered over him. So yeah,
I don't think that works as a nineteen But what
about I was gonna what about Rivers, Rahanna, it's a
late run, I know, but he was good last night.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
Is he?
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Is he in this conversation now or not?
Speaker 3 (01:25):
I don't think so. But it certainly was a big
performance in a big time match, wasn't it. And what
is season that's been for the Rivers coming from effectively
second maybe even third choice Crusaders Can Maker at the
start of the year, to growing his game, standing up
on the big stage, really owning that moment. So great
for his development. But there were a number of big
(01:47):
performances across that match. Fletcher Newell was my man of
the match, played eighty odd minutes well, played the full
match for a front row with Nick Bully informia any
mcl knee injury, so that only heightens his efforts. I
thought some of the Chiefs struggled Weave, particularly in the
second half. Leroy Cardis struggled to get into the game.
(02:09):
He's been a big movie this year on the wing
for the Chiefs. I thought Quinte Pier was really good.
He's back to career best form. And then others like
Christian Leo whe has been a big standout for the
Crusaders this year, so I think the Black Slicker's probably
had the bulk of that squad locked and going into
last night, but there might have been one or two
(02:30):
that's you know, maybe sweet they're thinking, all.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Right, let's go through some positions. Then we might as
well start in the front row. They say it all
starts up front. No offer to all the fussy. Of course,
he's injured at the moment, and I know they rate
them highly in the All Black, so there was a
gap there. I think we can write down to Mighty, Williams, Fletcher,
nule Ethan de Groot and Tyrrell Lomax. Who else you
reckon makes the squad in the front row club?
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Yeah, well that's right. You need another loose head. So
you're looking at George bow who's played twenty two tests,
been there, done that, and he's been excellent for the Crusaders,
played the full match against the Blues when to Mighty
didn't play, and then Cape one again last night when
the Crusaders scrum dominated the Chief So I think he's
(03:17):
probably the front runner. But if they want to bit
of a peek into the future, and maybe a bit
more youth. They could look at someone like Olie Norris
or Josh for the tour. So those two have really
stood up in the loose sair position to share both young, mobile, dynamic,
the sort of props they're all court modern day props
who can do it all, you know, carry clean tackle
(03:40):
as well as do their core skills. So if looking
for experience, they'll go George Bauer. But if you're looking
for a rookie, yeah, I think it'd be Norris or
for the tour.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
Do you think Pussily or Toss he'll be back? He
had a start in six games off the bench last year.
Will he be in the team do you think?
Speaker 3 (03:58):
I think certainly. He is a real modern day Bolt.
They don't see too many of those these days, do he?
But I think they would have invested a lot in
how last year, and they like his mobility. At a
former number eight, he brings a lot and he was
actually really good off the Denchally all Black last year.
Hasn't really kept on for the Hurricanes, but I think
we'll see him in the squad all right.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Hookers Cody Taylor clearly, who I thought was just exceptional
again last night as try his tri saving tackle on
two Paul V and everything else he does around the field.
He'll be there summer. Sauny Tokiaho presumably as well, and
Sappho one more if he's over his injury. Are those
the three hookers?
Speaker 3 (04:36):
I think so, And I'm sort of hearing that Arma
probably won't be involved in July because that hamstring injury
he was obviously cantered off on the medicab. You might
have been at that train Funny and Wellington prior to
the semi final against the Brumbies doesn't sound great. So
I think he may miss the series against front So
that could potentially open the door for George Bell who
(04:59):
was a rookie inclusion last year in.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
The Locks, Scott Barrett Patrick tw we p a lot
too and two they'll probably take one more. So who
will that be?
Speaker 3 (05:12):
I think it's come on down Netherlands born Fabian Hollands,
and you know what a story that'll be, because very
unique story, isn't it. A guy that grew up in
a football mad country, came to crush it, originally went
to school there to chase his dream, originally on a
six month scholarship and got lured down south to Dunedin
(05:35):
and has rarely come on leaps and bounds in a
big way. Grown into his body, learned the game and
I think could be a real asset to the All
Blacks and the years to come. He spent time training
with the All Blacks at the back end of last
year and really impressed the coaches and even guys like
Sam Kine spoke publicly about how easily he fitted in
and he just sort of looked the part. So I'll
(05:57):
be very surprised if he's not the fourth flock.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Yeah, big body to U, isn't He's quite a big human,
isn't he.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Was?
Speaker 3 (06:05):
He two meters all throws himself into the collision, So
he's only going to get better.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Yeah, look forward to seeing Fabian Holland and his development. Okay,
loose forwards. This is probably where we have to have
to scratch our heads just a little bit, and I'm
sure the selectors have done so as well. Before we
look at who might be there, we know Ardie Savia
will be. Which number do you expect Artie Savia to
wear for the All Blacks this season?
Speaker 3 (06:30):
I think we'll see them get back to seven point here.
I think we saw that sort of movement towards the
back end of last year. But Wallace a TSI is
a natural number eight and I think that's where his
long term future and then that's ultimately where the All
Blacks will play him. He made a good fist of blindside,
didn't he. He was the All Blacks player in the
(06:51):
year last year, coming from his rookie Super Rugby season
through to you know, standing out against the spring Box
and England. But I think it is the back of
the scrum we'll see Wallace with Ardie and so then
you're looking for the perennial questions who is the All
Blacks blind side? And that's something that hasn't really been
(07:14):
sold since chen Frazel went off to Japan and it
took him sometime to step into Jerome kind of shoes
as well. So the back end of last year the
All Blacks took seven loose forwards in a thirty six
man squad. You're probably looking at six or seven for
the squad as well.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Who is six? Then? Who is it? Smer Penny Female.
Let's let's chuck some names out. Is it Somer Penny Fee?
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Now he's the closest in prototype or body composition, the
way he plays the game to a Frizelle or a
kind of isn't he The bill Blacks loved their blind
side to be that big, bruising enforcer, somebody who can
contribute at the line out as well. Some a Penny
(07:59):
is that guy. But he hasn't really taken his chance
for the All Blacks, so I expect him to be
in the squads. But I think the question of who
starts at six for the Old Blacks are still reopen.
Ethan Blackheader is another strong contender. He's and his prowess
is more on the defensive side of the ball than
than carrying. And then there's there's others like Luke Jacobson
(08:21):
very similar. The issue with the loose folds and leaphony
is when you look at Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackheader, and
Dalton Popally are all very similar layers, and so it
depends you know, can you can you afford to fit
all of them in the same squad?
Speaker 2 (08:38):
I don't think he can. Can he? Do you think he'll?
Is this the time when perhaps Dalton Papale missus an
All Black squad?
Speaker 3 (08:46):
I think he'd be very nervous funny and you saw
that last year he really did fall out of favor.
He was the heir apparent for so long to sam Kin,
but when pushed him to shove last year, all Blacks
went back to experience, called Kane and Pedanara and Dalton Papally.
He missed out on the on the Northern because of
a thumb injury. There was some talk that he was
(09:08):
going to go later on that tour when it healed.
That didn't happen, and then his fathers like Peter Lucky
come in and really impress off the bench against France.
So I think the style of rugby that the Blues
play don't help doesn't help Hauppily either. He's very good defensively,
but he also looks good when he's got a bit
of room to move, roaming down the wide channels. But
(09:29):
underven Cod of the Blues are just so combative, so direct,
that he doesn't get enough of those opportunities. So I
would not be surprised to see him mister squad, and
that would be a massive call for a guy that's
had huge investment in his future.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Duplas he's a seven and only a seven hasn't played
for the All Blacks exceptional this year for the Hurricanes.
Do you expect his name to be on the list tomorrow?
Speaker 3 (09:56):
I do, and I hope so, because he couldn't have
done anything more. And for me, he's a point of difference.
He's he's not that big iusy like you would have
be viewed him how many times stood next to him.
He's seriously built, tree trunk legs, huge upper body. But
his point of difference is turnovers and that's so valuable
(10:19):
in the modern game, to be able to snap or
breakdown turnover and to try and strike on counter attack.
And I just think he does that better than any
other loose forward in New Zealand. At the moment. He's
consistently done that for the Hurricanes. And also heard that
he was very close to leaving signing in Japan and
that the All Blacks encouraged him to stay. So if
(10:42):
he's not in the squad, you'd be pretty disappointed if
you'd had that encouragement and it didn't come fruition.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
He's got a half backs. I don't think we have
to stay here long, do we? Camroy Guard Cortes will
have to Manoah Hotham anybody else in the discussion.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
I think Tic tic Tick largely fin Lay. Christy's probably
the fourth guy, but I think there's a bit of
a gap there. And yeah, I think all see those
three in the rotation and get plenty of opportunities this year,
the ore the future for now.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
First five Boden Barrett and Damien McKenzie, we know we'll
both be there. Who is starting in the ten jumper
against France in two weeks in Dunedin though.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Boden Barrett, I think we'll start fining. I think we
saw in the Super Rugby playoffs. I think Boden outshine
McKenzie when the Blues beat the Chiefs and Neilson mckensey
bounced back with an impressive performance against the Brumbies the
following week in their semifinal tri saving tackle. I think
(11:43):
it was a twenty two point haul. But then again,
last night wasn't his best match, a couple of errors,
didn't have the front foot platform with the Crusaders dominating
the scrum and the line out to a degree, But
couldn't impose himself on that game as you would hope
a world class playmaker should in a Super Rugby final.
(12:04):
So I think those performances will hurt him and Boden's
the incumbent. Going back to the back end of last year,
he Scott Robinson and trusted him largely, and I think
we'll see that continue.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
Host the next best ten.
Speaker 3 (12:21):
It's a million dollar question. Is it Stephen Peter Fetter
who has barely played for the Blues because of a
carpentery all years A Ruben Love who had a handful
of games at ten for the All Blacks. I've got
no idea, Pony. I think his real concerns about the
depth at ten in New Zealand rugby when you look
(12:42):
at the Highlanders and the Hurricanes even at times this year,
and I know they suffered a number of injuries, but
He've got a situation where a lot of a lot
of the first five of the pool, don't they and
Crusaders and Chiefs Country and the Blues, and I think
that needs to be a real focus to develop those
(13:03):
next teens, because if Bodenbauer or Damien McKenzie went down,
I think Scott Robinson would have some sleepless nights.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Indeed, well, le's go to midfield. I feel like there
are five very good midfield backs Jordy Barrett, Billy Proctor,
Rico Jowani, David Harvilly and quint To Pie. Those last
two were both excellent for their respective sides. Last night
I thought, do you think he'll select all five?
Speaker 3 (13:26):
It depends on Antony the Brown's comeback from his collarbone
broken colobone. I'm not too sure where that's at, So
maybe he does select all five with a caveat that
Anton would come in later for the third Test. You
know that they can mix a match a wee bit
with their squad depending on Anton's availability. Otherwise, it probably
(13:48):
comes down to a straight choice between Heavily and to Pyre,
and they'll both be very good this year. I would
have to pire purely because I think he brings a
strong ball carrying presence and you need that at twelve.
He's probably the closest in that regard to Barrett that
we haven't in his yelling games. David Heavily brings a
(14:10):
raft of skills. I know James o'coll O'Connor's talked him
up this season. He certainly has a lot of voice
and influence, and he's got a good kicking game. But
I just I like what Quinn brings just a really hard, uncompromising,
direct presence on both sides of the poorn.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Just before we moved to the back three. Again, I'm
asking you to predict stuff here, but do you think
razorw give Billy Proctor a crack in that thirteen jumper
against France? Maybe even the first Test?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
Yeah, I'm not too sure about the first Test, but
I think definitely against France. And I think we saw
last year in July Bill Blacks used their whole squad
and that was in two tests against England and Fiji,
so a lot easier to do that. But we all
know it's going to be a largely second string French team.
Expectations for the All Blacks to win all three and look,
(15:01):
Billy Proctor just has to get more game time. He
has come back this year was accept for the Hurricanes.
His distribution, his balance as attacking game has rarely come
to the four in the last few years, and I
was highly critical of the All Blacks for not giving
him any game time in the Rugby Championship last year.
That was just bizarre. So I think, yeah, he has
(15:23):
to have more games in there. And now I thinking
about that is riko Iwani I'm pretty sure he'll played
every match or close to it for the Blues this year,
so they will want to manage him to a degree.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Yeah, he started every match as well, so I think
he was the only blog good to do it in
New Zealand colors anyways, So yeah, he's had a bit
of rugby. So to the back three. First of all,
do you think they'll select Mark to Laya given the
fact that he's leaving New Zealand.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
No, I don't think so, Piney and maybe if it
was a Bone Barrett they might, but it is a
very case by case sort of selection basis. There's no
hard and fast rules around this. But I think with
wingers and particularly you're better off investing in the future.
They they came to have a bit of a shelf life.
You tend to pick on form when they're hot. So yeah,
(16:12):
I think they'll move on from Mark.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
T Lea all right, so it'll be Will Jordan obviously
and who.
Speaker 3 (16:20):
Oh yeah, it's up for the day. I think Caleb Clark.
I'm pretty sure I'm right. I'm saying he didn't score
a try for the.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Blues this year, Right, You're right he did not.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
It's a bit of a for a winger, but yeah,
he again it's the sort of the blue style. Doesn't
help that. Caleb was very good for the for the
All Blacks last year, so I expect him to be there.
You've got Jordan, as you say, interesting to see how
(16:49):
his knee is. He looked to be heavily strapped and
hobbling around last night, so hopefully and that's not too serious.
And then I think Rubert Love will be there, whether
it's as a fullback, wing first five. I think his
versatility they will like he had what like five or
ten minutes off the bench against Japan last year, scored
(17:12):
a try on the wing, so I think he'll be there.
And then you're looking at that, well, Bilbert showed a
lot of peace in sever Reese last year, so I
probably expect him to be there, And then you could
be looking at a choice between an Hour or Leroykada.
(17:32):
I thought Lebrocada probably didn't enhance his claims last night.
AMMONI plays I think one match under Razor before being
to a cast aside, and so yeah, interesting to see
the makeup of their back three and what the sort
of forwards backs as well. They can select up to
thirty five, but they may not just because they I
(17:54):
know they do want to use the whole squad throughout
this July series, all.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Right, And the fact that you're off to Taranaki tomorrow
to bear Att Country would suggest that we're going to
have the same captain, even though there were murmurings earlier
in the season after Ardie Save's herculean displays from Mowana
Pacifica that he perhaps should be given the captain's armband.
It'll be s Barrett to lead the site again.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
Well indeed plenty Yeah off the Openaki Coastal Rugby Club.
I can't imagine that the Barracks have ever bought a
beer in their life in recent times, so hopefully that
extends to the media.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
Sure what I have to surely smiley of you all
over it, I'm sure, I'm sure. Well, hey, great analysis.
You've got a piece on the Herald this morning as
well that people can can catch up on mid day tomorrow.
Is that when we're expecting David Kirk to address the
assembled throng about about midday tomorrow?
Speaker 3 (18:50):
That's all right, yep, live on Sky and News talk
to eb I'm sure as well, So yeah, tune in
and there's always one or two surprises so and always
a lot of interest in the first squad of here,
so looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
Travel safe into the Naki, Liam, thanks for wing us
this afternoon. May always appreciate your time and expertise.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Jers Fine a catch up soon mate.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
Good on you, mate, look forward to that. Leam Napier
insidherld dot co dot nz is where you can read
his excellent analysis. He has got a piece this morning
which breaks down a bit of what we've just talked
about there as far as the all Black Squad is concerned,
so up to thirty five names he may not name
thirty five.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk zed B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
SO will tomorrow unveil his first all Black squad of
the year for test matches against France next month in Dunedin,
Wellington and Hamilton. The names to be read out at
midday tomorrow by ends at our board chair David Kirk.
Who's on the list, who's not and how many new
faces might we see in the first all Black squad
of twenty twenty five. New Zealand Herald Senior rugby writer
(00:36):
Liam Napier is with us. Liam, thanks for taking the
time on your Sunday afternoon. Before we go into positions,
anyone play their way in or out or reinforce their
place in the squad in the final last Night.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Afternoon ponee. I saw you were a part of the
nineteen combination last night for the commentary, So yeah, I
was going to give you some stick in. So you
might be a bit too tall for a half fect,
maybe more of a lock.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Or a loose board, a lot gluec utility. I think
you're right on alongside take who joined us now pregame
last night year so I towered over him. So yeah,
I don't think that works as a nineteen But what
about I was gonna what about Rivers, Rahanna, it's a
late run, I know, but he was good last night.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
Is he?
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Is he in this conversation now or not?
Speaker 3 (01:25):
I don't think so. But it certainly was a big
performance in a big time match, wasn't it. And what
is season that's been for the Rivers coming from effectively
second maybe even third choice Crusaders Can Maker at the
start of the year, to growing his game, standing up
on the big stage, really owning that moment. So great
for his development. But there were a number of big
(01:47):
performances across that match. Fletcher Newell was my man of
the match, played eighty odd minutes well, played the full
match for a front row with Nick Bully informia any
mcl knee injury, so that only heightens his efforts. I
thought some of the Chiefs struggled Weave, particularly in the
second half. Leroy Cardis struggled to get into the game.
(02:09):
He's been a big movie this year on the wing
for the Chiefs. I thought Quinte Pier was really good.
He's back to career best form. And then others like
Christian Leo whe has been a big standout for the
Crusaders this year, so I think the Black Slicker's probably
had the bulk of that squad locked and going into
last night, but there might have been one or two
(02:30):
that's you know, maybe sweet they're thinking, all.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Right, let's go through some positions. Then we might as
well start in the front row. They say it all
starts up front. No offer to all the fussy. Of course,
he's injured at the moment, and I know they rate
them highly in the All Black, so there was a
gap there. I think we can write down to Mighty, Williams, Fletcher,
nule Ethan de Groot and Tyrrell Lomax. Who else you
reckon makes the squad in the front row club?
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Yeah, well that's right. You need another loose head. So
you're looking at George bow who's played twenty two tests,
been there, done that, and he's been excellent for the Crusaders,
played the full match against the Blues when to Mighty
didn't play, and then Cape one again last night when
the Crusaders scrum dominated the Chief So I think he's
(03:17):
probably the front runner. But if they want to bit
of a peek into the future, and maybe a bit
more youth. They could look at someone like Olie Norris
or Josh for the tour. So those two have really
stood up in the loose sair position to share both young, mobile, dynamic,
the sort of props they're all court modern day props
who can do it all, you know, carry clean tackle
(03:40):
as well as do their core skills. So if looking
for experience, they'll go George Bauer. But if you're looking
for a rookie, yeah, I think it'd be Norris or
for the tour.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
Do you think Pussily or Toss he'll be back? He
had a start in six games off the bench last year.
Will he be in the team do you think?
Speaker 3 (03:58):
I think certainly. He is a real modern day Bolt.
They don't see too many of those these days, do he?
But I think they would have invested a lot in
how last year, and they like his mobility. At a
former number eight, he brings a lot and he was
actually really good off the Denchally all Black last year.
Hasn't really kept on for the Hurricanes, but I think
we'll see him in the squad all right.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Hookers Cody Taylor clearly, who I thought was just exceptional
again last night as try his tri saving tackle on
two Paul V and everything else he does around the field.
He'll be there summer. Sauny Tokiaho presumably as well, and
Sappho one more if he's over his injury. Are those
the three hookers?
Speaker 3 (04:36):
I think so, And I'm sort of hearing that Arma
probably won't be involved in July because that hamstring injury
he was obviously cantered off on the medicab. You might
have been at that train Funny and Wellington prior to
the semi final against the Brumbies doesn't sound great. So
I think he may miss the series against front So
that could potentially open the door for George Bell who
(04:59):
was a rookie inclusion last year in.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
The Locks, Scott Barrett Patrick tw we p a lot
too and two they'll probably take one more. So who
will that be?
Speaker 3 (05:12):
I think it's come on down Netherlands born Fabian Hollands,
and you know what a story that'll be, because very
unique story, isn't it. A guy that grew up in
a football mad country, came to crush it, originally went
to school there to chase his dream, originally on a
six month scholarship and got lured down south to Dunedin
(05:35):
and has rarely come on leaps and bounds in a
big way. Grown into his body, learned the game and
I think could be a real asset to the All
Blacks and the years to come. He spent time training
with the All Blacks at the back end of last
year and really impressed the coaches and even guys like
Sam Kine spoke publicly about how easily he fitted in
and he just sort of looked the part. So I'll
(05:57):
be very surprised if he's not the fourth flock.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Yeah, big body to U, isn't He's quite a big human,
isn't he.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Was?
Speaker 3 (06:05):
He two meters all throws himself into the collision, So
he's only going to get better.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Yeah, look forward to seeing Fabian Holland and his development. Okay,
loose forwards. This is probably where we have to have
to scratch our heads just a little bit, and I'm
sure the selectors have done so as well. Before we
look at who might be there, we know Ardie Savia
will be. Which number do you expect Artie Savia to
wear for the All Blacks this season?
Speaker 3 (06:30):
I think we'll see them get back to seven point here.
I think we saw that sort of movement towards the
back end of last year. But Wallace a TSI is
a natural number eight and I think that's where his
long term future and then that's ultimately where the All
Blacks will play him. He made a good fist of blindside,
didn't he. He was the All Blacks player in the
(06:51):
year last year, coming from his rookie Super Rugby season
through to you know, standing out against the spring Box
and England. But I think it is the back of
the scrum we'll see Wallace with Ardie and so then
you're looking for the perennial questions who is the All
Blacks blind side? And that's something that hasn't really been
(07:14):
sold since chen Frazel went off to Japan and it
took him sometime to step into Jerome kind of shoes
as well. So the back end of last year the
All Blacks took seven loose forwards in a thirty six
man squad. You're probably looking at six or seven for
the squad as well.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Who is six? Then? Who is it? Smer Penny Female.
Let's let's chuck some names out. Is it Somer Penny Fee?
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Now he's the closest in prototype or body composition, the
way he plays the game to a Frizelle or a
kind of isn't he The bill Blacks loved their blind
side to be that big, bruising enforcer, somebody who can
contribute at the line out as well. Some a Penny
(07:59):
is that guy. But he hasn't really taken his chance
for the All Blacks, so I expect him to be
in the squads. But I think the question of who
starts at six for the Old Blacks are still reopen.
Ethan Blackheader is another strong contender. He's and his prowess
is more on the defensive side of the ball than
than carrying. And then there's there's others like Luke Jacobson
(08:21):
very similar. The issue with the loose folds and leaphony
is when you look at Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackheader, and
Dalton Popally are all very similar layers, and so it
depends you know, can you can you afford to fit
all of them in the same squad?
Speaker 2 (08:38):
I don't think he can. Can he? Do you think he'll?
Is this the time when perhaps Dalton Papale missus an
All Black squad?
Speaker 3 (08:46):
I think he'd be very nervous funny and you saw
that last year he really did fall out of favor.
He was the heir apparent for so long to sam Kin,
but when pushed him to shove last year, all Blacks
went back to experience, called Kane and Pedanara and Dalton Papally.
He missed out on the on the Northern because of
a thumb injury. There was some talk that he was
(09:08):
going to go later on that tour when it healed.
That didn't happen, and then his fathers like Peter Lucky
come in and really impress off the bench against France.
So I think the style of rugby that the Blues
play don't help doesn't help Hauppily either. He's very good defensively,
but he also looks good when he's got a bit
of room to move, roaming down the wide channels. But
(09:29):
underven Cod of the Blues are just so combative, so direct,
that he doesn't get enough of those opportunities. So I
would not be surprised to see him mister squad, and
that would be a massive call for a guy that's
had huge investment in his future.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Duplas he's a seven and only a seven hasn't played
for the All Blacks exceptional this year for the Hurricanes.
Do you expect his name to be on the list tomorrow?
Speaker 3 (09:56):
I do, and I hope so, because he couldn't have
done anything more. And for me, he's a point of difference.
He's he's not that big iusy like you would have
be viewed him how many times stood next to him.
He's seriously built, tree trunk legs, huge upper body. But
his point of difference is turnovers and that's so valuable
(10:19):
in the modern game, to be able to snap or
breakdown turnover and to try and strike on counter attack.
And I just think he does that better than any
other loose forward in New Zealand. At the moment. He's
consistently done that for the Hurricanes. And also heard that
he was very close to leaving signing in Japan and
that the All Blacks encouraged him to stay. So if
(10:42):
he's not in the squad, you'd be pretty disappointed if
you'd had that encouragement and it didn't come fruition.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
He's got a half backs. I don't think we have
to stay here long, do we? Camroy Guard Cortes will
have to Manoah Hotham anybody else in the discussion.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
I think Tic tic Tick largely fin Lay. Christy's probably
the fourth guy, but I think there's a bit of
a gap there. And yeah, I think all see those
three in the rotation and get plenty of opportunities this year,
the ore the future for now.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
First five Boden Barrett and Damien McKenzie, we know we'll
both be there. Who is starting in the ten jumper
against France in two weeks in Dunedin though.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Boden Barrett, I think we'll start fining. I think we
saw in the Super Rugby playoffs. I think Boden outshine
McKenzie when the Blues beat the Chiefs and Neilson mckensey
bounced back with an impressive performance against the Brumbies the
following week in their semifinal tri saving tackle. I think
(11:43):
it was a twenty two point haul. But then again,
last night wasn't his best match, a couple of errors,
didn't have the front foot platform with the Crusaders dominating
the scrum and the line out to a degree, But
couldn't impose himself on that game as you would hope
a world class playmaker should in a Super Rugby final.
(12:04):
So I think those performances will hurt him and Boden's
the incumbent. Going back to the back end of last year,
he Scott Robinson and trusted him largely, and I think
we'll see that continue.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
Host the next best ten.
Speaker 3 (12:21):
It's a million dollar question. Is it Stephen Peter Fetter
who has barely played for the Blues because of a
carpentery all years A Ruben Love who had a handful
of games at ten for the All Blacks. I've got
no idea, Pony. I think his real concerns about the
depth at ten in New Zealand rugby when you look
(12:42):
at the Highlanders and the Hurricanes even at times this year,
and I know they suffered a number of injuries, but
He've got a situation where a lot of a lot
of the first five of the pool, don't they and
Crusaders and Chiefs Country and the Blues, and I think
that needs to be a real focus to develop those
(13:03):
next teens, because if Bodenbauer or Damien McKenzie went down,
I think Scott Robinson would have some sleepless nights.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Indeed, well, le's go to midfield. I feel like there
are five very good midfield backs Jordy Barrett, Billy Proctor,
Rico Jowani, David Harvilly and quint To Pie. Those last
two were both excellent for their respective sides. Last night
I thought, do you think he'll select all five?
Speaker 3 (13:26):
It depends on Antony the Brown's comeback from his collarbone
broken colobone. I'm not too sure where that's at, So
maybe he does select all five with a caveat that
Anton would come in later for the third Test. You
know that they can mix a match a wee bit
with their squad depending on Anton's availability. Otherwise, it probably
(13:48):
comes down to a straight choice between Heavily and to Pyre,
and they'll both be very good this year. I would
have to pire purely because I think he brings a
strong ball carrying presence and you need that at twelve.
He's probably the closest in that regard to Barrett that
we haven't in his yelling games. David Heavily brings a
(14:10):
raft of skills. I know James o'coll O'Connor's talked him
up this season. He certainly has a lot of voice
and influence, and he's got a good kicking game. But
I just I like what Quinn brings just a really hard, uncompromising,
direct presence on both sides of the poorn.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Just before we moved to the back three. Again, I'm
asking you to predict stuff here, but do you think
razorw give Billy Proctor a crack in that thirteen jumper
against France? Maybe even the first Test?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
Yeah, I'm not too sure about the first Test, but
I think definitely against France. And I think we saw
last year in July Bill Blacks used their whole squad
and that was in two tests against England and Fiji,
so a lot easier to do that. But we all
know it's going to be a largely second string French team.
Expectations for the All Blacks to win all three and look,
(15:01):
Billy Proctor just has to get more game time. He
has come back this year was accept for the Hurricanes.
His distribution, his balance as attacking game has rarely come
to the four in the last few years, and I
was highly critical of the All Blacks for not giving
him any game time in the Rugby Championship last year.
That was just bizarre. So I think, yeah, he has
(15:23):
to have more games in there. And now I thinking
about that is riko Iwani I'm pretty sure he'll played
every match or close to it for the Blues this year,
so they will want to manage him to a degree.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Yeah, he started every match as well, so I think
he was the only blog good to do it in
New Zealand colors anyways, So yeah, he's had a bit
of rugby. So to the back three. First of all,
do you think they'll select Mark to Laya given the
fact that he's leaving New Zealand.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
No, I don't think so, Piney and maybe if it
was a Bone Barrett they might, but it is a
very case by case sort of selection basis. There's no
hard and fast rules around this. But I think with
wingers and particularly you're better off investing in the future.
They they came to have a bit of a shelf life.
You tend to pick on form when they're hot. So yeah,
(16:12):
I think they'll move on from Mark.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
T Lea all right, so it'll be Will Jordan obviously
and who.
Speaker 3 (16:20):
Oh yeah, it's up for the day. I think Caleb Clark.
I'm pretty sure I'm right. I'm saying he didn't score
a try for the.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Blues this year, Right, You're right he did not.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
It's a bit of a for a winger, but yeah,
he again it's the sort of the blue style. Doesn't
help that. Caleb was very good for the for the
All Blacks last year, so I expect him to be there.
You've got Jordan, as you say, interesting to see how
(16:49):
his knee is. He looked to be heavily strapped and
hobbling around last night, so hopefully and that's not too serious.
And then I think Rubert Love will be there, whether
it's as a fullback, wing first five. I think his
versatility they will like he had what like five or
ten minutes off the bench against Japan last year, scored
(17:12):
a try on the wing, so I think he'll be there.
And then you're looking at that, well, Bilbert showed a
lot of peace in sever Reese last year, so I
probably expect him to be there, And then you could
be looking at a choice between an Hour or Leroykada.
(17:32):
I thought Lebrocada probably didn't enhance his claims last night.
AMMONI plays I think one match under Razor before being
to a cast aside, and so yeah, interesting to see
the makeup of their back three and what the sort
of forwards backs as well. They can select up to
thirty five, but they may not just because they I
(17:54):
know they do want to use the whole squad throughout
this July series, all.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Right, And the fact that you're off to Taranaki tomorrow
to bear Att Country would suggest that we're going to
have the same captain, even though there were murmurings earlier
in the season after Ardie Save's herculean displays from Mowana
Pacifica that he perhaps should be given the captain's armband.
It'll be s Barrett to lead the site again.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
Well indeed plenty Yeah off the Openaki Coastal Rugby Club.
I can't imagine that the Barracks have ever bought a
beer in their life in recent times, so hopefully that
extends to the media.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
Sure what I have to surely smiley of you all
over it, I'm sure, I'm sure. Well, hey, great analysis.
You've got a piece on the Herald this morning as
well that people can can catch up on mid day tomorrow.
Is that when we're expecting David Kirk to address the
assembled throng about about midday tomorrow?
Speaker 3 (18:50):
That's all right, yep, live on Sky and News talk
to eb I'm sure as well, So yeah, tune in
and there's always one or two surprises so and always
a lot of interest in the first squad of here,
so looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
Travel safe into the Naki, Liam, thanks for wing us
this afternoon. May always appreciate your time and expertise.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Jers Fine a catch up soon mate.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
Good on you, mate, look forward to that. Leam Napier
insidherld dot co dot nz is where you can read
his excellent analysis. He has got a piece this morning
which breaks down a bit of what we've just talked
about there as far as the all Black Squad is concerned,
so up to thirty five names he may not name
thirty five.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk zed B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.
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