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Opinion
We’re now just four months out from World Rugby’s pinnacle event, and with time quickly slipping by it’s time to take a look at who will contest Bill at this year’s Rugby World Cup. Here are my 33 All Blacks squad members, starting from up front.
1. Tyrel Lomax
From being shunted around by the Waratahs just 12 months ago, Tyrel has become a rock of the new-look All Blacks front row.
2. Ethan de Groot
The man from the south has upped his work rate, tightened his scrummaging and is now the first-choice prop.
3. Joe Moody
An experienced prop, Moody has taken a while to get into his work with the Crusaders, but is a valuable bench replacement.
4. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Mobile, strong and able to play both sides of the scrum, Ofa is invaluable as a back-up and squad man.
5. Tamaiti Williams
Maiti by name, mighty by stature. The young Crusaders prop is New Zealand’s answer to the French giants. Still young, but strong and mobile, a tough call in an area where the All Blacks depth isn’t as great as it has been in the past.
6. Samisoni Taukei’aho
Just imagine facing down the human wrecking ball? New Zealand’s No.1 hooker.
7. Codie Taylor
The experienced Crusader has had his wobbles over the past few years, but is the pick of the experienced hookers.
(Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)
8. Asafo Aumua
Has timed his run well, finally delivering on his promise. In the same mode as Taukei’aho, Aumua will bring impact from the bench. Don’t be surprised if his mate Colesy is ‘holidaying’ in France in September (just in case of any injuries).
9. Sam Whitelock
Third most capped men’s Test player of all time. With well over 140 Tests on the clock, like a Toyota ute he just keeps on going, leading from the front. Is he the All Blacks’ greatest-ever lock?
10. Brodie Retallick
If not Whitelock, then the All Blacks GOAT lock must be Guzzler. He’s rediscovered form in the Chiefs engine and looks to be peaking at just the right time.
11. Scott Barrett
The slowest of the Barretts, but still a menace at the breakdown and in the loose. Will he start or cover from the bench as a 4/5/6?
12. Tupou Vaa’i
Rangey, athletic, tall, Vaa’I is the next generation of All Blacks lock and worthy replacement on the bench. There’s a bit of depth at lock in New Zealand, so Vaa’i will need to maintain his fitness and form, but for now is in the squad as lock cover.
13. Sam Cane
Another to be finding form at just the right time is Captain Cane. Built like a human torpedo, he’s been rock solid for the Chiefs and continues to prove his worth in the tight stuff.
14. Ardie Savea
Enough said.
15. Shannon Frizell
Big, brash and strong. Needs to play consistently, but is the enforcer the All Blacks need.
16. Dalton Papali’i
The super sub. Has had a relatively quiet super season so far, but was the starting 7 by the end of 2022. Will be pushing Captain Cane hard.
17. Ethan Blackadder
Has had a horror run with injuries, but if fit he makes the plane and will be pushing for the starting 6 spot. An absolute workhorse who just keeps going and going.
18. Luke Jacobson
Old rock shoulders. Hits hard and can cover 6, 7 and 8. Working in tandem with the more athletic loose forwards, Jacobson won’t take a backwards step.
19. Aaron Smith
Like Whitelock, Smith has been at the top of his game for over a decade. An absolute giant for the All Blacks despite his size. Needs to re-find his running game to compliment his lightning pass and kicking.
20. Brad Weber
The second-best halfback in New Zealand currently. A worthy replacement for Smith and a deadly combination with Damian McKenzie.
Brad Weber of the Chiefs passes the ball. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
21. Cameron Roigard
The Hurricanes halfback has size, speed and a pass to boot. Will trouble tiring defences and pips Finlay Christie who is just too similar to the two other halves.
22. Richie Mo’unga
Despite patchy Super form, he is the All Blacks’ best 10. His game control will be tested if the forwards don’t lay a platform, but generally looks cool and calm under pressure.
23. Beauden Barrett
Remember 2015? Remember Dan Carter? Carter limped through to the World Cup, then lit it up and was named World Player of the Year. Likewise Barrett hasn’t been in career-best form, looking shy at taking the ball to the line, but has the ball on a string and provides worthy back up at 10.
24. Damian McKenzie: The form 10 at Super Rugby level. Another super sub, covering 9, 10, 11, 14 and 15. Look for DMac to light it up from the bench.
25. Rieko Ioane
Like him or loathe him in the midfield, Rieko is the best centre we have currently. Able to light up a backline and punish mistakes with his lightning pace.
26. Jordie Barrett
Finally a 12 with size, speed and a multitude of skills. His long-distance kicking could be the difference come finals time.
27. David Havili
Versatile cover for 12 or fullback. Havili is finding form and his ability to kick, pass and run provides versatility.
28. Anton Lienert-Brown
Another to have suffered a string of injuries, if fit ALB picks himself. The glue and an exceptional organiser at 12 or 13.
29. Shaun Stevenson
What’s not to like about this guy? Big, fast, reliable. Will be pushing BBBBB for the starting 15 spot.
30. Mark Talea
The form wing from the 2022 EOYT. Will look to use his pace, strength and tackle breaking ability to light up the scoreboard.
31. Leicester Fainga’anuku
With the ability to cover both the wings and midfield, the big Crusader provides bench and squad cover.
32. Caleb Clarke
Big, strong, fast but a potential liability on defence where he takes an age to turn and cover (Lomu anyone?). Will need to find form to hold a starting spot.
33. Emoni Narawa
The bolter. Provides something different to the other outside backs and will trouble defences who won’t have the experience or video reels to combat this new force on the wing.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.