oooops….I wonder if Stevenson would want to be scrambling, amongst the darkness of forwards, rucking and mauling?? Cheers for this correction.

That’s him…..a decent sized unit but plagued by injury, when it mattered.

We’ve known that for a few years now…..

Oh no you don’t….you can’t lay RA’s administration incompetence, on NZR’s lack of playing foresight or even the style of rugby played, at SR level. RA have successfully managed to achieve that incompetence, all by themselves.

But, Lord or Vaii weren’t even on Shag’s radar in 2019 cos he had Sam and Brodie with Scooter, as the next cab off the rank. Then Brodie got injured in SR and left Scooter partnering Sam while Guzzler, was recuperating.

Vaii came onto the scene in 2020, when Brodie announced his sabbatical after SR, that year. Lord came on board in 2023, after a previous season ending injury in 2022 and then proceeded to suffer another injury, impacting his RWC selection.

So your attempt to make this scenario, look like an NZR administration bungle or because of the style of rugby played at SR level, is so wide of the mark that you missed the dart board, while standing right in front of it.

There was a lock in the 2007 team whose name escapes me – he had the goods but was injured in SR and went to that RWC, still trying to recover. I thought his first name was Keith…???

But, I acknowledge my list is before your time. From 1991 to 2007, the AB locking dept had some decent blokes but, history will show that RWC fortune didn’t favour them or their team, in that period.

2026 is when tours of an AB team to the Republic, re-commence. Just sorting the itinerary details but, it could be 4 tests plus 5-6 provincial/URC club games on tour.

So your wish may bear fruit earlier, than you initially perceived??

Just a few names of AB locks from the past – Tiny Hill, Tiny White, Colin Meads, Stan Meads, Sam Strachan, Peter Whiting, Murray Pierce, Gary Whetton, Frank Oliver, Andy Haden and of course Sam & Brodie. There have been others whose names just seem to pass my attention….but to suggest that lock, has been a traditional weak point in an AB side, is so incorrect.

These guys were the engine room of AB packs…..and history shows how successful those teams were, with these blokes in that engine room.

I’ll just say that Razor’s forwards coach, is doing some amazing work, with the AB pack and none of us, need to assume anything there….it is fact.
But, if that were the case Muzz, then Razor doesn’t need NZR approval to bring SW into this coaching frame – he’s entitled to choose whomever he wants, for his coaching team.
Funny thing is, I don’t think that’s Razor’s intent – he wants a player rather than, another coach.

Also JD, I think folks underestimate the impact Jase Ryan provides as forwards coach.

What he brought to the table after the Irish series, was a complete turn-around in the space of 2-3 weeks, following the losses to Ireland and the SBs. I mean, Fozzie’s noggin was well and truly on the block until that 2nd test against the SB. I’m looking for a similar and time measured approach by Ryan, to take the AB pack to even greater heights by the time the RWC kicks off, in 2027.

It just becomes a question, of who’s prepared to raise their hand over these next 4yrs of SR and go out and scrap for then cement, an AB locking position. This process IMO, doesn’t need Sam W to be resurrected, to find that lock – it just needs everyone, Razor included, to trust his lieutenant and allow him the next 4 yrs, to do just that.

Pat T has been there or thereabouts for a number of years and still, he’s struggled to show his potential. Vaii and Lord are youngsters in terms of locks and have time on their radars, to gain improvement.

IMO, the only coach capable of assisting them is Jase Ryan and the ABs only had him, for the last 2years. Now, the AB pack will have him, through to the next RWC.

Yes I agree Brendan that the ABs struggled to such an extent, that no-one gave them a brass-razoo chance of getting past last year’s QF, let alone challenging in the GF’s remaining 60 minutes, to come within a whisker.

It was a master stroke, how the AB coaching group managed SW’s time on field, during the RWC finals run. I doubt it would’ve been Fozzie’s idea – I suspect it was a decision from Schmidt and Ryan and in hindsight, it bloody worked.

What is interesting now, is what do they do if SW, is allowed back in the fold?? Who will miss selection for his admission?? Who will gain selection to become the first choice lock if, the same time-managed protocols are re-ignited for SW, this year and potentially next year?? And finally, is it really worth foregoing a young lock over these next two years, to cater for a player who will be 38yrs old, at the end of next season??

IMHO, I don’t think it is and I suggest Shooter, Lord, Tuipulotu and Vaii become the starters this year and if next year others come through SR with the wind in their sails, then a change to the incumbent quartet, would be a huge boost to the AB locking stocks, before 2027 RWC.

You are kidding??? The SBs played 7 forwards on the bench in last year’s RWC final because, they saw the impact a strong and aerobic AB pack, could bring to the table. As it was, with 7 forwards for 60minutes, it was the AB pack that was firing in the 79th minute, of that match.

NZR hasn’t changed its approach regarding developing and retaining players for the test arena. In fact, they have doubled-down on sabbaticals and R&R processes. One because of the financial implications from OS and the other, because of protocols to prevent player burnout.

FYI, both systems have been adopted and agreed to, by the players union – NZRUPA. That is the reality.

I’m sure Ainsley came on as a sub….?? But, fair point Muzz.

Although, I would’ve enjoyed watching EdG and Dyer going at it. This is Dyer’s 3rd SR season – he got a couple of games when Angus was Chief’s preferred TH prop, back in 2022. When Gus was injured last year, they promoted Dyer alongside the Irishman (Ryan), who was Gus’s injury replacement.

I hope he gets a start this weekend against the Saders – be interesting to see how he goes against Bower or Moody. I mean, it took Lomax a few seasons, before we finally got to see his TH abilities…..so, keep an eye on this bloke for future, TH props.

I’ve got this funny feeling that D-Mac is carrying a niggling injury. A couple of times, I noticed him wince after making clearing kicks although off the tee, he was 100% – just a funny feeling. Hope he’s ok and it’s just Donk making sure, he doesn’t overwork his play-maker, this early in the comp.

Agree about Chiefs D but I’m sure, it’s something that Donk and his coaching panel, are looking at. It’s not the first time this scenario has happened where things go pear-shaped, after D-Mac gets replaced. This is Rd 5 and Donk, has virtually changed his starting mid-field, in every match…..to the point where he’s using a centre (Rona) on the wing so, I can’t wait for Narawa to get some more minutes and secure, that right-wing spot.

I’d like to think that Donk is prepping his back-line, so he gets D-Mac, Poihipi, ALB and Ioane, Tupaea, Rona as his 2 sets for 10, 12 & 13 jerseys….or something, along those lines. A fascinating opportunity to be able to have such a variable starting choice, in your back-line.

Spot on JD.

I watched this match just to see how Lord (playing his first start this season) and Vaii would front up to what I suggest, is the tallest and heaviest locking combination (Parkinson & Holland), in NZ SR. If I recall, the Landers had a significant scrum weight advantage over the Chiefs and yet set-piece possession in both scrums and line outs, was more or less even.

I thought we may see some eventual dominance from the Landers set-piece because of an opportunity for both Parkinson & Holland, to advance themselves now that Sam & Brodie, have gone OS. It was never to be.

I think we could pencil in Scooter, Vaii and Lord as AB starting locks and, if Tuipulotu continues his form from last night’s effort against the Saders then, he could be the 4th lock. But, it’s early days and there’s some guys (Strange, Leawere-Walker, Delany, Ah Kuoi, Gallagher, Tucker) who can still make an impression, as we go deep into the SR comp.

No I don’t see any issue because prior to that successful NPC win by Taranaki, Jacomb wasn’t really being tracked, by any SR coach last Oct-Nov. Every coach had already chosen and signed their No10 players by December and waited, until all positions had been filled, before announcing their respective squads.

Team selections are no different whether its club, provincial, super rugby or test team selections – players miss out at the initial call but, through injury to others, they gain a late selection.

Cruelly, it doesn’t help either if you’re part of a winning combination – Jacomb was virtually an unknown youngster playing in club rugby 2 years ago and got his first big shot, in last year’s NPC. Now, through unfortunate circumstances for Trask, Jacomb gets another tilt at SR and will no doubt, have to go out and prove his worth when D-Mac and Ioane, get rested from games.

I wish him well and all the best – he’s 22yrs old and he can only improve with every opportunity – time is on his side.

Trask is injured (could be a season ending injury) and Jacomb was enlisted as his injury replacement. Jacomb actually missed SR selection and was only called upon, when Trask went down.

Kemara was enlisted in the Saders academy but then injuries forced Rob Penney to start him. When the Chiefs sealed their No10 selections with D-Mac, Ioane and Trask, both Kemara and Reihana (both Chiefs school-boys) were signed by Saders Academy along with Noah Holtham (another Chiefs school-boy). Holtham has already played some SR matches because of the Saders horrific injury run.

Young players are not finding it hard to get game time so, you are trying to light a fire where none exists. They are spending their time in the academy learning the systems and strategies of their new SR franchise. In time, they will be called upon to play but, there is no rush during this development phase. Also, game-time will be minimal if your chosen position is currently occupied, by an incumbent AB.

As Jacko mentioned previously – if you want to compare national structures between France and NZ, then simply go to the competition that matters which structures are showing results i.e. RWC. For as long as France has been improving, when it comes to the comp that matters, France has been having a tough old time trying to walk away, with the meat-pies.

Playing contracts are written for seasons of representation Brendan. If a player (presuming you refer to Cody Taylor) is not playing, he will still get paid because his contract states he’s entitled, to get paid.

Most if not all employment contracts throughout NZ, contain similar options – it’s nothing new.

And surely, Munster could send their team to NZ before the NH season kicks-off and being near the end of an SH season, similar to how the Saders toured ??

You said, “In the 2000s early 2010s winning u20s players were starting for SR sides when it was top of the pile. Now they are luck to pick up a few games their first season. ”

The operative word is “winning” Brendan….as you are well aware, the NZ under-20s have been having a tough old time trying to achieve that goal and consequently, their efforts (or lack of) have been noticed, by the AB coaching panels.

That’s just the nature of sport – you do well and you reap the rewards. You don’t and you won’t, reap anything.

Ummm, you rest players from training and playing Brendan….the first competition of the season is the SRP so, you rest your players from playing. Remember, to play in the SRP opener, you start training when the previous season ends….nah, just kidding but, you get my point.

It isn’t just about playing – its also about rest from training and then of course, rest from playing.

And no, the test players were not training in either an AB or SR squad gathering in December – the first training program for the AB returnees, was in the new year (Jan-Feb). The dreaded beep test scenario….that’s the only running they were doing.

Just a quick point – the R&R allocations for each AB are issued based upon how much test rugby that player played in the season. Cody Taylor, for example, either played or warmed the bench for most if not all, of last season’s test calendar. Caleb Clarke, on the other hand, played a minimal test role last year. Taylor requested and was granted a long term R&R based on his appearances last year. Clarke is available and has played a few matches already, this season.

R&R distribution is not a blanket cover for every AB – it is issued to players based upon their test participation, for the whole season. Less playing time means less R&R time and so on.

Like Charles, Leicester could also request a change of allegiance, after a stand-down period from test rugby. You see, it’s not just the fact that players are leaving for NH contracts, they can also leave and play for their country of heritage even without, any NH contract.

My point about OS policy remaining unchanged is every player and coach knows, if you want to pursue AB selection then, you have to ply your trade, in NZ. That key and integral position, has not changed since the birth of professional rugby and that is the basis of this whole article Brendan – stay and play in NZ.

There are new variations introduced but in the end, the player gets a financial boost and the union, gets their man for the next RWC challenge. The important aspect is the player returned to play a full season of SR/NPC before regaining selection, with the ABs.

And he’s returning for the 2026 SR season and potentially, the 2027 RWC. But like every player, he then has to show the panel that he is worthy of being chosen again, in the test arena.

He didn’t get a sabbatical because it wasn’t a condition written into his AB contract, at that time. Sabbaticals are also about awarding players who have proven their worth in the test arena; players whom the coaching panel believe are the best in their chosen position and at the time, simply irreplaceable.

Laumape IMO, had to provide more and was IMO, replaceable. He didn’t hang around to prove either of those.

And, introducing sabbaticals was better than losing players forever because it provided players, a return to AB duty in time for the next RWC competition, rather than no play at all.

So it served both sides of the coin – the union and the player.

Watch out for a bolter in Love or Sullivan…..but, it’s early days and Perofeta still has time, to show his worth.

Oh and btw Brendan, just how did that ramshackle of a Saders team minus their ABs and touring at the start of their own season with injured players remaining at home and meeting teams, who’s season started last year, fare in the UK??

I think the same applied to the Chiefs….but no-one seems to be complaining about either pre-season tour. In fact, scribes consider both tours were successful and will hopefully be reciprocated next season, with reverse tours….perhaps!!