2025 All Blacks v France series
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there are some weird bits, JB, Tupaea and Big Jim named as midfielders, all 12's? and the RI a 13 theyve said will cover wing...just trying to work out the logistics, doesnt feel even depth across all positions
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Not a bad squad, but am not sure about Reece, McAlister and ALB. I don't understand why they didn't pick 35 players though, and with the RWC only 2 years away, surely you want to get as many players into the environment as possible and build depth.
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So the squad ends up being 11 Chiefs, 7 Crusaders, 7 Hurricanes, 4 Blues, 3 Highlanders and 1 Moana Pasifika
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@1kiwi said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
George Bell. Canterbury's third string hooker. Boys needs to go aomewhere that he won't be stuck on the bench.
Bell will be duking it out with Moananu in a couple years time I believe as it wouldn't surprise me if Codie Taylor either hangs up his boots or heads overseas after the next world cup.
Moananu really should leave. He can't even crack the Crusaders 23 where he looks to have an AB level ceiling.
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@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@Chris said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
George Bell. Canterbury's third string hooker. Boys needs to go aomewhere that he won't be stuck on the bench.
Just signed a new 3 year deal with the Crusaders,
Must love sitting on the bench.
more so than playing for the Highlanders maybe.
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@1kiwi said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
I think Caleb Clarke can count himself lucky to be there. He didn't score a try for the Blues this season.
disclaimer: I haven't watched a lot of Super this year - but his work off the ball has been sensational for a few seasons. Kickoff reception is elite - and his kick chase has been on point.
Tries aren't the best metric. It's more play and opportunities - Bridge got leading try scorer and the 'highlights reel' was running it in untouched from a few yards out. Be careful what you wish for
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@1kiwi said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
I think Caleb Clarke can count himself lucky to be there. He didn't score a try for the Blues this season.
He was one of the ABs best last year. Does that count for anything?
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@1kiwi said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
George Bell. Canterbury's third string hooker. Boys needs to go aomewhere that he won't be stuck on the bench.
Bell will be duking it out with Moananu in a couple years time I believe as it wouldn't surprise me if Codie Taylor either hangs up his boots or heads overseas after the next world cup.
Yep Codie will be gone after the 2027 WC.
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@KiwiMurph Blues would be a great Fit😉
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So Sotutu not interested or just not picked?
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Blackadder is a surprise, but can understand it due to the continuous injuries.
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@Chris-B said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
They've only picked 33 guys I think - when 35 was foreshadowed?
Based on this posted by @Number-10.
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@Old-Samurai-Jack said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Blackadder is a surprise, but can understand it due to the continuous injuries.
They really missed an opportunity not naming him as the injury cover.
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@sparky said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
McAlister ahead of Bell is the right call.
Hopefully Brodie is over his injuries the last couple of years he has had a lot of injuries, Shoulders,Calfs etc he was injured a lot at the Crusaders and for Canterbury.
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@1kiwi said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
I think Caleb Clarke can count himself lucky to be there. He didn't score a try for the Blues this season.
His form has been dreadful for the Blues this year, but the coaches are backing themselves to get the best out of him in the AB environment and train/play him back into form. Fair enough. I hope it works.
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Well done Narawa.
I hope De Groot is fit enough
So this season the coaches don't have a Crusaders bias, they have an anti blues one. Joke! But Clarke and Ioane may be considered a little lucky.
