2025 All Blacks v France series
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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?
I wonder if a couple of guys from the Māori squad are going to come over to the AB squad as cover and as an apprenticeship once their games are done?
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I think the selectors know they are bringing in Parker and Tangitau, and no one else particularly interests them in these areas, whereas Tupaeas form and Big Jim's potential demand inclusion. Thus explaining there being less wingers and loose forwards and more midfielders
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@Chris said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@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.
I’m hoping he’s good to go because he should get an opportunity in this series.
A couple of more adept dark arts observers on here called McAlister a couple of seasons ago to make the ABs. Specific mention to his scrum work was made.
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Hoskins Sotutu's form this season was patchy so he didn't scream to be included. Dalton Papalii, however, was probably the Blues best and most consistent player, lots of Test experience too so he should have been picked.
AJ Lam doesn't get a look in and should have been there ahead of ALB.
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@ARHS said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
Pretty happy with that squad. Pleased McA made it ahead of Bell.
Thinking about it - it makes sense.
McAllister has gone well and I don't think Bell has started a match - four or five games of the bench, I think?
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Maybe Blackadder time is not over in the black jersey
Crusaders loose forward Ethan Blackadder is one of the unlucky names to miss out, although it must be said he's another who has struggled with injury problems."He could have easily been picked," Robertson says.
"It's margins and we've got to balance the squad. He'll be in and around at some stage this campaign.
"We're just looking for a little bit more versatility."
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@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
It's concerning that the Chiefs have the most forwards with 6 after they failed to do a job against the Blues and Crusaders.
wasn't the starting 8 that was the prob was replacement probs and lock
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@ACT-Crusader said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@Chris said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:
@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.
I’m hoping he’s good to go because he should get an opportunity in this series.
A couple of more adept dark arts observers on here called McAlister a couple of seasons ago to make the ABs. Specific mention to his scrum work was made.
He is along with Taylor one of the best scrummaging hookers in NZ probably a big factor in selecting him.
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