AB squad for the EOYT
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The Barrett Blacks
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From the presser & interviews with Fox and Hansen:
Retallick is in doubt and Fifita is travelling to the States as injury cover for him if needed. Whitelock is out for 3-4 weeks and Scott Barrett comes in for him as injury cover. Hansen said explicitly about Scott that "he will play".
Fifita was picked because he could cover lock and 6.
Jordie won't play and has still a lot of "growing" to do. That was mainly meant physically. He's tall but his frame is still far from AB requirements.They decided to only take 5 props because the Maori ABs are also touring and Kane Hames will be in the Maori AB squad.
All AB halfbacks are Maori and the one that misses out of the game in the USA, is likely to play for the Maori ABs against the USA.
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From the media release:
All Blacks squad for Vista 2016 All Blacks Northern Tour
The All Blacks selectors, Steve Hansen, Ian Foster and Grant Fox, have selected their squad for the Vista 2016 All Blacks Northern Tour to the USA and Europe for Tests against Ireland, Italy and France.
The squad features the selection of 19-year-old Auckland outside back Rieko Ioane, who spent time in the All Blacks wider training group this year. It also sees the return to the All Blacks squad of his Auckland teammate, 25-year-old loose forward Steven Luatua, who played 14 Tests in 2013-2014. Otago hooker Liam Coltman, who has provided injury cover throughout the season, has also been selected in an official squad for the first time.
Meanwhile, lock Sam Whitelock suffered a high ankle sprain in last night’s record-breaking Test win over Australia and is expected to be out of rugby for a minimum of three weeks. As a result, Canterbury lock Scott Barrett has been named as an injury replacement for him and will join the touring squad. Fellow lock Brodie Retallick also took a head knock in the game. Wellington lock Vaea Fifita has been named as an injury replacement and a decision on whether he joins the squad will be made this week when Retallick undergoes concussion protocols.
Several players weren’t considered for selection due to injury, including hookers Nathan Harris and James Parsons, midfielders Sonny Bill Williams and Charlie Ngatai and outside back Nehe Milner-Skudder.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “Firstly, the selectors would like to congratulate all players selected for this Vista 2016 All Blacks Northern Tour. It’s always particularly exciting being named in a touring All Blacks squad. We welcome in Rieko who has been picked for the first time. He has shown tremendous abilities and deserves his opportunity.
“We stated at the beginning of the season that this was a year of re-establishment. We are only three quarters of the way through the season, so one of our big goals for this Tour is to continue that re-establishment,” he added.
“The Tour gives our leaders and the team the opportunity to continue to grow, in what will be different environments and against opposition that will bring a different style of game and skillsets. This will ask questions of us and, in doing so, challenge us.
“Younger players will get more experience within the All Blacks environment, and it'll allow the selectors and coaching group to keep working on blending the mixture of young talent with the more experienced players in our group. This will allow our game to continue to improve and will help ensure the team is future-proofed.
“As always, coaches, players and management will also need to continue to grow their skillsets and challenge themselves to improve their core roles.”
Steve Hansen said Northern Hemisphere tours were always enjoyable experiences for the All Blacks.
“We’re looking forward to returning to Chicago, which is a fantastic city. The two Tests against Ireland will bring a unique ‘mini-series’ element to the tour, while Italy and France are always great places to tour and will throw up their own challenges.
“It’ll be our first time back in Europe since the Rugby World Cup, so we look forward to reconnecting with people up there; and it’s also the first All Blacks tour there for a number of players, so it’s going to be a great experience on a number of levels.”
The All Blacks selectors have also announced that they are revisiting the “apprentice” scheme, which they used to great effect with Ardie Savea in 2013, with 19-year-old Jordie Barrett, the younger brother of Beauden, to tour with the All Blacks.
“We think it has huge benefits for a young player. Jordie will get all the experiences of touring and being part of the All Blacks group without the pressures of having to perform on the park. He is an outstanding prospect and has a big future in the game,” Hansen said.
The makeup of the squad, which will again be captained by number eight Kieran Read, sees 20 forwards selected (three hookers, five props, four locks and eight loose forwards) and 16 backs (three halfbacks, three first five–eighths, four midfielders and six outside backs) and has a total of 1,157 Test caps experience and an average of 32 Test caps per player.
As the Mitre 10 Cup reaches its conclusion, 11 of the provinces are represented in the All Blacks touring squad, with eight Auckland and eight Canterbury players, four from Wellington, three from Waikato, two each from Southland, Otago, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki; and one player each from Bay of Plenty and Ta$man.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Rugby has announced a naming rights sponsorship deal for the All Blacks tour, with leading American private equity firm Vista Equity Partners coming on board for what will be known as the Vista 2016 All Blacks Northern Tour.
Vista, which has offices in Austin, Chicago and San Francisco, and over $26 billion in cumulative capital commitments, currently invests in software, data and technology-based organisations led by world-class management teams with long-term perspective.
“We are delighted to partner with Vista on the All Blacks' end of year tour,” said New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew. “Vista is a successful and innovative company that prides itself on investing in winning teams and fostering a culture of excellence. Vista and the All Blacks both have a legacy of sustained success, and we look forward to working with them on the upcoming tour.”
“Vista is excited to partner with an organisation that shares in its commitment to excellence,” said Brian Sheth, Vista's President and Co-Founder. “Working with the All Blacks is a natural partnership for Vista, and we look forward to supporting the team on their Northern Tour.”
Mini biography – Rieko Ioane
19-year-old Rieko Ioane’s outstanding pace and strength have been on full display in his 2016 breakout season. Most recently seen in a black jersey during the Rio Olympics, Auckland-born Ioane has played for New Zealand Under 20, Auckland, the Maori All Blacks and the Blues. He starred for Auckland in this year’s Mitre 10 Cup and topped the regular season records for try-scoring (10), clean breaks, defenders beaten and metres run.
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@Nepia said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Who makes way for the other two Barretts? Hmm, it's all getting a bit Whitelocky.
Scott Barrett as lock cover really surprises me. Presumably they weren't that thrilled with Franklin when they had him in camp earlier this year - otherwise seems a bit odd to promote SB based on NPC form. If I was picking a lock from Mitre10 Cup it would probably have been Bird. Still, they probably know what they're doing.
I suppose if they are taking an apprentice it was pretty likely it would be Jordie. Not sure I'm completely sold on the apprentice scheme - anointing people as future All Blacks - somehow it doesn't sit quite right. And even if you take one away every year, you're probably always going to have at least 25 ABs in your squad who've never been apprentices.
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@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@Nepia said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Who makes way for the other two Barretts? Hmm, it's all getting a bit Whitelocky.
Scott Barrett as lock cover really surprises me. Presumably they weren't that thrilled with Franklin when they had him in camp earlier this year - otherwise seems a bit odd to promote SB based on NPC form. If I was picking a lock from Mitre10 Cup it would probably have been Bird. Still, they probably know what they're doing.
I suppose if they are taking an apprentice it was pretty likely it would be Jordie. Not sure I'm completely sold on the apprentice scheme - anointing people as future All Blacks - somehow it doesn't sit quite right. And even if you take one away every year, you're probably always going to have at least 25 ABs in your squad who've never been apprentices.
They can get a family concession on airfares by adding an extra Barrett...
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@pakman said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Seems unlikely any new back other than Reiko. Excellent point that Maori your allows back up front row. Would suggest Hames goes with Maori. Probably a couple of other names which will fit same bill.
Todd has earned spot. Dixon hasn't set world on fire, but it would seem harsh to cut.
Loosie/lock cover, something Kaino/Read have covered would make sense. In which case Luatua would be obvious choice. He seems to have matured this year and made no. 8 his against some fair competition at Blues.
We'll know in five hours...
Rieko, goddamit.
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@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@Nepia said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Who makes way for the other two Barretts? Hmm, it's all getting a bit Whitelocky.
Scott Barrett as lock cover really surprises me. Presumably they weren't that thrilled with Franklin when they had him in camp earlier this year - otherwise seems a bit odd to promote SB based on NPC form. If I was picking a lock from Mitre10 Cup it would probably have been Bird. Still, they probably know what they're doing.
I suppose if they are taking an apprentice it was pretty likely it would be Jordie. Not sure I'm completely sold on the apprentice scheme - anointing people as future All Blacks - somehow it doesn't sit quite right. And even if you take one away every year, you're probably always going to have at least 25 ABs in your squad who've never been apprentices.
I don't mind the apprentice scheme because it's basically a by product of modern professionalism and the need to keep the young standout talents interested before million dollar offers start coming from OS.
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I know many having calling for his recall, but I will be genuinely intrigued as to what they see Luatua's role is. 8 loosies is quite a lot. Has he made the full squad because if the overall doubt of Whitelock playing at all and we don't really have the like for like replacement in the squad for him?
Romano and PT basically play the same role as starters and that's why they won't start together unless against a lowly ranked side.
We need that rangey type lock. Retallick is versatile enough and can fill in but I think they are looking for a more similar type - Barrett, Fifita, Luatua - and not another type. That's why Bird is not in the frame.
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I think Reggie Goodes is unlucky. Hard to see Bird staying in NZ long term. Happy for Luatua - has fought his way back. Could be last AB selection for Fekitoa if he's not careful.
Don't really like Wynne Gray but his suggestion about trying Tuipolotou at 6 is worth consideration IMO.
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@ACT-Crusader said in AB squad for the EOYT:
I don't mind the apprentice scheme because it's basically a by product of modern professionalism and the need to keep the young standout talents interested before million dollar offers start coming from OS.
On the other hand, for every Jordie who gets taken, there's 10 "Jack Goodhues" being told, "you're not as high up the totem pole as Jordie". And it's now much more crucial that Jack be retained!
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@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@Nepia said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Who makes way for the other two Barretts? Hmm, it's all getting a bit Whitelocky.
Scott Barrett as lock cover really surprises me. Presumably they weren't that thrilled with Franklin when they had him in camp earlier this year - otherwise seems a bit odd to promote SB based on NPC form. If I was picking a lock from Mitre10 Cup it would probably have been Bird. Still, they probably know what they're doing.
I suppose if they are taking an apprentice it was pretty likely it would be Jordie. Not sure I'm completely sold on the apprentice scheme - anointing people as future All Blacks - somehow it doesn't sit quite right. And even if you take one away every year, you're probably always going to have at least 25 ABs in your squad who've never been apprentices.
Barrett's form during Super rugby was pretty good I reckon. His combo with Romano was surprisingly pretty effective. What was noticeable with him (and other younger players) was that towards the back end of the season it looked as if he was feeling the pinch and didn't have the motor. I think he's got all the tools of a class lock, just needs to build that stamina that the AB selectors seem to demand these days.
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@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@ACT-Crusader said in AB squad for the EOYT:
I don't mind the apprentice scheme because it's basically a by product of modern professionalism and the need to keep the young standout talents interested before million dollar offers start coming from OS.
On the other hand, for every Jordie who gets taken, there's 10 "Jack Goodhues" being told, "you're not as high up the totem pole as Jordie". And it's now much more crucial that Jack be retained!
I agree. We need these players for NPC and Super rugby. But the reality is Jack Goodhue is not going to have his door knocked on every week with massive offers. Jordie's exploits were on show at the International level through the age grades and now he has continued to develop in the NPC.
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While I 'm stoked for a recall for Luatua, and the likes of DMac, PT, Rieko, Fifita - I also think Reggie Goodes / Kane Hames (I know Hames is in the Maori squad) were unlucky to miss the cut. Do they really want to unleash Tu'ungafasi on an unsuspecting NH? Unless the thought was to try him out and give him a rude awakening against NH scrums, can't see why he would be picked over either Hames/Goodes.
Whilst I think Jordie Barrett is ok, what about Richie Mo'unga? I've been impressed with him in SR, he has grown and matured and his option-taking and cool head under pressure was invaluable for the Saders.
So Coltman gets his chance, well with Ntahan Harris unavailable, I guess it's good to have another back-up option. I have no problem with his general play, just hope his throwing improves. -
