All Blacks Squad for France

[Bovidae]

@chris-b said in All Blacks Squad for France:

I've been wondering what they're going to do about guys on the long term injured list - especially Squire and Laulala. Hasn't been much news about when they're likely to emerge, but you'd think they'd have to be able to get at least one game under their belts to be picked for the French series.

So JTA in for Nepo wouldn't surprise me.

Laulala could be back as early as next round vs NSW according to Ngatai (in his Stormers post-match comments). Of course, let's wait to see. The same for Squire.

[Nepia]

Frizzell over Akira or Luke of the Whitelock would be nuts. I've watched ever Highlanders match this year and I still had to stop and think about who he's playing for.

[broughie]

@mn5 Nadolo did that to a lot of players but I think we agree. How is the big man doing? He was a talent.

[pakman]

DMac covers both 10 and 15, which would allow four at back and Goodhue to be fitted in.

All for talent getting a shot but Frizzell in instead of Ioane AND Whitelock seems unwise.

[Machpants]

Crotty concussed, again, so probably another midfield slot open

[Wurzel]

Crockett's the bolter

[Bovidae]

@wurzel said in All Blacks Squad for France:

Crockett's the bolter

Good that they pick a young up-and-coming player.

Rather him than Perry though (I hope).

[nzzp]

@bovidae said in All Blacks Squad for France:

Good that they pick a young up-and-coming player.

I'm not sure 'up and coming' fits with a quick series against the Froggies. Whoever plays is unlikely to feature at the RWC next year - I guess they figure they'd grab Crockett again if needed ... o rjust abandon ship if it gets that bad again.

I guess I"m happy with that

[Machpants]

Any live stream anywhere? FFS it's 2018!

[Bovidae]

Live on Sky Ch54 I've just noticed.

[Machpants]

Thanks wasn't showing on the online Sky Guide

[nzzp]

Well, Bidwell gets it

Frizzell in
Akira out

JTA and Perry in

[nzzp]

and a new cap for Taufua

[nzzp]

Full squad

Ben Smith, Liam Squire, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Toomaga-Allen, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock (captain), Sonny Bill Williams.

[nzzp]

@nzzp said in All Blacks Squad for France:

Full squad

Ben Smith, Liam Squire, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Toomaga-Allen, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock (captain), Sonny Bill Williams.

Tim Perry, Brodie Retallick, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith
Rieko Ioane, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Joe Moody, Richie Mo'unga, Waisake Naholo, TJ Perenara
Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane (vice captain), Ryan Crotty, Fifita, Owen Franks, Shannon Frizell, Jack Goodhue, Nathan Harris.,

[Machpants]

Who were the two as standbys, Akira and ???

[African Monkey]

@machpants Coltman

[Machpants]

cheers

[Stargazer]

Hookers:
Codie Taylor and Nathan Harris; Liam Coltman also training with squad

Props:
Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Jeff To'ogama-Allan

Locks:
Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock (c)

Loosies:
Sam Cane (vc), Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell (new), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Jordan Taufua (new), Luke Whitelock
Akira Ioane also training with squad

Halfbacks:
TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (new)

First-fives:
Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga

Midfielders:
Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams

Outside backs:
Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith (vc), Nehe Milner-Skudder

Not picked: Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Julian Savea

[Bovidae]

Harris' partner is expecting so Coltman is his replacement if he isn't available.

What I find interesting is that a player like Frizzell won't even be in the Highlanders starting XV when Squire is back.