2020 All Blacks Squad
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Combined wise heads of the Fern,
Thought I'd seek some guidance about who to look out for this coming Super Season, particularly those bubbling under and around the fringes, and the potential young stars on the way up.
I've started a list based on who has been there before (current or recent squad members), and then added guys for whom I've noticed some hype, or perhaps mention.
Appreciate your feedback as to whether they are real contenders, and who else may or should be added. Probably missed a few too.
? - indicates possible
'*' - indicates multiple positions (may not have got all of those)I also lumped all the loosies into one group, as I did the midfield, coz I got lazy.
Some feedback on the Saders would be good as I felt I've under represented them, but they look a real strong squad.
Thank You in anticipation.
Player list as follows (pretty sure you don't need numbers or position names
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Moody, Moli*, Ta'avao*, Tu'inukuafe, Lidenmuth?, Alaalatoa?,
Coles, Taylor, Coltman, Harris, Aumua, Taukei'aho?, Riccitelli?, Makalio?,
Laulala, Tu'ungafasi, Ta'avao*, Moli*, Fidow?,
Barrett, Tuipolotu, Parkinson, Walker-Leaware?,
McWhannel?, Romano?,Cane, Savea, Jacobsen, Frizell, Ioane, Papalii, Evans, Fifita, Robinson?, Kirifi?,
Smith, Perenara, Weber, Tahuriorangi, Drummond, Enari?, Hall?, Fakatava?,
Barrett, Mo'unga, Ioane, McKenzie*, Cruden?, Perofeta?, Falcon?, Plummer?, Cameron?,
Lienert-Brown, Goodhue, Laumape, Ennor, Tupaea?, Aso?, Procter?,
Bridge, Reece, Ioane, Jordan*, Alaimalo?, Clarke?,
Smith, Barrett, Mckenzie*, Jordan*,
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@booboo Alaalatoa is a tighthead , but no use watching him as he's capped for Samoa.
I think Romano is done at test level - Quinten Strange is one to keep a loose eye on - he's one who could be ready to step his performance up significantly.
Whetu Douglas at No. 8 probably the most likely Crusaders loose forward.
Alex Nankivell at the Chiefs at 2nd five. Vast improvement last year.
David Havili at fullback - but, any of the Crusaders outside backs - Manasa Mataele and Big Leicester could both potentially wreak havoc if they're given chances. Jona Nareki also one to watch for the future.
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Not sure about Douglas. I thought he looked a class below his All Black Crusader team mates last year. Good Super player, but a way to go.
Jordan is the biggie for me. Can't wait to see what he can do, injury permitting.
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@Crazy-Horse Watching how Will Jordan goes is what I'm most looking forward to in Super rugby.
Hope that both Razor and Foster find plenty for him to do.
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Update
Moody, Moli*, Ta'avao*, Tu'inukuafe, Lidenmuth?,
Alaalatoa?,Coles, Taylor, Coltman, Harris, Aumua, Taukei'aho?, Riccitelli?, Makalio?,
Laulala, Tu'ungafasi, Ta'avao*, Moli*, Fidow?,
Barrett, Tuipolotu, Parkinson, Walker-Leaware?,
McWhannel?,Romano?, Strange?Cane, Savea, Jacobsen, Frizell, Ioane, Papalii, Evans, Fifita, Robinson?, Kirifi?, Douglas??
Smith, Perenara, Weber, Tahuriorangi, Drummond, Enari?, Hall?, Fakatava?,
Barrett, Mo'unga, Ioane, McKenzie*, Cruden?, Perofeta?, Falcon?, Plummer?, Cameron?,
Lienert-Brown, Goodhue, Laumape, Ennor, Tupaea?, Aso?, Proctor?, Nankiville?
Bridge, Reece, Ioane, Jordan*, Alaimalo?, Clarke?, Nareki? Mataele?, Faingaanuku?
Smith, Barrett, Mckenzie*, Jordan*, Havili
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@booboo Yeah - I wouldn't put a lot of money on Whetu, but he's probably the best Crusaders loosie prospect - though Ethan Roots seems to have some wraps (or raps?) on him. I was very impressed with Sanders when I first saw him for the U20s (or NZ schools?), but injury has hampered him - and will hamper Blackadder this season.
I really hope Fozzie puts some thought into incorporating some size into his backline this year. Laumape will help with that, but people like Mataele and Faingaanuku (even though they're raw) could as well.
I think we missed having the power of people like Nonu and Big Jules in last year's team.
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@booboo Have you forgotten R Ioane among the midfielders, or was that intentional?
If you list McKenzie among the 10s and 15s, you should do the same with B Barrett IMO.
Pedant alert: initials help if there are multiple players with the same last name.
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@Stargazer said in 2020 All Blacks Squad:
The big unknowns at SR level, at the moment, are Flanders (6/8) and Toala (12/15), but they're certainly players to look out for.
Thanks Gazer.
Flanders was one that had previously occurred to me but forgot.
Know nothing about Toala. He in the Canes?
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@booboo said in 2020 All Blacks Squad:
@Stargazer said in 2020 All Blacks Squad:
The big unknowns at SR level, at the moment, are Flanders (6/8) and Toala (12/15), but they're certainly players to look out for.
Thanks Gazer.
Flanders was one that had previously occurred to me but forgot.
Know nothing about Toala. He in the Canes?
Yes, he debuted for them last year (IIRC Flanders hasn't yet).
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@Stargazer said in 2020 All Blacks Squad:
@booboo Have you forgotten R Ioane among the midfielders, or was that intentional?
Forgot, but really not one of my preferred options. But will add.
If you list McKenzie among the 10s and 15s, you should do the same with B Barrett IMO.
True.
Pedant alert: initials help if there are multiple players with the same last name.
Fair enough.
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@booboo said in 2020 All Blacks Squad:
@Chris-B should have had Havili given he's been there previously.
I also agree with @Crazy-Horse about Douglas. Am a fan, but think good Super player may be his ceiling.
Yeah, people forget that no team wanted him for Super rugby and he made the Crusaders initially due to injury. He also had a time share role with Taufua so it will be interesting to see how he goes for longer than 50-60 minutes regularly.
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@Stargazer said in 2020 All Blacks Squad:
@booboo Another one: Tyrel Lomax.
Good point. Missed him ...
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Update again
Moody, Moli*, Ta'avao*, Tu'inukuafe, Lidenmuth?,
Alaalatoa?,Coles, Taylor, Coltman, Harris, A Aumua, Taukei'aho?, Riccitelli?, Makalio?,
Laulala, Tu'ungafasi, Ta'avao*, Moli*, Lomax, Fidow?,
S Barrett, Tuipolotu, Parkinson, Walker-Leaware?, McWhannel?,
Romano?, Strange?Cane, A Savea, Jacobsen, Frizell, A Ioane, Papalii, Evans, Fifita, Robinson?, Flanders?, Kirifi?, Douglas?,
A Smith, Perenara, Weber, TT Tahuriorangi, Drummond, Enari?, Hall?, Fakatava?,
B Barrett*, Mo'unga, J Ioane, D McKenzie*, Cruden?, Perofeta?, Falcon?, Plummer?, Cameron?,
A Lienert-Brown, Goodhue, Laumape, Ennor, Tupaea?, Aso?, Proctor?, Nankiville?, R Ioane, Toala?,
Bridge, Reece, R Ioane, Jordan*, Alaimalo?, Clarke?, Nareki?, Mataele?, Faingaanuku?
B Smith, J Barrett, B Barrett*, Mckenzie*, Jordan*, Havili
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@Snowy I'm surprised to see his name there, too. I think his ABs days are up, regardless. Time for the next generation. Plenty of good wings/fullbacks.
I also don't think Cruden - although eligible - will play for the ABs again, unless both BB and RM are injured.
