All Blacks 2024
-
@Old-Samurai-Jack last two years he's been solid, just battled a few injuries which kept him from hitting his stride. He's now a vice captain at the Canes so hopefully that extra leadership responsibility takes his game to a new level.
-
@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
Aumua's form last year was pretty good, wasn't it?
Started out well after a big NPC 2022 but faded as the season went on.
Want to see Aumua step up in the big games later in the Super season.
-
@KiwiMurph 100% we've seen glimpses of him absolutely nailing people. Just need him to be more accurate and ruthless against better opposition. He's started well.
-
Looks like the AB halfbacks 1 and 2 may be a Hurricane this year.
Genuinely excited this year apart from giving Silverlake a look in. -
Quick reexamination of the 2022 AB XV squad. If we get these sorts of forwards selections in the ABs this year then we are in trouble. Hopefully Jason Ryan won't opt for as many comedy options this time.
Forwards:
Props
Finlay Brewis (22, Crusaders / Canterbury)
Oli Jager (27, Crusaders / Canterbury)
Aidan Ross (26, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty)
Angus Ta’avao (32, Chiefs / Auckland)
Tamaiti Williams (22, Crusaders / Canterbury)
Hookers
Asafo Aumua (25, Hurricanes / Wellington)
George Bell (20, Crusaders / Canterbury)
Brodie McAlister (25, Crusaders / Canterbury)
Locks
Josh Dickson (27, Highlanders / Otago)
Zach Gallagher (21, Crusaders / Canterbury)
Patrick Tuipulotu - Captain (29, Blues / Auckland)
Loose Forwards
Dominic Gardiner (21, Crusaders / Canterbury)
Billy Harmon (27, Highlanders / Canterbury)
Luke Jacobson (25, Chiefs / Waikato)
Christian Lio-Willie (24, Crusaders / Otago)
Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (24, Highlanders, Hawkes Bay)
-
-
Miles to early to be selecting ABs I know, but at this early stage both Jacobson and Sotutu are throwing hands in air for 8. I thought Jacobson was absolutely huge against Brumbies yesterady, looked like he was on search and destroy mission for anyone in Brumbies jersey. Sotutu was certainly letting everyone know he was there on Friday night with ball in hand.
-
-
Sullivan has the highest ceiling IMO. Love and Stephenson seem lost at times, especially in defence. Sullivan's huge left boot is a weapon. That would allow us to get rid of Jordie Barrett's banana kicks to find touch after penalties on the right side of the pitch.
-
@Windows97 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
What on earth has Sotutu been eating during the off season as he's been playing like an absolute beast this year. Admittedly early doors but gracious, he really seems to have bulked up and added a lot of power to his game.
Funny you say that because watching him live on the weekend he actually looked leaner/smaller than when I last saw him live
-
@Windows97 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
What on earth has Sotutu been eating during the off season as he's been playing like an absolute beast this year. Admittedly early doors but gracious, he really seems to have bulked up and added a lot of power to his game.
As you say it early doors as yet, but it's good seeing who strats season hot. Sotutu is playing the beast as is bloody Luke Jacobson, who was absolutely burying Brumbies on Sunday. Just quietly so is Tupou Vai.
-
-
@sparky the way Fakatava is playing I wouldn't mind Roigard starting with Fakatava's razzle off the bench.
-
Roigard showed serious pace chasing Telea in the intercept try.
