All Blacks 2024

[Frank]

@SammyC said in All Blacks 2024:

Long time listener, first time caller 😊

This season hasn’t surprised me at all, I’ve been a part of the local rugby scene in Chch for a number of years….. and have had a few dealings with both Razor and Jase Ryan.

Razor has no interest in building depth past the next world cup, he’s all about his own legacy and wants to win the world cup with NZ and then go and win it with England or someone else. Becoming the first coach to win it with 2 different countries.

Rightly or wrongly, he thinks picking all the old blokes is the way to do it.

Jason Ryan is a bit of a prick and hates Hoskins Sotutu.
Jason is very good at holding grudges. There’s a number of people around the traps down here that have been cut off by for disagreeing with him (or just not giving him the accolades he thinks he deserves).

Despite the above, I am still glad we have these guys and not Foster.

Really intereesting scuttlebutt Sammy.

On Jason Ryan, well, the forward pack is VASTLY improved under him.
Perhaps you have to be a bit of a prick to drive that improvement.

The average age of our players is significantly less than the Boks.

Rassie is attempting to build depth, but just how many of those coming through will be top level test players is hard to gauge. Especially when the more experienced heads depart.

(Bongi 34, Steph De Toit 32, Kwagga Smith 31, Etzebeth 33, Kolisi 33, Mostert 34, De Allende 33, Kolbe 31, Le Roux 35, Kriel 30, Am 31, Mapimpi 34)

South Africa squad for season 2024/2025

South Africa2024/2025 squad : heights, weights, ages, birthdates...

In fact , if you look at the squad, there are very few young ones in there at all.

[Bones]

@Frank didn't he use more players though? Which could imply it's experience at the next level down that counts...

[Frank]

@Bones said in All Blacks 2024:

@Frank didn't he use more players though? Which could imply it's experience at the next level down that counts...

Which of the new players he has introduced are going to be at the same level as the more experienced heads in front of them?

I really don't know enough about their team to say.

Their 10 is certainly an upgrade.

Has he found another lock anywhere near as good as Etzebeth - no
Flankers as good as Steph De Toit, Kwagga Smith of Kolisi - no

Other positions I am not sure.

What it looks to me is that while he has introduced players, the key point of whether they be as good as the predecessors is largely unknown. (and could be unlikely)

I think there may be significant step downs coming (hoping - haha)

[Bones]

@Frank wouldn't that then fly in the face of what Razor is trying to say?