Current all black squad9/11/2023 ![]() On form, Sotutu would miss outright now, but that would leave just one No. 6, and it could put pressure on Frizell and Ioane to both be selected. The trio of Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu will fight off for two remaining selections, but if locks Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa'i are picked, that can cover No. Sam Cane and Dalton Papali'i are definite selections as the two opensides, while Ardie Savea is a lock at No. In 2019, there were five loose forwards selected, and this will likely stay the same. The former Blues captain, when in top form, would be a valuable asset for the All Blacks, but the question remains whether the selectors want cover at blindside and lock, in which case Tupou Vaa'i could slot in over him as the fourth lock picked. The man at risk of missing out is Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who took a stint in Japan during 2022. Three of the four locks are set in stone at this stage, with Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick and Scott Barrett certainties to be picked. 16 jersey, Coles will be up against it to make the World Cup at 36 years old, months shy of 37, even as the third hooker.Īsafo Aumua, who fell out of favor in 2022, is the wildcard who can bring another powerful ball-carrying option behind Taukei'aho, should his Super Rugby form with the Hurricanes impress. The rise of Taukei'aho as the All Blacks starting hooker immediately puts one of the experienced pair of Codie Taylor and Dane Coles at risk of missing out.īased on Taylor getting the majority of bench selections in the No. His defensive effort was not up to scratch with an inability to set early and cover space well, which led to the line break to Marcus Smith that ended with Beauden Barrett getting a yellow card.Īn All Blacks debutant this year, Fletcher Newell showed he is capable of much more in the impact role coming off the bench, and the All Blacks coaches may have recognized the necessity for mobility and energy in the tight five. It was Laulala who looked a step behind at Twickenham coming off the bench, struggling to get around the park in the late game collapse. He fell well back in the pecking order after this year's Ireland series. ![]() ![]() On the other side of the scrum, Nepo Laulala has a lot to do to win back favor. With both De Groot and Crusaders teammate George Bower with far less tread of the tires established in the current squad, Moody will be up against it to beat out the younger bulls as one of the loosehead selections.Īidan Ross, who started both matches for the All Blacks XV side, could push for selection, as well, while Ofa Tu'ungafasi's versatility on both sides could see him ranked higher than Moody. He will turn 35 during the tournament and is in all likelihood at risk of missing out, despite his immense experience. Joe Moody is coming off an ACL injury at 34 years old. There were five props taken to the last World Cup, and with the expanded squad size available next year, there conceivably will be six taken in 2023, while it still is expected three hookers will be taken. The new trio of Ethan de Groot (24 years old), Samisoni Taukei'aho (25) and Tyrel Lomax (26) started most of the tests following the first loss to South Africa, and as such, are expected to remain the first choice front row heading into next year, barring a colossal form drop or injury. Once new forwards coach Jason Ryan arrived, he swiftly introduced new props and a new rake. The positional group that saw the most change in 2022 was the front row. Season numbers □ /Ai1gvW4PlT- All Blacks December 11, 2022įor the All Blacks, the backs for the World Cup squad are far more settled, with most of the positions already secured, while it is the forwards that offer the most uncertainty. With nine months to go until the start of the tournament, there likely will be one or two late bloomers bursting into contention, and injuries always will play a role in the final selections. The coaching shakeup that saw new assistants Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt join the All Blacks staff has altered the arc of a few playing careers, propelling some into the frame, while others have slipped in standing. The All Blacks made significant strides in 2022 toward finding the 33 players who will jump on a plane to France next year, with many experienced campaigners potentially on the outside looking in after the turbulent season.
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