New Zealand Rugby and Jamie Joseph have announced the All Blacks XV side that will go on the Grand Slam tour to play a couple of games in the Northern Hemisphere in the coming weeks. With the squad now released, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to get inside the coaching staff’s mind and come up with a 23-man squad that could run out for their first game of the year.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s crack on and see what that side could look like.
Loose Head: Xavier Numia
Numia has been one of the form props throughout the NPC and, once again, should be the starting front-rower for Joseph. Already capped for the side, he should also bring some much-needed experience during the fiery games.
Hooker: Brodie McAlister
He had a couple of good performances for the senior side, but when given a big opportunity against the Springboks, he wavered. However, since he was seemingly one of the names in contention for the All Blacks, he will likely be the starter here.
Tight Head: George Dyer
Dyer has been a solid contributor to the New Zealand rugby scene and will likely take one of the starting No. 3 jersey, being the most established among the names in the squad.
Lock: Naitoa Ah Kuoi
I’ve been in the camp that has questioned Barrett as captain, mainly because he isn’t the clear-cut best player in his position, with Fabian Holland breathing down his neck. But for this weekend, I know the All Blacks will lean on leadership, and since he is seen as that figure, he’ll get the start even if “changes” were to happen.
Lock: Josh Beehre
Isaiah Walker-Leawere is a well-known player in New Zealand rugby circles, but I think it’s crucial to continue building depth through young locks in the country. That’s why I would go with the young Auckland lock as a starter for this tour.
Blindside Flanker: Devan Flanders
Flanders has been sensational at Super Rugby level and one of the best players in this year’s NPC. He’s a dynamic athlete who can play either No. 8 or on the blindside, and I’d love to see him get an opportunity to shine for Jamie Joseph’s side.
Openside Flanker: Dalton Papali’i
I was underwhelmed with the openside options, because I think players like Veveni Lasaqa and Lucas Casey, based on NPC form, could have got a look-in as developmental players. However, with the selections made, I think it’s pretty clear Papali’i will be on one of the flanks in this team.
Number Eight: Christian Lio-Willie
A no-brainer here, as he started the season at the base of the scrum for the All Blacks and has since dominated the NPC season for Otago in what was a spectacular campaign. To me, looking at the squad selected, he’s the clear-cut option to run out in the starting jersey.
Halfback: Kyle Preston
Disappointed not to see Dylan Pledger, but I also understand he hasn’t played Super Rugby. However, for this team, I think based on the pecking order laid out by the All Blacks, Kyle Preston should be starting, and he deserves that role based on his last 12 months of work.
First Five: Josh Jacomb
Huge opportunity here, and I’d be stunned if it isn’t Josh Jacomb given the keys to the All Blacks XV team. He’s been the best player in the NPC and, alongside Ruben Love, looks to be the highest-upside first five in the country. He should be given the opportunity to flourish.
Left Wing: Caleb Tangitau
Tangitau will be an All Black one day, based on his game-breaking speed and relentless power that makes him tailor-made for the All Blacks’ left wing. For now, he’ll need to earn his stripes with this XV team, and I think he should be given the opportunity to do so.
Second Five: David Havili
I was disappointed with the midfield selections, because I’ve always thought this team should be building younger depth for the All Blacks. Some of the names included, such as David Havili, have likely done their dash in the black jersey, and this opportunity could have gone to a younger prospect. However, I understand the respect he’s earned in New Zealand rugby circles, and he’ll likely start at second five and also be a leader within the group.
Centre: Daniel Rona
Likewise, with the centre options, I wasn’t super stoked with the names on the list. However, I think if anyone has a chance to break into the next level its Daniel Rona, hence I would expect him to start for the side.
Right Wing: Chay Fihaki
Fihaki is a mercurial talent who no doubt deserves the recognition he’s been getting on the national stage. He has the athleticism and frame of a winger, combined with the skillset of a fullback, which makes him super exciting. I think he should be a shoe-in to be one of the starters along the back three, and I’d find him a home on the right wing.
Fullback: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
I thought Zarn Sullivan was unfortunate to miss out based on the season he’s had, but I understand why Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens has been selected, as he brings a game-breaking skillset. He is a maverick at fullback who can leave opposing defences devastated and has seemingly not lost any athleticism after the long injury he recently endured.
The Bench
16: Bradley Slater
17: Josh Fusitua
18: Siale Lauaki
19: Isaia Walker-Leawere
20: Kaylum Boshier
21: Folau Fakatava
22: Rivez Reihana
23: Etene Nanai-Seturo