The first All Blacks side of the Dave Rennie era has been announced, as 34 players heard their names called for the game’s highest honours, headlined by a new captain and four debutants in the squad.
As we finally have our hands on the squad, with just under two weeks until kick-off against France in the Nations Championship, we are going to have a crack at predicting who could suit up in the season opener.
No. 1 | Ethan de Groot
The incumbent keeps his spot here after once again being one of the only shining lights for the Highlanders this season and certainly growing as a leader. De Groot is set to face some fierce competition from the dynamic debutant Xavier Numia, who will certainly make his mark felt on this side, and I would expect him to find himself in the bench role early this season.
No. 2 | Samisoni Taukei’aho
The hooker debate is an interesting one, because if you just watched the Super Rugby final, Asafo Aumua looked like the best hooker in the world. However, for the All Blacks, they have tended to rely on Codie Taylor and Samisoni Taukei’aho in recent memory, and I would assume they get the first look at playing time this season. However, with Taukei’aho being my starter for now, the fact Taylor was not named captain will leave the door ajar early for Aumua to break through.
No. 3 | Pasilio Tosi
The tighthead prop discussion is interesting because Fletcher Newell, being the incumbent, hasn’t done a whole lot to lose his starting job, but for the high-powered Hurricanes, Pasilio Tosi has laid an outstanding foundation all season long for his backline with consistent repeat performances. Throw in the fact that there is no doubt in my mind he has the highest ceiling, and I would be inclined to see Tosi get the starting role.
Photo credit: Enzo Santos / Photosport
L-R: Tamaiti Williams of New Zealand, Pasilio Tosi of New Zealand and Simon Parker of New Zealand.
No. 4 | Patrick Tuipulotu
With Vaa’i potentially out, Tuipulotu, if ready to go, is the no-brainer decision to slot in as the starting partner with Josh Lord. He is as experienced as it gets, and in the All Blacks jersey I could certainly argue he was playing some of the best footy of his career.
No. 5 | Josh Lord
If this is how the cookie crumbles with injury, it should be a massive opportunity for Josh Lord, who, after a stunning display this year in Super Rugby, will be in line for some massive opportunities in the black jersey. Like his partner in this team, Lord has been playing some of the best football of his career in the past 12 months and is seemingly only getting better, which is why I would like to see him given the keys to be a long-term answer in the locking department.
No. 6 | Wallace Sititi
It’s still a little bit up in the air if Sititi is going to be fit after that head knock he sustained in the semi-final against the Crusaders, but if fit, I think he deserves the shot to have the first bite at the blindside flanker apple this season. He will certainly face some stiff competition, but if the All Blacks are to play a brand of rugby similar to what the Hurricanes put on display, having your best athletes on the park is crucial, and Sititi certainly lives upto that billing.
No. 7 | Ardie Savea (c)
There were rumours flying around that Codie Taylor might be the All Blacks captain under Dave Rennie, however giving Savea the job felt like something that was well overdue and deserved. Even if he has spent another season abroad in Japan, Savea seemed like the obvious choice as the kind of person who not only is an undisputed starter in the side but also carries the title with such class, while not letting it swallow him up like some captains we have seen in the past.
No. 8 | Peter Lakai
It’s great to see that people are now understanding just how much of a transcendent talent New Zealand have in the eight jersey with Peter Lakai. He has been a machine all season for the Hurricanes and, with the country all watching on Saturday evening, showed just how dynamic a player he can be, while still answering the bell when it comes to dirty work. In my mind, that historic jersey should be all his for now and the future.
No. 9 | Cam Roigard
I have been a firm believer for a long time that Ardie Savea is the best player in the country, but the way Cam Roigard affects the game from halfback is truly unique. When you add in his ability to nail all the basic skills of a halfback at the same time, it makes me think that torch may have been passed.
Of course, he is the unquestioned starter, but the big worry for me in the nine jersey is who sits behind him. Let’s just hope Roigard is able to play plenty of minutes this season.
No. 10 | Ruben Love
It was a coin flip in many people’s minds as to who the All Blacks should hand the 10 jersey to this season, but for about a year now I have been clamouring for Ruben Love just to get a chance. After Saturday’s 25-point performance, I truly think he’s in line to get the first crack against France in the pivot role, and based on the faith I have in him, I don’t see anyone getting it back anytime soon.
© Mandatory credit: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
No. 11 | Caleb Clarke
I have also been on record saying Caleb Clarke is the best winger in New Zealand, and while a couple of names have begun seriously rivaling him for that title, the fact he always gets better on the international stage is the reason why I think he slots onto the left wing from the jump!
No. 12 | Jordie Barrett
Jordie Barrett was my man of the match in the Super Rugby final, as I saw him play maybe the best 80 minutes of his career on Saturday, where he was utterly dominant and ran the show for the Canes. Many during the season have talked about Tupaea staying in his natural 12 position, but Jordie is the guy for that role.
No. 13 | Quinn Tupaea
Again, if Tupaea was going to miss out at 12, there is an argument we need to play a natural 13 at Test level, and with the way Billy Proctor has been playing, he certainly is a name that needs to be considered a starter. However, I am not sure you can leave the Super Rugby Player of the Year out, which is why he fits in at centre.
No. 14 | Fehi Fineanganofo
Rumours galore are flying around Fehi Fineanganofo’s contract situation, but he is the form winger in the country after breaking the Super Rugby single-season try record, which is why he feels like the obvious option on the right. Beyond the record, Fineanganofo has offered so much more this season, with an elite work rate around the park while also being one of the most dangerous ball carriers in the country.
No. 15 | Josh Moorby
Now, a huge disclaimer with this one is that this would certainly be Will Jordan if he was fit. However, with an injury cloud hanging over him, I have taken a massive swing for the fences by moving Moorby to fullback. The other holder of the Super Rugby try record is just as much a fullback as he is a winger, and the coaching staff have discussed being courageous with the ball, which Moorby would bring. Rather than having a double pivot back there, why not throw in Moorby, who is going to run the ball back with confidence and constantly take on the line?
