OPINION: Unless you could read Razor’s mind or predict the future, it’s unlikely you could’ve picked the correct All Blacks 23 that dropped for their first game of the series against France in Dunedin.
(Believe me, we had an office competition going for it.)
Despite injuries to key players Tyrel Lomax and Tamaiti Williams, the forward pack is looking stacked.
Ethan de Groot runs out on his home turf wearing the No.1 jersey, with Grand Final try-scorer Codie Taylor at hooker and Fletcher Newell rounding out a solid front row.
With all players signing on until 2027, I reckon this could be our front row in the next World Cup
The locks give the perfect combination of experience and youth, with Scott Barrett as the expected starter as captain, but history is set to be made with New Zealand’s first-ever Dutch All Black: Highlander Fabian Holland.
Holland moved to New Zealand at 16 to chase his dream of becoming an All Black. After just three seasons of Super Rugby with the Highlanders, he’ll run out in Dunedin as the starting lock.
Standing at 6”5, with dominant lineout form during the Super Rugby season, he’s a well-needed addition to the lineup and the future of this team.
Another curveball (one I, and many others, did NOT see coming) is the selection of experienced lock Tupou Vaa’i at blindside flanker.
While some fans are scratching their heads over the position change, one even commented, “the heck is going on in the loosies?’” - I can see similarities to Jerome Kain in his physicality and work rate.
And with loose forwards struck down by injuries, this could be a trial run that adds depth to the squad for years to come.
Ardie Savea slots into his now-familiar No.7 jersey, where he dominated for Moana Pasifika this year.
Super Rugby champion Christian Lio-Willie - originally in the squad as injury cover - has earned his debut after a standout season for the Crusaders.
No surprises at halfback, with Cam Roigard in the No.9 jersey, partnering Beauden Barrett, who edges out Damian McKenzie for the #10 spot.
Some will argue McKenzie deserved first crack after his Super Rugby form, but Barrett’s experience gets the nod - for now.
The midfield features the Hurricanes pairing of Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor. Proctor has been knocking on the door for a while, and fans (myself included) are glad to see he’s finally been handed the keys. “Proctor finally gets the go we’ve ALL WANTED,” one fan said.
There’s also plenty of hype around Rieko Ioane’s return to the wing for the first time since 2021.
“How good! Rieko is back on the wing. Lesssgooo!” one fan commented on Facebook.
Another added: “Rieko, where he should’ve stayed. Hope he goes well.”
With plenty of depth in the midfield, shifting Rieko to the wing gives us exactly what we need - that extra power and speed he brings to the game.
The bench has already been dubbed a “bomb squad” by fans.
Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho is joined by Ollie Norris who is potentially the third debutant of the night and forwards Palisio Taosi and Samipeni Finau, who arguably could’ve started at 6.
Also named for a potential debut on the bench is Hurricanes co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi, who has been one of the best at the breakdown over the Super Rugby season.
Super Rugby finalists Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, and Damian McKenzie will also feature on the bench.
“Those three Chiefs boys will hopefully bring the same energy and chemistry they’ve shown all season,” one fan said.
Meanwhile, having no Timoci (Jim) Tavatavanawai is a shame, considering it's his home turf.
Though his time will come, and it will be worth the wait.
