Our predictions on Robertson's men
Scott Robertson will name his All Blacks squad of 35 on Monday as he prepares for his second season as coach. Who makes the cut? Hayden Meikle puts on his guessing hat and runs through the positions. HOOKERS
It feels like this should be a reasonably simple selection depending on the injury situation.
The ageless Codie Taylor is likely to be Robertson's preferred No2, and needs just four more appearances to earn a 100th cap.
Samisoni Taukei'aho has not played a test since the 2023 World Cup final due to injury but is back on deck for the Chiefs, while Asafo Aumua was looking sharp for the Hurricanes before he was laid low with concussion then a hamstring injury.
Youngster George Bell is the other major contender, while a third Crusader, Ioane Moanunu, is on the bolter list. PROPS
Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax are the first two names written down, closely followed by Fletcher Newell and Ethan de Groot.
Experienced bookend Ofa Tu'ungafasi is sidelined after neck surgery.
That likely leaves four big boppers — George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Fusitu'a and Xavier Numia — contesting two positions.
The All Blacks invested too much in the gigantic Tosi last year to discard him now, and while Blues rising star Fusitu'a impressed everyone, Bower is obviously someone the selectors trust as cover for the top men. LOCKS
The fact the All Blacks are being announced at Taranaki's Coastal club, home of the Barrett brothers, indicates what Robertson will be doing with the captaincy.
Scott Barrett will remain the leader and be joined in the second row by Tupou Vaa'i and Patrick Tuipolotu.
Sam Darry is injured, and while two Joshes — Lord and Beehre — have positive attributes, the time has come for one of the great stories of New Zealand rugby.
Fabian Holland, raised in the Netherlands but made as a rugby player in Dunedin, is ready. LOOSE FORWARDS
If we assume a split of 20 forwards and 15 backs, there are likely to be seven loose forwards in the mix.
There are loads of options but only two real certainties in the peerless Ardie Savea and the wondrous Wallace Sititi.
Ethan Blackadder and Luke Jacobson are Robertson-type players, and Hurricanes tyro Peter Lakai is way too exciting to leave out.
That leaves two.
Dalton Papali'i is a steady hand, Samipeni Finau remains an intriguing project, and Du'Plessis Kirifi could hardly have done any more.
That still leaves Hoskins Sotutu, Simon Parker, Cullen Grace, Christian Lio-Willie, Sean Withy... the list goes on. HALFBACKS
Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham.
Those three, surely.
Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava and Kyle Preston will wait for opportunities. FIRST FIVES
Damian McKenzie started Robertson's first season as the man for the No 10 jersey, and Beauden Barrett finished it as the preferred starter.
Hard to see anything other than those two sharing the role again.
Stephen Perofeta is around as a utility, and Josh Jacomb is the best of the rest. MIDFIELDERS
Usual suspects Jordie Barrett, back from a dominant season with Leinster, and Rieko Ioane are assured of selection.
Anton Lienert-Brown is out for the early stages of the international season with a collarbone injury.
Billy Proctor needs to get more opportunities in the black jersey — he is, bluntly, a better pure centre than Ioane — and while David Havili is steady and will be seen as a Robertson man, Quinn Tupaea offers a little more.
Highlanders fans would dearly love to see their co-captain, Timoci Tavatavanawai, get a crack.
He was magnificent this season, can cover both midfield and wing, and offers something completely different from the rest. OUTSIDE BACKS
Will Jordan then fill in the gaps.
Sevu Reece is a trusted soldier, and while Caleb Clarke was allergic to the try-line for the Blues this season, it would be a shock if he was disregarded.
Emoni Narawa has been flying again for the Chiefs and there is a fair bit of buzz around his inclusion, while Ruben Love offers spark and versatility.
Is there anything to the word on the street that Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens could be a wildcard?
Mark Tele'a has chosen to cash in rather than pursue further All Blacks caps — but remember both Sam Cane and TJ Perenara played last year after announcing they were leaving New Zealand — and Highlanders dazzler Caleb Tangitau is both injured and raw.
Chay Fihaki and Leroy Carter are interesting prospects.
hayden.meikle@odt.co.nz
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