Meet the four new All Blacks; NZ Herald

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named four new players in his 37-man squad for the end-of-year tour. Here's all you need to know about the fresh faces in the All Blacks.

 

Asafo Aumua

A superstar in the making - as simple as that. He is being fast tracked because he is so dynamic, and there are a lot of doubts over the other hookers. The once-exceptional Dane Coles is struggling since a head knock, Codie Taylor is standard issue by the highest test standards while Nathan Harris is a mystery man who has held his place by default. Aumua's strength is x-factor plays, which is what the position demands. The 20-year-old's forte is brilliant ball running and try scoring.

 

The 108kg flying barrel who was born in Lower Hutt was part of the World Cup winning under-20 side this year, scoring a hat trick in the final against England. He shoved off half a dozen defenders for one of those. He has been a national championship sensation, although he is yet to play at Super Rugby level. The fact that Aumua was not listed as an apprentice suggests he is well in the frame to be groomed into the World Cup side for 2019.

 

Jack Goodhue

The Whangarei-born midfield back has been part of the Crusaders set up for two seasons. He was schooled at Mt Albert Grammar where he was head boy. (His twin brother Josh who plays lock for Northland and the Blues was the first XV captain).

 

The 100kg back made his Super rugby debut this season, and was one of the Crusaders to stand out in the loss to the British and Irish Lions with some second half breaks. The 22-year-old was among five back-up players for the 33-man All Black squad named for the Lions series.

 

There is something of a logjam in the All Black midfield, and still a touch of uncertainty - he is a class footballer, the big question being what opportunities he gets and whether they are in the No. 12 or 13 jersey.

 

Jack comes from a family of forwards. The former New Zealand under-20 captain returned to play for the Taniwha, after starting off with Canterbury. Goodhue, who has played for the national sevens side, grew up on a farm in Kawakawa, has studied agriculture at Lincoln University. Interests outside of rugby include being active in the Salvation Army.

 

Matt Duffie

Duffie has received his first All Blacks call-up in just his second season since making the switch from league. The former Melbourne Storm prodigy returned to Auckland in 2016 to take up a two-year contract with the Blues. The transition was not instant for the 27-year-old, who had to work hard on his game, only cementing his place in the Blues starting line-up in the final five matches of the 2016.

 

He carried that momentum through to the 2017 season, with his strong positional play and aerial ability making him a regular fixture on the right wing. He has also gone on to be a standout for a much-improved North Harbour side in the Mitre 10 Cup.

Tim Perry

 

Hampered by a string of serious injuries over the past few years, Perry gets his call-up to the All Blacks after a strong season with the Tasman. The 1.91m loosehead prop comes into the squad after his Makos propping partner Kane Hames suffered a head knock in the weekend's loss to the Wallabies, further testing the All Blacks' depth in the propping department.

 

Perry's unexpected call-up sees him follow in the footsteps of his father Grant, who was a former All Black hooker. Grant played one game for the All Blacks in 1980.

 Some good talent coming through.  Shame Coles is not back to his normal self yet. I also think Cody is better than this article implies. Glad they are looking around for a 9, there are plenty but they want someone in A. Smith mold.

Unless I’m stupid, I only count two?

Chippo, glad someone reads the articles about the ABs I post & now there are so few kiwis on here that's no guarantee.

 
Surely you guys should focus on your weaknesses?

You have several class outside backs to choose from. Why add another to the mix? It'll only confuse the already confused Hansen further. He's been selecting full backs on the wing and leaving your best wings out altogether. As good as McKenzie is, he's just too damn small for test rugby.

Your best back three are Smith, Naholo and Savea with Ioane banging on the door.  Why play Smith and Dagg out on the wing when you have guys like that? Makes no sense..

It may look like a train smash but in truth all you need is a few tweaks. You already have the core in place. Get your back three sorted with specialists at 11, 14, and 15 ... and all that remains is your midfield, your openside flank and your bench. 

Cane, Crotch and SBW are poor choices. You have much better.

Hansen is the problem. He's run out of ideas. He's trying too hard. The answers are all right in front of him. Proper selection and getting back to the basics.

Your team has picked up on Hansen's negativity and state of confusion. They've lost their confidence and that's a bitch to get back.

  

Matt Duffy is a good player but one wonders whether he'll ever be good enough to compete for an All Black starting spot ahead of the likes of Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Seta Tamanivalu.

Jack Goodh ue looked pretty ordinary in this year's Super Rugby comp to be honest. The commentators always got very excited every time he got the ball but he didn't do that much with it.

I vaguely remember a Tim Perry playing for the Crusaders a few years ago but I can't picture him or recall anything special. Don't remember his Dad either.

I know nothing of Asafo Aumua but - judging by the hype - he sounds like the only real prospect out of that bunch.

CC Ioane is not banging on the door, he has blown the door up with dynamite! He simply has to be a starter. Savea is starting to get some form back, but Ioane is on fire. But you are right in your general argument, the AB's have backs to burn. On SBW, I don't get why he is there anymore. The are much better players. Even the smart Hansen has fallen for all the hype surrounding SBW. 

 
BlueBok ... Yes he has ... he's an excellent player and should be in the mix ... but so should Naholo and Savea.

Mulner-Skudder is a favourite of Hansen's. Why? He's slow ... he gives 16kg to Savea ... and something like 12 cm in height. There's no comparison between the two.    

Hansen brings Savea in for one match in every 7 and then replaces him with a full back. Not exactly a confidence builder is it?

Nick Mallet suffered the same state of confusion and it ended badly for both him and the Boks.