With the All Blacks gearing up to face the Wallabies at the iconic Eden Park, the latest squad announcement has certainly shuffled the deck, highlighting clear winners and losers in this pivotal match-up. Here’s who stands to gain and who’s left licking their wounds.
"Ardie Savea is the obvious choice for captain, refreshed and ready to lead,"
were the words of coach Scott Robertson as Savea gets set to don the captain's armband, capitalizing on a standout season. With Scott Barrett sidelined, Savea’s elevation was a no-brainer. His dynamic play and leadership were instrumental in their recent bounce-back against the Springboks, and he's expected to excel against Australia too.
Returnees Codie Taylor, Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Patrick Tuipulotu, Caleb Clarke, and Peter Lakai are back with a vengeance, each bringing unique skills to plug the gaps evident in last weekend’s loss. Taylor’s experience will be crucial in stabilizing the scrum, while the synergy between Roigard and Ratima adds an exciting edge. Clarke’s aerial prowess on the wing and the bench muscle of Tuipulotu and Lakai will be key assets.
Billy Proctor has another chance to prove his mettle alongside Jordie Barrett, needing to find harmony in their midfield partnership swiftly as the tournament draws to a close. Simon Parker continues to impress, his physicality a significant boon for the All Blacks’ pack, while Will Jordan’s return to fullback promises to inject a thrilling unpredictability into their attack strategy.
On the flip side, injuries have sidelined S. Barrett, Ollie Norris, Emoni Narawa, and Timoci Tavatavanawai, costing them their spots. Damian McKenzie finds himself demoted to the bench, a tough pill to swallow for a player of his caliber. Rieko Ioane, facing a rough patch, is conspicuously absent from the squad, his upcoming move to Leinster perhaps a much-needed fresh start.
The dropped quartet of Brodie McAlister, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Finlay Christie, and Ruben Love will feel the sting of exclusion following the team’s recent struggles, particularly Christie who has been a reliable backup this season. Centers Anton Lienert-Brown and Leicester Fainga’anuku also find themselves out of favor, despite high expectations.
This weekend’s clash at Eden Park is more than just a game; it’s a chance for redemption and reassertion for the All Blacks. With strategic returns and tactical exclusions, this lineup is a statement of intent, ready to tackle the Wallabies head-on.
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With the All Blacks gearing up to face the Wallabies at the iconic Eden Park, the latest squad announcement has certainly shuffled the deck, highlighting clear winners and losers in this pivotal match-up. Here’s who stands to gain and who’s left licking their wounds.
"Ardie Savea is the obvious choice for captain, refreshed and ready to lead,"
were the words of coach Scott Robertson as Savea gets set to don the captain's armband, capitalizing on a standout season. With Scott Barrett sidelined, Savea’s elevation was a no-brainer. His dynamic play and leadership were instrumental in their recent bounce-back against the Springboks, and he's expected to excel against Australia too.Returnees Codie Taylor, Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Patrick Tuipulotu, Caleb Clarke, and Peter Lakai are back with a vengeance, each bringing unique skills to plug the gaps evident in last weekend’s loss. Taylor’s experience will be crucial in stabilizing the scrum, while the synergy between Roigard and Ratima adds an exciting edge. Clarke’s aerial prowess on the wing and the bench muscle of Tuipulotu and Lakai will be key assets.
Billy Proctor has another chance to prove his mettle alongside Jordie Barrett, needing to find harmony in their midfield partnership swiftly as the tournament draws to a close. Simon Parker continues to impress, his physicality a significant boon for the All Blacks’ pack, while Will Jordan’s return to fullback promises to inject a thrilling unpredictability into their attack strategy.
On the flip side, injuries have sidelined S. Barrett, Ollie Norris, Emoni Narawa, and Timoci Tavatavanawai, costing them their spots. Damian McKenzie finds himself demoted to the bench, a tough pill to swallow for a player of his caliber. Rieko Ioane, facing a rough patch, is conspicuously absent from the squad, his upcoming move to Leinster perhaps a much-needed fresh start.
The dropped quartet of Brodie McAlister, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Finlay Christie, and Ruben Love will feel the sting of exclusion following the team’s recent struggles, particularly Christie who has been a reliable backup this season. Centers Anton Lienert-Brown and Leicester Fainga’anuku also find themselves out of favor, despite high expectations.
This weekend’s clash at Eden Park is more than just a game; it’s a chance for redemption and reassertion for the All Blacks. With strategic returns and tactical exclusions, this lineup is a statement of intent, ready to tackle the Wallabies head-on.