What did I like: The forward pack. Especially, the development of Vaai, the return to form of Codie Taylor, the arrival of Aumua, the development of Williams, the inclusion and impact of Tuipolotu. The emergence of Sititi. What I would like to see more of: more Lakai, more Tosi. Scrum looks solid and at times deadly. Line out and line out defense has also improved and could soon become an attacking and defensive weapons. Also, I would like to see more directness to the forward play, smashing up field from the rucks to stress the defence so the backs can attack broken defensive lines. What I didn't like: question marks over Barrett's captaincy. He's a great player but hasn't had the impact we saw at the World Cup since he's wearing the heavy mantle. Would prefer to see Savea or Taylor as captain so Barrett can focus on his game. Asfor the backline: Some of the interplay between backs and forwards has been brilliant. Hoping to continue to see this positionless style of rugby continue to develop moving forward. Stoked at Roigard's return. Happy with the stoicism and increasing discipline on defense. Glad that Clarke is coming into his own and that Jordan is finding his feet at 15. The goal kicking looks more and more solid. But generally speaking, I think this is the area that requires the next step for the team. The tactical kicking has been average at best. The game management has had big ups and downs, with a somewhat positive trajectory. But I don't feel anyone has really claimed the 10 jersey. While J.Barrett and Ioane are solid defensive centres, there lacks fluidity in the distribution to our weapons. When I think of Nonu and Smith I think of a combination that constantly challenged, stressed or outright broke opposition defenses. Smith in particular, ran into gaps or distributed the ball under pressure to the back three, putting them into gaps. That's what we need in the centre position, imo. Overall: a mixed bag of positives and negatives. Room for improvement, but reasons to blook forward to the future. What needs to change: no more Crusader bias.
Great summary agree with your assessment. With captaincy Razor needs an All Blacks Captain that is best and fairest. Both Taylor and Savea fit that bill. Discipline is a key work on. Needs to be led from the top.
@@insiderugbywithmark Lol, nope. We just see eye to eye on a lot. Actually wrote my take as I listened to your video. I had even written about Smith and Nonu before you brought them up! Great minds... ;)
Interesting analysis, I'm ok with Jordy at 2nd as we don't have anyone else. Reiko has to go that's our weakness, watching the game at Eden park this year was helpful as you are able to player watch Jordy does heaps of work that a TV camera doesn't show. Our forwards were world class and will be formidable next year. Building depth at 10 is vital and getting a game breaking 13 will make the difference. Razor hung up on AB legacy and the jersey so experimenting is obviously hard for him to try to much as the NZ public is brutal. We not far off and a few tweaks and we be back. Margins in the top 5 teams are so slim world rugby has changed. Thanks Mark for your work
Jordie is not ok at 12. We have A J Lam, Riley Higgins, Quinn Tupaea, and others, all talented midfielders. As Mark said, look outside the box, but Jordie and Rieko are too comfortable. They need a shake up if they are to continue. Jordie should have stayed at 15. He wanted to be a 12. Rieko wanted to go back to the midfield where he started for Auckland, and at Super Rugby level, except this year, he works. They have both shown that this year neither are the answer for the AB's.
According to AB's coach, Scott Hansen, the players are polite, take care to thank their bus driver and ensure said bus is always spotlessly clean, er, maybe it's a kind of indicator of where they're at! The AB's XV played the best rugby of the tour.
@@insiderugbywithmarkthat’s a very silly statement. Having more mongrel on the field doesn’t mean being rude outside of rugby. That level of professionalism and care outside of the game is a huge positive for this team
My big issue with this season was the mindset deficit in the ABs. Given how often they started strongly and put themselves in winning positions - the South African tests, the French test - only to capitulate in the second half. There seems to be a lack of belief in the ranks, a mental frailty and an absence of strategic nous. I don’t think you can put it down to one thing - perhaps the loss of a few all-time greats in Retallick, Whitelock and Aaron Smith alongside promising talents in Frizzel and Fainga'anuku, perhaps the raw coaching panel and the false start with he appointment of MacDonald as attacks coach, perhaps the retention of almost past-it veterans, and perhaps ongoing problems in the loosies, midfield, playmaker and the wings. I’m not sure they have the talent at the moment, but I also see problems with Scott Barrett as captain. I think the mental task is too much for him. He does not have the bandwidth to cope with the responsibility of leadership while doing his own locking job. Still, they did OK given the circumstances. The biggest disappointment clearly was the hone loss to Argentina, but they were there or thereabouts in the other critical tests. The forwards are good, for the most part; the backs not so much. I’m not sure who’s coaching the attack, but it’s not goodl
@bobdenmore An interesting read, thank you for posting it. One thing that stuck out for me, and it probably hasnt been acknowledged enough by Kiwi supporters, is the impact of losing Whitelock and Retallick and Smith. Leadership and calmness personified, and when NZ looked clumsy in the second half of games this year their absence was surely felt. Thanks for raising this.
Great point Mark, there will be ebbs and flows in a game, when you are on you must score, we are not seeing that. We now know what players in the present team can, but we also know who doesn’t, they must be replaced by others that can. And so to do that Razor needs to give others a chance.
Mark how would you feel about switching Jordie to 13? He’s an elite defender and has more ability to be multi-attacking than rieko. As well as this, how about Leicester fainga’anuku at 12? He’s coming back to New Zealand next year and has been playing 12 in France.
@marlonchung2407 I hear you. What I have been saying is that new options need to be trialled in the 12 and 13 positions. So yes, Id be open to seeing what Jordie could do there, but lets also at depth.....SA has De Allende, Kriel, Esterhuizen, Am, and Moodie to name a few, we rely on Barrett and Ioane.
Some great comments - I mostly agree. My only worry is just how similar Lakai, Sititi and Savea are in size/shape and the ay they play. All are great players but they do look like they get battered about. Locks - solid but unspectacular. Really need a Brodie/Whitelock. I supect Vaa'i-Darry-Lord-Holland to star within the next 2 years. The only real concern for me is 10-12-13. Lets see what the 2025 Super season brings.
Yes, the AB forwards did well. Would we like more development? Yes, but what development there was looked good. Williams, Tosi, Aumua, Vaa'i, Sititi, Lakai. They all looked good when they played. I think Finau grew, and coming of the bench looked good. They will be better next year.
Might disagree on a fair bit here. I like Jordan at fullback. His lack of tries reflects the poor backline from nz, and possibly no Mo'unga. I personally think there's a stack of backline talent in nz but we're failing to adjust to the modern defensive structures. I don't like the 12/13 combo, but the ABs need to try some different tactics or we're setting up the next guys to fail. Just too predictable. Italy didn't need to adjust their defence the entire game. Very happy with the forwards, not sold on Barrett as captain or even starting. At this point I'd rather Vaa'i and Tuipulotu start and Barrett on the bench. Question is, who becomes captain? And that identifies NZs major issue. Who are yhe options? Savea, a Barrett, Tuipulotu, Taylor. Future, maybe Roigard and Sititi, but that's a few years away
@Thudsrayz Only disagreed on Jordan at Fullback.. Word out of the camp is that Sititi is absolutely future leadership quality, all depends on how long we wait to see it. With Razor, who knows.
Scott Barrett looked out of his depth against France. His body language when talking to the ref was not good, all bent over. The backline was clunky and DMac has stood out as a 10 rather than Barrett. Iaone was not in form all year, razor keeps picking him? Havili should not be there at all. Maybe leon MacDonald really was right to disagree because the backs haven't looked good. The forwards have been excellent, with some new guys coming through.
I actually agree with most of what you're saying here Mark. I'd give the team a pass for the year, but only a B-. Positives: 1.) Unearthed a lot of new talent in the forwards. 2.) Bench became more effective as the year went on. 3.) Discipline did start to improve in the last 3-4 games. 4.) Caleb Clarke was a monster on the wing. 5.) B. Barrett and D.Mac showed some good touches at times. 6.) Roigard looks to be the future at half-back. Negatives: 1.) No attacking punch in midfield. 2.) Ongoing uncertainty around who our number 10 is. 3.) Our discipline and decision making under pressure still suspect. 4.) Not enough new debutants tried in the back-line. 5.) Players like ALB and D. Houdini need to be totally left out of the squad.
@insiderugbywithmark Didn't watch the last game, but the England and Irish games showed an improvement in the discipline area. The Italy game all-round sounded like a s$$tshow, from the Haka through to the game itself.
If houses are built on foundations, rugby teams especially good ones are built on forward packs, and we are looking at a very good forward pack, the potential for this team is scary once the backline and bench is sorted!! Let the players go overseas and make money, it's our coaches we don't want to go overseas and make other nations better, that's the real problem.
It's a bit of a case of "here's the new stuff, same as the old stuff." Still too many guys out of their best position, and a number of guys selected on favoritism despite average form or injury profiles. You can see alot of people making excuses, like "toughest start in years", "it's a big step up from Super Rugby", "so many veterans departed after 2023" etc. Well fine, but no-one gave Fozzie any quarter when it came to lackluster on-field performances, losses at home to middling opposition or record scores conceded. To answer the question posed at the top of the clip: I predicted 9 wins, with at least one over SA and two over Argentina. Didn't think they'd beat England at Twickenham or Ireland at the Aviva, reckoned they'd lose to France and drop at least one against Aussie. The opening games v England were also a coin toss, and I suspected we'd drop at least one result. So I was nearly there but not totally accurate. Happy to be wrong about England and Ireland away, surprised we lost to the Pumas and couldn't even get one against SA. Robertson's basic gameplan is just that: basic, unvaried provincial rugby tactics, heavily dependent on set-piece and defence, and on the natural ability of individual players to conjure miracles rather than break down defences with sound, intelligent strategic play. In other words, we're more or less where we were in Fozzies first year. Funnily enough.
@Formakiwi Thanks for sharing this, besides the dismissing of the World Ranked No 5 team beating us at home, I agree with some of your other sentiments.
Things that must be addressed. Reiko is not a centre. Not at all. We need a proper 10. After that its all fine and the current personal can get it done. leister faiinuku for the other wing? what about leister at centre? who knows. What about samapeni at center? what about anyone but reiko
He needs better coaching at centre. He’s got everything needed, the speed, defence, size .. but he doesn’t know what it MEANS to be centre. Distribution, link, decision making etc. Baffles me how no coach has been able to teach him
@Lesssvav well he was a wing. So he learned none of that and he may never unlearn it. Passing, punch through the tackle, bread n butter that he's missing. Couple times he foubd himself out wide on the wing he was great.
I am in support of this all blacks side, it is just a matter of getting the right players in those key areas. I do believe the midfield is the key loss here, Reiko is still the talented player we all know but his talents belong on the wing and he can still offer something there. I think the players in the midfield right now do not fit with how razor wants to play. We all expected them to do well cause its under razor but remember Razor is rebuilding and the most important thing is winning the world cup.
i agree with most of your summary of the All Blacks 2024 season.Yes Jordan back to the right wing,Mckenzie possibly at fullback,Telia on the left wing,Love at centre,Clarke at 2nd 5,Perofeta at 1st five,Riogard half back.Situtu 8,,Savea 7,Jorgeson 6,Vaii and Barrett locking,front row Taylor with any others in the front row as they all great.Captaincy to Riogard,Barrett is no captain,it is so embarresing listening to him at press conferences humming and haaing.The bench will look after itself as there is so much depth there..
I agree Mark. Jordan is currently our best 14. If Razor wants to leave him at 15 then move Ioane to 14, bring Narawa in and drop Reece. I would like to see: 15 Jordan 14 Ioane 13 Procter 12 AJ Lam 11 Clarke 10 Perofetta 9 Roigard 8 Sotutu 7 Lakai 6 Sititi 5 Holland 4 Vaa'i 3 Lomax 2 Taylor (c) 1 Williams 16 Aumua 17 Tu'ungafasi 18 Tosi 19 Tuipolotu 20 Savea 21 Hotham 22 McKenzie 23 Love I know Savea on the bench will be criticized, but he will bring added experience, instant impact, and him and McKenzie could be a weapon with 30 min to go. A team doesn't need specified vice captains. Captains have a leadership group they can discuss things through with. If Taylor goes off, Tuipolotu and Savea as well as Ioane are there. We could use Papali'i at 7, depending on the team we are playing, for a tighter 7. We actually have a number of locks we could use with Lord, Darry and Barrett still able to slot in.
@markreilly105 for me this is looking pretty close to ideal BUT.... I would experiment at No 10 and see if we having a sleeping giant for that role in NZ rugby somewhere. Still give Perofeta the backing for a few games and see how he manages. Forwards back three for me, 8) Sititi 7) Savea and 6) Blackadder, I hear you about Ardie off the bench but he brings too much calmness at the start of games for me, we need him then. Thought Paddy and Lakai off the bench worked well. Reiko on the wing yes, if he is to stay in the team.
@@insiderugbywithmark Definately try out young guys. Look at 2011, Carter, Injured, Slade, injured. We need to make sure we don't repeat that history by developing young players early and that is with all positions. I'm afraid I will never be a fan of Blackadder at 6, there are 6's around who are ahead of him and, on this year's selections, if they played in red and black would have been picked. I believe it is an unconscious bias, not intentional. Sititi is our best 6 and could be as good, if not better, than Kaino. He is alot more well rounded as a player, and remember Kaino was an 8 for Auckland and the Blues. I would be happy with Savea at 7, especially while Lakai and Papali'i are given time off the bench to develop. 2 years ago, everyone wanted Papali'i instead of Cane, even touting him as a prospective All Black captain, when Cane had his injury. If he recreates that sort of form, he will once again become our go to 7, I feel. I am with you about Jordan on the wing. I still believe it is his best position for the team. Sometimes we have to remember to do the best for the team, and this year I think Razor has missed that in his selections.
I know a lotta people want to see Savea at 7 and Sititi at 8. But I have to ask 1) do we have a problem at 8? Are we seeing Savea getting run over, not making gains, not getting over the ball? Is there a better 8? Not according to the stats and world rugby 2) is there an injured player who plays 6, better than Sititi? We tried 3 of them, and Sititi was outstanding 3) is there a better 7? Lakai was amazing and top of super stats, Papalii is no slouch and when fit, Blackadder had some outstanding games. It's not a case of a players positional preference, its about where they play best in the unit. When we give in to that, we have reiko at centre.
@derekng9766 Good point indeed. With the abundance of Loosies I think most of us want to see the best combination in each position start the game, and the best IMPACT players come off the bench to finish the game. Where is our Kwagga Smith or RG Synman who comes on and makes a huge impact?
@insiderugbywithmark I think the bench improved over time, and you can certainly see a difference between the start and end of season. Patrick did a great job coming off the bench and making a mark. Big unit, lots of explosive running. So did the props. It's a weird thing to audition for cause we're picking players for consistency, whereas the bench role is "tear in up for 20mins".
@derekng9766 yet the facts will tell us that Patrick came on against France in the 54th min and NZ had 70% possession in the final 10mins of the game yet the AB´s couldnt win ! - Impact off the bench?
@insiderugbywithmark true, but each bench player has their own role, whether it's making more gains against tiring bodies, hitting harder in tackles, etc. Personally I think it's the backline that's a bit toothless: if we're not setting up tries at the beginning of the game and during it, it's quite an ask to do it in the last 20mins under more pressure.
Like you I believe that there is genuine progress in the forwards. Williams, Sititi, Vai, Aumua all have done well. I would like Darry to get a few more chances and Lakai. The backs have been disappointing on attack, not defence. Jordin Barrett's best position is fullback not no. 12. He does not have the ability to break through tight defences that good teams have today. Ioane is not a 13, he is better on the wing. I like the look of Proctor at 13 and hope he gets more of a run in '25. Telea is good on his favored right wing. Clarke is great at 11. Leister Fainganuku might be worth a look at 12. Nalaga to come in for Reece. In the forwards Lakai looks more promising than Popalihi and Jacobsen. I would like to see if Blackadder can have a season without significant injuries. If he can't in '25, let him go. I always wanted Savea as captain, it doesn't affect his game. Scott Barrett has been a bit disappointing this year. We should be able to get more out of him. Let him be vice captain. Yes we need to check out Love at no. 10 I would agree. Scott Robertson has been a bit too conservative.
How much they grow next year is gonna be the test of this AB team. They grew a lot this year but still aren’t where they should be in terms of discipline in execution - as in, their skills break down too often under pressure and a kind of white line fever. They’ve lacked composure, sometimes trying too hard i think - all the yellow cards they gave up. We made more line breaks against every team in every game, except Bok’s 2nd test. So for mine, AB’s need to mature into a more composed side next year, to bring the level of accuracy they’ve lacked and should have in their finishing. But we grew and also unearthed a lot of really good players - Vaii has totally taken over running the lineout like another Whitelock, Aumua, Williams, Tosi, Roigard, Ratima. Hotham is gonna make it, so will big and athletic Fabien Holland when he gets his chance imo. Darry, Blackadder was great at 6 and could play 7 also i think, Sititi even better, Lakai. The Ireland test showed Dmac is getting where they want him game management wise and they should’ve stuck with starting him for mine cos he creates a lot and also makes a lot of those line breaks. So lots of growth and some good attack game strategy evolution this year but for me that has to lead to an 80% or more win rate for next year to be a success, cos this year was just a pass results wise - but i think AB’s (probably WB’s also) have more potential improvement in them than any other top test nation.
@TheRickpage thanks so much for sharing what you have. You use the word growth, what I would like to see from the All Blacks next year is an improvement with their accuracy. Razor wants this team to play a fast paced expansive game, while being able to hang with any forward pack on the planet. This year we saw crucial errors in their ¨accuracy ¨ , even from the man you are a fan of, DMAC, at different times that cost us some games as well as discipline issues. Yellow cards.
@@insiderugbywithmark Yeah more accuracy, that's what i said. Dmac was the best kiwi 10 in SR thus the best we have at the moment and for that fast expansive game you want a player that sparks things like he does. Ireland MOM showed he’s getting there game management wise. Im not a fan just think he's the best guy for the job till Mounga comes back.
Lets see a possibles team up against The All blacks next season 🤔 stevenson- proctor- love- aj lamb higgins in the backs-- blackadder captain lord holland sotou-dary etc 😗 be interesting challenge razors selection🖤💯💪
For 2025, I would to see more of 1. Lakai at 7(starting or bench) 2. Fabian Holland debut 3. Sam Darry 4. Perofeta at 10 5. AJ Lam, Riley Higgins, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor at 12-13 6. Ruben at 15 with WJ -14 and CC - 11 And no more called up for fringe players like Havili and Sevu who haven’t being able to be at their peak for awhile now (some not even performing at SRP)
Interesting year for the ABs. Some games we could have won and others we could have lost 😔 I don't think we should push the panic button as its still early in Razors' campaign😏 My only problem is with NZRs overseas players eligibility rules😕 Let's scrap that and give our coach more options 🤔
@fabiangroom3228 thanks so much for joining in the conversation on this topic. The NZR Overseas Player Policy has been in place for more than 27 years, during which time the AB´s won the World Cup. Do you really think its the issue?
@insiderugbywithmark thanks Mark for replying. The answer is straight and simple: It's working for the Boks and I don't see why it can't work for us. The game has also become more of a financial opportunity for those fringe players that don't make the cut however they could be useful to the ABs in one way or the other. I don't think we should go out and grab everyone playing abroad but there are the odd players that are or can be a key selection. In fact, why don't you do a video on all overseas based NZ players and give us an idea what we're looking at regarding AB potentials amongst them. Another idea is to create an international AB team and see how they fare against teams like the Maori ABs or our second team. The bottom line is, if we have back up players that we can call on, it gives the coach much more peace of mind regarding injuries to key players.
@fabiangroom3228 Did you know that the current Overseas Player policy has a clause that allows the AB coach to select overseas based players if the position in question can be justified to the Board? This clause was used when Dan Carter signed to play in France, yet wasnt used as he got injured before he went and played in France.
@@insiderugbywithmark no I didn't know that mark. I must say though that the game is growing and becoming much more professional. We've seen this kind of problem manifest in football too with South American countries not able to access their European based players however sport is evolving and becoming more global and hopefully NZR acknowledges that and adapts accordingly.
Hey @fabiangroom3228 thanks so much for getting me to really think about what you wrote. What does ¨more professional ¨ actually mean from your perspective? I am pretty sure that the 2015 All Blacks could beat this current team, thats 9 years apart, so what has changed ¨professionally ¨. For me its not about the AB´s having access to overseas players. Its about building depth in the NZ system, making that black jersey revered once again, I think its lost that aura among young kids in NZ, and to make sure the NZ coaching system keeps the best candidates. But thats just my opinion.
For me the back row lacks balance . 3 guys all 6ft 2 and lacking heft . Ardie is amazing and has to play but he is also part of the problem with his size. I suspect he’s the lightest No 8 amongst the top sides. We definitely need at least one big bloke in the loose forward mix. I also don’t understand why Proctor and Plummer didn’t get chances. For me it’s Proctor and A.J.Lam who could be the answer. Outside backs should be Jordie or Love at fullback with Jordan and Clarke on the wings. Emoni Narawa was also discarded way too soon and needs to come back into the options out wide.
@TPRugbyfan here is some information for you on the current starting No 8s from a few countries. C. Doris - Ireland 1.93m and 111kgs J.Wiese - South Africa 1.90m and 120kgs B. Earl - England 1.83m and 107kgs J.Dempsey - Scotland 1.95m and 108kgs J.Oviedo - Argentina 1.91m and 113kg G.Aldritt - France 1.91m and 115kgs A. Savea - New Zealand 1.88m and 95kgs Your assumption is correct.
@ Thanks for doing the research. I remember yrs ago when Ardie first went away with the AB’s as an apprentice. The guy was a bean pole. He clearly hit the gym and eat lots of protein at some stage thereafter, but there is only so much you can build your body up. In a way it’s a compliment to his determination that he has the leg drive that he does and no AB loose forward has scored more tries, but just occasionally he gets driven back in the tackle by bigger opponents.
@TPRugbyfan You are welcome. Let me throw this out there. Kwagga Smith is 1.81m and 91kgs and yet he comes on and has the impact he has for the Boks, and is a try scoring machine, so I would say, maybe there is a compromise in what Ardie gives away in pure size, he makes up for in other areas of his game. IMHO
I did not like that we changed the line up against France. I wish we went with the winning line up against Ireland. DMAC player of the match and Asafos performance should have been enough to start against France. The All Blacks start well. We’re usually up at half time regardless who starts it would seem. Why change a winning formula… I feel we missed DMacs ability to create space in the last two tests. He was recognised by world rugby making the dream team and Will Jordan at 15. Congrats to Lomax and Sititi as well.
Forwards seem quite good and comparable to other teams. Half Backs shaping up well. Except for Jordan and Clark, the others seem mediocre at best. Captaincy I am not happy. I like Ardie should lead the team. How much of game is on Razor is debatable. I like SA approach to the game. NZ seem to be struck in the past, and not trusting the upcoming youngsters. This fascination with the Barret brand is taking its toll on the team.
Tjoe I AGREE 100%, AB NEEDS TO LOOK LOCAL NZ HAVE AWESOME GUYS. I PRAY 2025 AB MOVED PASS BARRETTE OVERREALIANCE , START USING LAM, PROCTOR, LOVE AND OTHER STARS FROM PROV TEAMS ETC
Agree on forwards and halfback, but Beauden won World player of the year twice playing 10, and NO AB Coach has backed him since to be their starting 10. Back him. He'll be there in the next world cup, and yes blood some new 10s along the way.
@jamesfeeney544 Thanks for the comment. Sorry, respectfully disagree on B Barrett he last won the award 7 years ago, rugby has moved on in many ways. We need a new crop of 10´s in my opinion.
I would give the ABs a B minus and come 2025 i expect a lot more from Razor no more excuses. I want the ABS to win the 2027 world cup and that mean's blend in more new talent .
Very fair analysis without the usual complacency about "learnings" etc. Truth is that most of the problems present at the beginning of the season were still there at the end. OK, some positives (forwards, defense) but for the fan, the All Blacks have been a tough watch (errors and fumbles, silly penalties, predictable tactics etc), sometimes very frustrating (second-half falloffs, squandered occasions). Is this the fault of the coach (coaches) or the players ? We still don't know exactly why Leon McDonald walked out. Do we need a psychological coach like Gilbert Enoka ? The backline has been clunky all season. We need more experimentation and innovation. A pass mark on paper but overall disappointing in quality (even the wins were not entirely satisfactory).
Ive been saying it for about a year now Reiko and Jordie sell Sponsorship product.... Abs sold like 20 percent of the brand too an american company. Leon leaves because he cant make the necessary changes to the back line. Time after time we see Posterboys on the field... Smells fishy... and to top it all of the springboks pulled out of super rugby (Fair enough) Because the Nzru wanted to rip them off. No exposure for the younger lads... The writings on the wall for Nz rugby.
Mark, a top review! Has Scott Robertson not proved superior to Ian Foster? Has Scott underwhelmed for you? The 12/13 & No.10 roles have highlighted his limitations perhaps, as a guru rugby 🏉 genius...?
@richposports7030 OK, you ask some interesting things, so here´s my take. Comparing Foster and Robertson is like comparing Biden and Trump. Two different teams with two different agendas. Razor is in the rebuilding phase heading to 2027. Fosters mandate was to win the 2023 RWC with a very experienced team. Has Scott underwhelmed me? - No. His selections in some key positions in my opinion have been confusing. His lack of experimentation in those positions seems very conservative. On 10,12,13 I would reply as above, his lack of experimenting with those positions has disappointed me.
ABs fluency totally not there They looking for support This is where all teams got caught out Giving them that status of wizzards Where as before they didn’t have to They just were
Lol, asafa aumua at 2nd 5. How about Levi Aumua. Now we're talking. Sadly, he moved to the crusaders when they had an off season. Way better than Reiko.
Front rows look good , Vaai good ,Barrett mixed bag silly penalties overwelmed as Cpt,6 7 and 8 still not really sorted who plays where, Cam getting in the slot at 9 but Ratima have my doubts like to see more of Hotham, 10 Ritchie sorely missed BB finished pretty good but the future ? as with Dmac. Clarke starting to really look good, 12 13 both out of position we have better options also ALB bourght nothing to the table. Reece should have played his last game as an AB , Telea mixed bag hot and cold ,15 Jordan although he is a great winger maybe hes starting to fit as 15. Still a lot of talent in theXV that didnt get a shot Love as one. The bench, forwards mostly made some impact but but but game management, handling , kicking , protecting the ball, backing up the breakout player and the biggest just stupid penalties from players that should know better and 4 losses against top 5 teams makes the wins that where all not walk overs look pretty slim in the big pcture. For me a wasted year with a no risk no fun attitude and the head coach not able to say jeezz we need to get a heap better than this.
Mckenzie makes the world team at 10 and still mark cant say anything good about him yet the games where barret was at 10 the abs attack was even worse.
Hey mister, you are barking up the wrong tree. Take the time, go back and watch and listen to my videos again. I have repeatedly said that I believe McKenzie is best suited to the bench ( along with many many others here in the comments). and that hes done a great job there v England as an example. I dont need to agree with whoever picks a fantasy world team, and I dont, as many of us dont, we have our views and opinions and thats what this channel is about.
Wow what a year! plenty to discuss, from losing to Argentina at Wellington, smashing Ireland in Ireland and TJ weaponising the haka for his own narcissistic political agenda. I’m a proud kiwi living in Philly USA (political partisanship far too evident here)disappointed with NZRFU for not condoning TJ’s antics. On a brighter note I think we will see more cohesion within the squad next year.
@jamesward9372 Mr Philly, interesting read. Lets see what 2025 brings, thanks for sharing your views on this one. Stay warm, its about to get very chilly up your way,
The forwards are going ok, rating B, work on for forwards, new 7 & 8 required. Backs 10, 12 13 to be replaced, 11, 14, and 15 there is depth there. Rating, C. On field, they need new captain.
Since 95 wen rugby went professional greed is killing the game.robertson wants overseas players available😂why mouanga chased the money,in reality most people liv on modest incomes,not much wrking all yr to feed families and buy or rent house etc,mouanga etc bn in the npc system getting payed gd money,thn super rugby,getting gd money,thn test rugby and contract and match payments,endorsements etc,getting bloody gd money.they hav bn in the system for yrs but still chasing money in japan etc,no they shudnt just come bak into ab's.how much money do u nd 😂.greed is killing the game in al aspects,players and administrators.agree with beaver,ab's is pinnacle of nz rugby,its a privilege and sacrifices like not chasing money wen u already get bloody gd money in nz ,to play and represent our nation.😊
@SteveEdwards-kh5hg one thing that is maybe overlooked in this conversation. Some people just love the idea to go and live overseas and to get to experience another culture for a while. That also plays into it.
@insiderugbywithmark just another quick point mark.bak in August after beating fiji in USA,Makenzie went awol and missed the tesm bus to airport.he had to Uber 210 km to airport to to get flight with team.no disciplinary action.played nxt test against Argentina and the nxt 4 test.boy wat did de groot do thn to get disciplined if MacKenzie didn't lol.is there double standards.lol.
Its going to take a miracle for the ABs to be dominant and formidable like they were in the Mccaw days. Being stuck with weak Australian teams in the super rugby competitions is hurting them.
@Swannyjoe464 HMM not so sure. 1pt loss to France, a try away from beating the Boks at home, wins over England and Ireland and an improving Argentina team, was it really that terrible?
Thought it was a par year they have developed a very good forward pack which is getting better thats the positive, the negatives well a average back line no penetration dodgy selections, and then the last game first they used the Haka to make a political statement and at the same time dished up the worst performance of the year against Italy, rating about a 6...
@@insiderugbywithmark i would prefer Jordie Barrett and Proctor team up backed up by Riley Higgins who will be a lot better next year and Bailyn Sullivan who runs hard and has a ton of speed and good hands, and the wingers well theres plenty of good ones in NZ as long as its not Sevu Reece who has no pace and makes too many mistakes........
@insiderugbywithmark you're probably right. Because Imo, he was the stand out loosie in super rugby and still missed selection. But one could always hope
In all the loses the BARRETTE 3 BROTHERS STARTED, HAVILI AND THE BARRETTES HAD THEIR TIME. IF 2025 Razor keep fielding old stuff in backline be sure we will talk same. 10 12 13 need new blood.
Yes, wish my Surname was Barrett it's going to be very interesting next year when Scott isn't in the best two locks Vai and Holland and Darry are already better
They start doing that and the Domestic game in NZ will suffer unless they bring in a rule where a player who has played a set number of tests is allowed compensations...
Doesn't seem right after all those head knocks will Jordan....a lack of pace out ,,, differently a problem in the midfield...we don't have a abundance of talent there
i am a bok supporter AB on the up they know they have issues will soon be up and running
@petrusvanderMerwe-o9k thank you. I am a rugby fan, and I think the same about the Springboks. ……-)
Thank you brother appreciate SA supporters that are kind to us when we are down, some Irish fans love to tell us how $&^$ we are now 😆
@samkohi8705 nah you'll be back don't worry the abs will always be a great rugby team 👍
@@christohees9150 Ty bro been a rough few year's lol!
What did I like: The forward pack. Especially, the development of Vaai, the return to form of Codie Taylor, the arrival of Aumua, the development of Williams, the inclusion and impact of Tuipolotu. The emergence of Sititi. What I would like to see more of: more Lakai, more Tosi. Scrum looks solid and at times deadly. Line out and line out defense has also improved and could soon become an attacking and defensive weapons. Also, I would like to see more directness to the forward play, smashing up field from the rucks to stress the defence so the backs can attack broken defensive lines. What I didn't like: question marks over Barrett's captaincy. He's a great player but hasn't had the impact we saw at the World Cup since he's wearing the heavy mantle. Would prefer to see Savea or Taylor as captain so Barrett can focus on his game.
Asfor the backline: Some of the interplay between backs and forwards has been brilliant. Hoping to continue to see this positionless style of rugby continue to develop moving forward. Stoked at Roigard's return. Happy with the stoicism and increasing discipline on defense. Glad that Clarke is coming into his own and that Jordan is finding his feet at 15. The goal kicking looks more and more solid. But generally speaking, I think this is the area that requires the next step for the team. The tactical kicking has been average at best. The game management has had big ups and downs, with a somewhat positive trajectory. But I don't feel anyone has really claimed the 10 jersey. While J.Barrett and Ioane are solid defensive centres, there lacks fluidity in the distribution to our weapons. When I think of Nonu and Smith I think of a combination that constantly challenged, stressed or outright broke opposition defenses. Smith in particular, ran into gaps or distributed the ball under pressure to the back three, putting them into gaps. That's what we need in the centre position, imo.
Overall: a mixed bag of positives and negatives. Room for improvement, but reasons to blook forward to the future.
What needs to change: no more Crusader bias.
This BARRETTE AND CRUSADER BIAS WAS SEEN I. 2024 AND BE4
Great summary agree with your assessment. With captaincy Razor needs an All Blacks Captain that is best and fairest. Both Taylor and Savea fit that bill. Discipline is a key work on. Needs to be led from the top.
No more Crusader bias??? Not a fan of Havili i take it 🤣🤣
@roleinc7204 you wrote the script to my video didnt you ! , thank you
@@insiderugbywithmark Lol, nope. We just see eye to eye on a lot. Actually wrote my take as I listened to your video. I had even written about Smith and Nonu before you brought them up! Great minds... ;)
Interesting analysis, I'm ok with Jordy at 2nd as we don't have anyone else. Reiko has to go that's our weakness, watching the game at Eden park this year was helpful as you are able to player watch Jordy does heaps of work that a TV camera doesn't show. Our forwards were world class and will be formidable next year. Building depth at 10 is vital and getting a game breaking 13 will make the difference. Razor hung up on AB legacy and the jersey so experimenting is obviously hard for him to try to much as the NZ public is brutal. We not far off and a few tweaks and we be back. Margins in the top 5 teams are so slim world rugby has changed. Thanks Mark for your work
@jesseparker198 thanks so much for sharing your views, appreciate it.
Jordie is not ok at 12. We have A J Lam, Riley Higgins, Quinn Tupaea, and others, all talented midfielders. As Mark said, look outside the box, but Jordie and Rieko are too comfortable. They need a shake up if they are to continue. Jordie should have stayed at 15. He wanted to be a 12. Rieko wanted to go back to the midfield where he started for Auckland, and at Super Rugby level, except this year, he works. They have both shown that this year neither are the answer for the AB's.
According to AB's coach, Scott Hansen, the players are polite, take care to thank their bus driver and ensure said bus is always spotlessly clean, er, maybe it's a kind of indicator of where they're at! The AB's XV played the best rugby of the tour.
@rabbitss11 Bit more mongrel needed then?
@@insiderugbywithmarkthat’s a very silly statement. Having more mongrel on the field doesn’t mean being rude outside of rugby. That level of professionalism and care outside of the game is a huge positive for this team
Yeah I thought the AB XV looked much sharper then the AB's 😁
@marlonchung2407 you took that out of context didnt you.
@@insiderugbywithmark Not really, no.
My big issue with this season was the mindset deficit in the ABs. Given how often they started strongly and put themselves in winning positions - the South African tests, the French test - only to capitulate in the second half. There seems to be a lack of belief in the ranks, a mental frailty and an absence of strategic nous. I don’t think you can put it down to one thing - perhaps the loss of a few all-time greats in Retallick, Whitelock and Aaron Smith alongside promising talents in Frizzel and Fainga'anuku, perhaps the raw coaching panel and the false start with he appointment of MacDonald as attacks coach, perhaps the retention of almost past-it veterans, and perhaps ongoing problems in the loosies, midfield, playmaker and the wings. I’m not sure they have the talent at the moment, but I also see problems with Scott Barrett as captain. I think the mental task is too much for him. He does not have the bandwidth to cope with the responsibility of leadership while doing his own locking job. Still, they did OK given the circumstances. The biggest disappointment clearly was the hone loss to
Argentina, but they were there or thereabouts in the other critical tests. The forwards are good, for the most part; the backs not so much. I’m not sure who’s coaching the attack, but it’s not goodl
@bobdenmore An interesting read, thank you for posting it. One thing that stuck out for me, and it probably hasnt been acknowledged enough by Kiwi supporters, is the impact of losing Whitelock and Retallick and Smith. Leadership and calmness personified, and when NZ looked clumsy in the second half of games this year their absence was surely felt. Thanks for raising this.
Great point Mark, there will be ebbs and flows in a game, when you are on you must score, we are not seeing that. We now know what players in the present team can, but we also know who doesn’t, they must be replaced by others that can. And so to do that Razor needs to give others a chance.
@markthompson7817 thank you kindly. I agree with you too
As a neutral looking at the ABS they've really missed Richie Mounga. That little magic in the midfield.
@Canvashed Thank you for the comment Mr Neutral
Mounga will be massive but unless we solve the 12-13 combination there's probably only so much he can do.
Hey Mark
Why cant NZ play an AB 15 against France next year? Why should we play the first team?
@TraveltrippersNZ There is nothing to say we cant, or wont, it will be up to Razor I guess, good point.
Mark how would you feel about switching Jordie to 13? He’s an elite defender and has more ability to be multi-attacking than rieko. As well as this, how about Leicester fainga’anuku at 12? He’s coming back to New Zealand next year and has been playing 12 in France.
@marlonchung2407 I hear you. What I have been saying is that new options need to be trialled in the 12 and 13 positions. So yes, Id be open to seeing what Jordie could do there, but lets also at depth.....SA has De Allende, Kriel, Esterhuizen, Am, and Moodie to name a few, we rely on Barrett and Ioane.
Some great comments - I mostly agree. My only worry is just how similar Lakai, Sititi and Savea are in size/shape and the ay they play. All are great players but they do look like they get battered about. Locks - solid but unspectacular. Really need a Brodie/Whitelock. I supect Vaa'i-Darry-Lord-Holland to star within the next 2 years. The only real concern for me is 10-12-13. Lets see what the 2025 Super season brings.
@Tuatara587 solid stuff, thank you
Well done to the All Blacks forwards. For me, they've all been excellent this year.
Agree 100%
Yes, the AB forwards did well. Would we like more development? Yes, but what development there was looked good. Williams, Tosi, Aumua, Vaa'i, Sititi, Lakai. They all looked good when they played. I think Finau grew, and coming of the bench looked good. They will be better next year.
Might disagree on a fair bit here. I like Jordan at fullback. His lack of tries reflects the poor backline from nz, and possibly no Mo'unga.
I personally think there's a stack of backline talent in nz but we're failing to adjust to the modern defensive structures. I don't like the 12/13 combo, but the ABs need to try some different tactics or we're setting up the next guys to fail. Just too predictable. Italy didn't need to adjust their defence the entire game.
Very happy with the forwards, not sold on Barrett as captain or even starting. At this point I'd rather Vaa'i and Tuipulotu start and Barrett on the bench. Question is, who becomes captain? And that identifies NZs major issue. Who are yhe options? Savea, a Barrett, Tuipulotu, Taylor. Future, maybe Roigard and Sititi, but that's a few years away
@Thudsrayz Only disagreed on Jordan at Fullback..
Word out of the camp is that Sititi is absolutely future leadership quality, all depends on how long we wait to see it. With Razor, who knows.
Scott Barrett looked out of his depth against France. His body language when talking to the ref was not good, all bent over.
The backline was clunky and DMac has stood out as a 10 rather than Barrett. Iaone was not in form all year, razor keeps picking him? Havili should not be there at all. Maybe leon MacDonald really was right to disagree because the backs haven't looked good.
The forwards have been excellent, with some new guys coming through.
@jamesthomas8376 thanks for sharing your views.
Agree on midfield and back 3 - we're not there yet with the right combinations
Thanks for the comment
I actually agree with most of what you're saying here Mark. I'd give the team a pass for the year, but only a B-.
Positives:
1.) Unearthed a lot of new talent in the forwards.
2.) Bench became more effective as the year went on.
3.) Discipline did start to improve in the last 3-4 games.
4.) Caleb Clarke was a monster on the wing.
5.) B. Barrett and D.Mac showed some good touches at times.
6.) Roigard looks to be the future at half-back.
Negatives:
1.) No attacking punch in midfield.
2.) Ongoing uncertainty around who our number 10 is.
3.) Our discipline and decision making under pressure still suspect.
4.) Not enough new debutants tried in the back-line.
5.) Players like ALB and D. Houdini need to be totally left out of the squad.
@waffle_burger8499 Positives No 3 - Discipline. 2 Yellow cards v Italy !!!!!!!
@insiderugbywithmark Didn't watch the last game, but the England and Irish games showed an improvement in the discipline area. The Italy game all-round sounded like a s$$tshow, from the Haka through to the game itself.
If houses are built on foundations, rugby teams especially good ones are built on forward packs, and we are looking at a very good forward pack, the potential for this team is scary once the backline and bench is sorted!! Let the players go overseas and make money, it's our coaches we don't want to go overseas and make other nations better, that's the real problem.
@samkohi8705 thanks for sharing your views on this, really appreciate it.
It's a bit of a case of "here's the new stuff, same as the old stuff." Still too many guys out of their best position, and a number of guys selected on favoritism despite average form or injury profiles. You can see alot of people making excuses, like "toughest start in years", "it's a big step up from Super Rugby", "so many veterans departed after 2023" etc. Well fine, but no-one gave Fozzie any quarter when it came to lackluster on-field performances, losses at home to middling opposition or record scores conceded.
To answer the question posed at the top of the clip: I predicted 9 wins, with at least one over SA and two over Argentina. Didn't think they'd beat England at Twickenham or Ireland at the Aviva, reckoned they'd lose to France and drop at least one against Aussie. The opening games v England were also a coin toss, and I suspected we'd drop at least one result. So I was nearly there but not totally accurate. Happy to be wrong about England and Ireland away, surprised we lost to the Pumas and couldn't even get one against SA. Robertson's basic gameplan is just that: basic, unvaried provincial rugby tactics, heavily dependent on set-piece and defence, and on the natural ability of individual players to conjure miracles rather than break down defences with sound, intelligent strategic play. In other words, we're more or less where we were in Fozzies first year. Funnily enough.
@Formakiwi Thanks for sharing this, besides the dismissing of the World Ranked No 5 team beating us at home, I agree with some of your other sentiments.
Things that must be addressed. Reiko is not a centre. Not at all. We need a proper 10. After that its all fine and the current personal can get it done. leister faiinuku for the other wing? what about leister at centre? who knows. What about samapeni at center? what about anyone but reiko
He needs better coaching at centre. He’s got everything needed, the speed, defence, size .. but he doesn’t know what it MEANS to be centre. Distribution, link, decision making etc.
Baffles me how no coach has been able to teach him
@Lesssvav well he was a wing. So he learned none of that and he may never unlearn it. Passing, punch through the tackle, bread n butter that he's missing. Couple times he foubd himself out wide on the wing he was great.
@Edgycoo thanks for sharing your views on this lot
I am in support of this all blacks side, it is just a matter of getting the right players in those key areas. I do believe the midfield is the key loss here, Reiko is still the talented player we all know but his talents belong on the wing and he can still offer something there. I think the players in the midfield right now do not fit with how razor wants to play. We all expected them to do well cause its under razor but remember Razor is rebuilding and the most important thing is winning the world cup.
@Daywalker685 thanks very much for sharing your views.
i agree with most of your summary of the All Blacks 2024 season.Yes Jordan back to the right wing,Mckenzie possibly at fullback,Telia on the left wing,Love at centre,Clarke at 2nd 5,Perofeta at 1st five,Riogard half back.Situtu 8,,Savea 7,Jorgeson 6,Vaii and Barrett locking,front row Taylor with any others in the front row as they all great.Captaincy to Riogard,Barrett is no captain,it is so embarresing listening to him at press conferences humming and haaing.The bench will look after itself as there is so much depth there..
@bruceskinner3671 thank you for the comment, appreciate it
Mark, I have 2 words for the All Blacks: New Blood!
@DaveBattenWold I have one word, Yes.
I agree Mark. Jordan is currently our best 14. If Razor wants to leave him at 15 then move Ioane to 14, bring Narawa in and drop Reece. I would like to see:
15 Jordan
14 Ioane
13 Procter
12 AJ Lam
11 Clarke
10 Perofetta
9 Roigard
8 Sotutu
7 Lakai
6 Sititi
5 Holland
4 Vaa'i
3 Lomax
2 Taylor (c)
1 Williams
16 Aumua
17 Tu'ungafasi
18 Tosi
19 Tuipolotu
20 Savea
21 Hotham
22 McKenzie
23 Love
I know Savea on the bench will be criticized, but he will bring added experience, instant impact, and him and McKenzie could be a weapon with 30 min to go. A team doesn't need specified vice captains. Captains have a leadership group they can discuss things through with. If Taylor goes off, Tuipolotu and Savea as well as Ioane are there. We could use Papali'i at 7, depending on the team we are playing, for a tighter 7. We actually have a number of locks we could use with Lord, Darry and Barrett still able to slot in.
@markreilly105 for me this is looking pretty close to ideal BUT....
I would experiment at No 10 and see if we having a sleeping giant for that role in NZ rugby somewhere. Still give Perofeta the backing for a few games and see how he manages.
Forwards back three for me, 8) Sititi 7) Savea and 6) Blackadder, I hear you about Ardie off the bench but he brings too much calmness at the start of games for me, we need him then. Thought Paddy and Lakai off the bench worked well.
Reiko on the wing yes, if he is to stay in the team.
@@insiderugbywithmark Definately try out young guys. Look at 2011, Carter, Injured, Slade, injured. We need to make sure we don't repeat that history by developing young players early and that is with all positions.
I'm afraid I will never be a fan of Blackadder at 6, there are 6's around who are ahead of him and, on this year's selections, if they played in red and black would have been picked. I believe it is an unconscious bias, not intentional. Sititi is our best 6 and could be as good, if not better, than Kaino. He is alot more well rounded as a player, and remember Kaino was an 8 for Auckland and the Blues. I would be happy with Savea at 7, especially while Lakai and Papali'i are given time off the bench to develop. 2 years ago, everyone wanted Papali'i instead of Cane, even touting him as a prospective All Black captain, when Cane had his injury. If he recreates that sort of form, he will once again become our go to 7, I feel.
I am with you about Jordan on the wing. I still believe it is his best position for the team. Sometimes we have to remember to do the best for the team, and this year I think Razor has missed that in his selections.
I know a lotta people want to see Savea at 7 and Sititi at 8. But I have to ask
1) do we have a problem at 8? Are we seeing Savea getting run over, not making gains, not getting over the ball? Is there a better 8? Not according to the stats and world rugby
2) is there an injured player who plays 6, better than Sititi? We tried 3 of them, and Sititi was outstanding
3) is there a better 7? Lakai was amazing and top of super stats, Papalii is no slouch and when fit, Blackadder had some outstanding games.
It's not a case of a players positional preference, its about where they play best in the unit. When we give in to that, we have reiko at centre.
@derekng9766 Good point indeed. With the abundance of Loosies I think most of us want to see the best combination in each position start the game, and the best IMPACT players come off the bench to finish the game.
Where is our Kwagga Smith or RG Synman who comes on and makes a huge impact?
@insiderugbywithmark I think the bench improved over time, and you can certainly see a difference between the start and end of season. Patrick did a great job coming off the bench and making a mark. Big unit, lots of explosive running. So did the props. It's a weird thing to audition for cause we're picking players for consistency, whereas the bench role is "tear in up for 20mins".
@derekng9766 yet the facts will tell us that Patrick came on against France in the 54th min and NZ had 70% possession in the final 10mins of the game yet the AB´s couldnt win ! - Impact off the bench?
@insiderugbywithmark true, but each bench player has their own role, whether it's making more gains against tiring bodies, hitting harder in tackles, etc. Personally I think it's the backline that's a bit toothless: if we're not setting up tries at the beginning of the game and during it, it's quite an ask to do it in the last 20mins under more pressure.
Lots to sort out, overall ABs WELL SEE
@ClydeJacobs-q8j thanks for the comment
Like you I believe that there is genuine progress in the forwards. Williams, Sititi, Vai, Aumua all have done well. I would like Darry to get a few more chances and Lakai.
The backs have been disappointing on attack, not defence. Jordin Barrett's best position is fullback not no. 12. He does not have the ability to break through tight defences that good teams have today. Ioane is not a 13, he is better on the wing. I like the look of Proctor at 13 and hope he gets more of a run in '25. Telea is good on his favored right wing. Clarke is great at 11. Leister Fainganuku might be worth a look at 12. Nalaga to come in for Reece. In the forwards Lakai looks more promising than Popalihi and Jacobsen. I would like to see if Blackadder can have a season without significant injuries. If he can't in '25, let him go. I always wanted Savea as captain, it doesn't affect his game. Scott Barrett has been a bit disappointing this year. We should be able to get more out of him. Let him be vice captain. Yes we need to check out Love at no. 10 I would agree. Scott Robertson has been a bit too conservative.
@kevinrombouts3027 thanks for sharing what you have, an interesting read.
How much they grow next year is gonna be the test of this AB team.
They grew a lot this year but still aren’t where they should be in terms of discipline in execution - as in, their skills break down too often under pressure and a kind of white line fever.
They’ve lacked composure, sometimes trying too hard i think - all the yellow cards they gave up.
We made more line breaks against every team in every game, except Bok’s 2nd test.
So for mine, AB’s need to mature into a more composed side next year, to bring the level of accuracy they’ve lacked and should have in their finishing.
But we grew and also unearthed a lot of really good players - Vaii has totally taken over running the lineout like another Whitelock, Aumua, Williams, Tosi, Roigard, Ratima.
Hotham is gonna make it, so will big and athletic Fabien Holland when he gets his chance imo. Darry, Blackadder was great at 6 and could play 7 also i think, Sititi even better, Lakai.
The Ireland test showed Dmac is getting where they want him game management wise and they should’ve stuck with starting him for mine cos he creates a lot and also makes a lot of those line breaks.
So lots of growth and some good attack game strategy evolution this year but for me that has to lead to an 80% or more win rate for next year to be a success, cos this year was just a pass results wise - but i think AB’s (probably WB’s also) have more potential improvement in them than any other top test nation.
@TheRickpage thanks so much for sharing what you have.
You use the word growth, what I would like to see from the All Blacks next year is an improvement with their accuracy.
Razor wants this team to play a fast paced expansive game, while being able to hang with any forward pack on the planet.
This year we saw crucial errors in their ¨accuracy ¨ , even from the man you are a fan of, DMAC, at different times that cost us some games as well as discipline issues. Yellow cards.
@@insiderugbywithmark Yeah more accuracy, that's what i said. Dmac was the best kiwi 10 in SR thus the best we have at the moment and for that fast expansive game you want a player that sparks things like he does. Ireland MOM showed he’s getting there game management wise. Im not a fan just think he's the best guy for the job till Mounga comes back.
Lets see a possibles team up against
The
All blacks next season
🤔 stevenson- proctor- love- aj lamb higgins in the backs-- blackadder captain lord holland sotou-dary etc 😗 be interesting challenge razors selection🖤💯💪
@napintasboli7939 YES, us old timers remember the great Possibles V Probables games and the North v South matches. Great stuff
For 2025, I would to see more of
1. Lakai at 7(starting or bench)
2. Fabian Holland debut
3. Sam Darry
4. Perofeta at 10
5. AJ Lam, Riley Higgins, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor at 12-13
6. Ruben at 15 with WJ -14 and CC - 11
And no more called up for fringe players like Havili and Sevu who haven’t being able to be at their peak for awhile now (some not even performing at SRP)
@khairilhafizi I have to say, I am pretty much with you on this lot
Interesting year for the ABs. Some games we could have won and others we could have lost 😔 I don't think we should push the panic button as its still early in Razors' campaign😏 My only problem is with NZRs overseas players eligibility rules😕 Let's scrap that and give our coach more options 🤔
@fabiangroom3228 thanks so much for joining in the conversation on this topic. The NZR Overseas Player Policy has been in place for more than 27 years, during which time the AB´s won the World Cup. Do you really think its the issue?
@insiderugbywithmark thanks Mark for replying. The answer is straight and simple: It's working for the Boks and I don't see why it can't work for us. The game has also become more of a financial opportunity for those fringe players that don't make the cut however they could be useful to the ABs in one way or the other. I don't think we should go out and grab everyone playing abroad but there are the odd players that are or can be a key selection. In fact, why don't you do a video on all overseas based NZ players and give us an idea what we're looking at regarding AB potentials amongst them. Another idea is to create an international AB team and see how they fare against teams like the Maori ABs or our second team. The bottom line is, if we have back up players that we can call on, it gives the coach much more peace of mind regarding injuries to key players.
@fabiangroom3228
Did you know that the current Overseas Player policy has a clause that allows the AB coach to select overseas based players if the position in question can be justified to the Board?
This clause was used when Dan Carter signed to play in France, yet wasnt used as he got injured before he went and played in France.
@@insiderugbywithmark no I didn't know that mark. I must say though that the game is growing and becoming much more professional. We've seen this kind of problem manifest in football too with South American countries not able to access their European based players however sport is evolving and becoming more global and hopefully NZR acknowledges that and adapts accordingly.
Hey
@fabiangroom3228 thanks so much for getting me to really think about what you wrote. What does ¨more professional ¨ actually mean from your perspective?
I am pretty sure that the 2015 All Blacks could beat this current team, thats 9 years apart, so what has changed ¨professionally ¨.
For me its not about the AB´s having access to overseas players. Its about building depth in the NZ system, making that black jersey revered once again, I think its lost that aura among young kids in NZ, and to make sure the NZ coaching system keeps the best candidates. But thats just my opinion.
For me the back row lacks balance . 3 guys all 6ft 2 and lacking heft . Ardie is amazing and has to play but he is also part of the problem with his size. I suspect he’s the lightest No 8 amongst the top sides. We definitely need at least one big bloke in the loose forward mix. I also don’t understand why Proctor and Plummer didn’t get chances. For me it’s Proctor and A.J.Lam who could be the answer. Outside backs should be Jordie or Love at fullback with Jordan and Clarke on the wings. Emoni Narawa was also discarded way too soon and needs to come back into the options out wide.
@TPRugbyfan here is some information for you on the current starting No 8s from a few countries.
C. Doris - Ireland 1.93m and 111kgs
J.Wiese - South Africa 1.90m and 120kgs
B. Earl - England 1.83m and 107kgs
J.Dempsey - Scotland 1.95m and 108kgs
J.Oviedo - Argentina 1.91m and 113kg
G.Aldritt - France 1.91m and 115kgs
A. Savea - New Zealand 1.88m and 95kgs
Your assumption is correct.
@ Thanks for doing the research. I remember yrs ago when Ardie first went away with the AB’s as an apprentice. The guy was a bean pole. He clearly hit the gym and eat lots of protein at some stage thereafter, but there is only so much you can build your body up. In a way it’s a compliment to his determination that he has the leg drive that he does and no AB loose forward has scored more tries, but just occasionally he gets driven back in the tackle by bigger opponents.
@TPRugbyfan You are welcome. Let me throw this out there. Kwagga Smith is 1.81m and 91kgs and yet he comes on and has the impact he has for the Boks, and is a try scoring machine, so I would say, maybe there is a compromise in what Ardie gives away in pure size, he makes up for in other areas of his game. IMHO
@@insiderugbywithmark Kwagga is a great players for sure!
I did not like that we changed the line up against France. I wish we went with the winning line up against Ireland.
DMAC player of the match and Asafos performance should have been enough to start against France. The All Blacks start well. We’re usually up at half time regardless who starts it would seem. Why change a winning formula…
I feel we missed DMacs ability to create space in the last two tests.
He was recognised by world rugby making the dream team and Will Jordan at 15. Congrats to Lomax and Sititi as well.
@BerniceAdams-e6v thanks for sharing your view. I will just add, World Rugby get things wrong in the eyes of many, often.
@ and that is your view.
Forwards seem quite good and comparable to other teams. Half Backs shaping up well. Except for Jordan and Clark, the others seem mediocre at best. Captaincy I am not happy. I like Ardie should lead the team. How much of game is on Razor is debatable. I like SA approach to the game. NZ seem to be struck in the past, and not trusting the upcoming youngsters. This fascination with the Barret brand is taking its toll on the team.
Tjoe I AGREE 100%, AB NEEDS TO LOOK LOCAL NZ HAVE AWESOME GUYS. I PRAY 2025 AB MOVED PASS BARRETTE OVERREALIANCE , START USING LAM, PROCTOR, LOVE AND OTHER STARS FROM PROV TEAMS ETC
@RexJebamoney Solid comment in my opinion, thanks for making it.
Agree on forwards and halfback, but Beauden won World player of the year twice playing 10, and NO AB Coach has backed him since to be their starting 10. Back him. He'll be there in the next world cup, and yes blood some new 10s along the way.
@jamesfeeney544 Thanks for the comment. Sorry, respectfully disagree on B Barrett he last won the award 7 years ago, rugby has moved on in many ways. We need a new crop of 10´s in my opinion.
I would give the ABs a B minus and come 2025 i expect a lot more from Razor no more excuses. I want the ABS to win the 2027 world cup and that mean's blend in more new talent .
@allblacks9100 Thank you for the comment
Higgins Faianganuku Lam Proctor Thomas Umaga Jenson are options to name a few
Yes, yes yes and yes
I CANT WAIT FOR NEW TEAM 2025. IMAGINE A PROPER NEW LOOK 10, 12 13, Love Lam Proct, Jordin 15 Roigart 9 etc
000
Lets see what we get
Very fair analysis without the usual complacency about "learnings" etc. Truth is that most of the problems present at the beginning of the season were still there at the end. OK, some positives (forwards, defense) but for the fan, the All Blacks have been a tough watch (errors and fumbles, silly penalties, predictable tactics etc), sometimes very frustrating (second-half falloffs, squandered occasions). Is this the fault of the coach (coaches) or the players ? We still don't know exactly why Leon McDonald walked out. Do we need a psychological coach like Gilbert Enoka ? The backline has been clunky all season. We need more experimentation and innovation. A pass mark on paper but overall disappointing in quality (even the wins were not entirely satisfactory).
@DavidBuxton-e9q thank you for the feedback.
On your response, cant disagree on anything, spot on
Hopefully we see Joseph manu in the abs backline one day
Bro they need someone like Joe Manu man is a beast.
@samkohi8705 time for me to do some homework by the look of it.
Agreed … the back line looks lost
@scottmiller4766 thanks for the comment
I think Plummer could have been a very very good AB no 10.
NZRU needs to wake up to themselves and allow players to play overseas, the real problem is our coaches going overseas and making other teams better.
@mikescudder4621 many feel that he should had least been given a decent chance.
@samkohi8705 Yes, imagine Joe Schmidt, Tony Brown, Jamie Joseph and Razor all working together
@@insiderugbywithmark Razor so far a very big disappointment
What’s wrong with Mounga at 10 he still has 2 world cups in him, bb still has 1, dmac stilll has 2 world cups in him
@EdgarJnrJnr He´s 30 years old, two might be a stretch.
@@insiderugbywithmark I understand you
@@insiderugbywithmark but look at retallick and whitelock
Ive been saying it for about a year now Reiko and Jordie sell Sponsorship product.... Abs sold like 20 percent of the brand too an american company. Leon leaves because he cant make the necessary changes to the back line. Time after time we see Posterboys on the field... Smells fishy... and to top it all of the springboks pulled out of super rugby (Fair enough) Because the Nzru wanted to rip them off. No exposure for the younger lads... The writings on the wall for Nz rugby.
@blackace001 thanks for sharing your view, despite it being pretty dark.
Mark, a top review! Has Scott Robertson not proved superior to Ian Foster? Has Scott underwhelmed for you? The 12/13 & No.10 roles have highlighted his limitations perhaps, as a guru rugby 🏉 genius...?
@richposports7030 OK, you ask some interesting things, so here´s my take.
Comparing Foster and Robertson is like comparing Biden and Trump. Two different teams with two different agendas. Razor is in the rebuilding phase heading to 2027. Fosters mandate was to win the 2023 RWC with a very experienced team.
Has Scott underwhelmed me? - No. His selections in some key positions in my opinion have been confusing. His lack of experimentation in those positions seems very conservative.
On 10,12,13 I would reply as above, his lack of experimenting with those positions has disappointed me.
ABs fluency totally not there
They looking for support
This is where all teams got caught out
Giving them that status of wizzards
Where as before they didn’t have to
They just were
@tpatchie Interesting thoughts, thank you for sharing
Lol, asafa aumua at 2nd 5. How about Levi Aumua. Now we're talking. Sadly, he moved to the crusaders when they had an off season. Way better than Reiko.
@barneyboy2008 Did you see Asafo Aumua play at 12 for Marist High School, you may not have thought it was so funny after all.
@insiderugbywithmark no, but those days are long ago. Have you seen Levi play for the Mako and Moana pacifica?
Front rows look good , Vaai good ,Barrett mixed bag silly penalties overwelmed as Cpt,6 7 and 8 still not really sorted who plays where, Cam getting in the slot at 9 but Ratima have my doubts like to see more of Hotham, 10 Ritchie sorely missed BB finished pretty good but the future ? as with Dmac. Clarke starting to really look good, 12 13 both out of position we have better options also ALB bourght nothing to the table. Reece should have played his last game as an AB , Telea mixed bag hot and cold ,15 Jordan although he is a great winger maybe hes starting to fit as 15. Still a lot of talent in theXV that didnt get a shot Love as one. The bench, forwards mostly made some impact but but but game management, handling , kicking , protecting the ball, backing up the breakout player and the biggest just stupid penalties from players that should know better and 4 losses against top 5 teams makes the wins that where all not walk overs look pretty slim in the big pcture. For me a wasted year with a no risk no fun attitude and the head coach not able to say jeezz we need to get a heap better than this.
@gordocooper9199 thanks for sharing your views here. Interesting reading.
@@insiderugbywithmark keep up the great work 👍
Thank you
I agree Jordan should be wing
Thank you
@insiderugbywithmark Jordan Wing, Barret 15 and dmac 23, mounga 10 then we have to add other 10's as backup
Who are the ¨other ¨10´s ?
@@insiderugbywithmark that’s when the plummers & Brett Cameron’s come in
Mckenzie makes the world team at 10 and still mark cant say anything good about him yet the games where barret was at 10 the abs attack was even worse.
Hey mister, you are barking up the wrong tree.
Take the time, go back and watch and listen to my videos again. I have repeatedly said that I believe McKenzie is best suited to the bench ( along with many many others here in the comments). and that hes done a great job there v England as an example.
I dont need to agree with whoever picks a fantasy world team, and I dont, as many of us dont, we have our views and opinions and thats what this channel is about.
His name is Tuipulotu, with a U in the middle
Thank U
We do not have the quality of players we once did. Apart from a couple of stand outs the team is mediocre still.
@fredkelly6953 Interesting comment, while I respect it, I dont agree with you. NZ is full of talent, they just need to be given a chance
Wow what a year! plenty to discuss, from losing to Argentina at Wellington, smashing Ireland in Ireland and TJ weaponising the haka for his own narcissistic political agenda. I’m a proud kiwi living in Philly USA (political partisanship far too evident here)disappointed with NZRFU for not condoning TJ’s antics. On a brighter note I think we will see more cohesion within the squad next year.
@jamesward9372 Mr Philly, interesting read. Lets see what 2025 brings, thanks for sharing your views on this one. Stay warm, its about to get very chilly up your way,
The forwards are going ok, rating B, work on for forwards, new 7 & 8 required. Backs 10, 12 13 to be replaced, 11, 14, and 15 there is depth there. Rating, C. On field, they need new captain.
Hoskins Karifi etc
10 12 13 wow we think similar, butI wish AB STAY WITH LOCAL GIVE PLAYINGCHANCE AND KEEP DEVELOP, NOW LOVE, LAM PROCT
@steveosullivan4211 thanks for the sharing
Since 95 wen rugby went professional greed is killing the game.robertson wants overseas players available😂why mouanga chased the money,in reality most people liv on modest incomes,not much wrking all yr to feed families and buy or rent house etc,mouanga etc bn in the npc system getting payed gd money,thn super rugby,getting gd money,thn test rugby and contract and match payments,endorsements etc,getting bloody gd money.they hav bn in the system for yrs but still chasing money in japan etc,no they shudnt just come bak into ab's.how much money do u nd 😂.greed is killing the game in al aspects,players and administrators.agree with beaver,ab's is pinnacle of nz rugby,its a privilege and sacrifices like not chasing money wen u already get bloody gd money in nz ,to play and represent our nation.😊
@SteveEdwards-kh5hg one thing that is maybe overlooked in this conversation. Some people just love the idea to go and live overseas and to get to experience another culture for a while. That also plays into it.
@insiderugbywithmark just another quick point mark.bak in August after beating fiji in USA,Makenzie went awol and missed the tesm bus to airport.he had to Uber 210 km to airport to to get flight with team.no disciplinary action.played nxt test against Argentina and the nxt 4 test.boy wat did de groot do thn to get disciplined if MacKenzie didn't lol.is there double standards.lol.
@SteveEdwards-kh5hg Interesting read. thanks for the share
Also I dont understand y AB WANTS TO GO OUTSIDE, DISREGARDING NOT GIVING CHANCE TO LOCAL NZ HAVE A LOT OF TALENT. USE THEM BE4 THINKING GOING NORTH
Its going to take a miracle for the ABs to be dominant and formidable like they were in the Mccaw days. Being stuck with weak Australian teams in the super rugby competitions is hurting them.
@Swannyjoe464 HMM not so sure. 1pt loss to France, a try away from beating the Boks at home, wins over England and Ireland and an improving Argentina team, was it really that terrible?
Thought it was a par year they have developed a very good forward pack which is getting better thats the positive, the negatives well a average back line no penetration dodgy selections, and then the last game first they used the Haka to make a political statement and at the same time dished up the worst performance of the year against Italy, rating about a 6...
@hartley9958 Who would you like to see in the backline then?
@@insiderugbywithmark i would prefer Jordie Barrett and Proctor team up backed up by Riley Higgins who will be a lot better next year and Bailyn Sullivan who runs hard and has a ton of speed and good hands, and the wingers well theres plenty of good ones in NZ as long as its not Sevu Reece who has no pace and makes too many mistakes........
6 sounds about right, can't understand why Razor's stuck with Ioane in midfield
@hartley9958 great share, thanks for that
Free Hoskins !!
Cant see it happening
@insiderugbywithmark you're probably right. Because Imo, he was the stand out loosie in super rugby and still missed selection. But one could always hope
In all the loses the BARRETTE 3 BROTHERS STARTED, HAVILI AND THE BARRETTES HAD THEIR TIME. IF 2025 Razor keep fielding old stuff in backline be sure we will talk same. 10 12 13 need new blood.
Yes, wish my Surname was Barrett it's going to be very interesting next year when Scott isn't in the best two locks Vai and Holland and Darry are already better
@@philliproberts7294😂
@@philliproberts7294NZ HAVE AWESOME PLAYER, BUT TENDS TO RELY ON OTHER THINGS.
@@philliproberts7294I pray hugh Holland get with Vaai and PT A CHANCE
Slow and sluggish
OK
AB's will only have shot at #1 when they start using their overseas players. They need to change their rule.
@NicoEls-y3u thanks so much for sharing your views.
They start doing that and the Domestic game in NZ will suffer unless they bring in a rule where a player who has played a set number of tests is allowed compensations...
@@hartley9958they juzt need to not be afraid, give local chance
@@hartley9958I aggree they have so many Domestic stars not wanting to use them.
Doesn't seem right after all those head knocks will Jordan....a lack of pace out ,,, differently a problem in the midfield...we don't have a abundance of talent there
Jordan looked slow in the last few games.
Bring back tony brown !!
That would be good, Joe Schmidt as well