Calling it early - our All Blacks squad

Do not panic! It might seem like floods of All Blacks are chasing the overseas coin — and more announcements will surely follow in the coming months — but that is not unusual in a World Cup year. It also does not mean the cupboard will be bare. Hayden Meikle goes ridiculously early to name a potential team for the first test of 2024 (under coach Scott Robertson?).

15

Will Jordan (Crusaders)

The most exciting player in the country, and he will get to play in his favoured position.

Wildcard: Zarn Sullivan (Blues).

14

Mark Telea (Blues)

Looked right at home when he made his test debut on the end-of-year tour.

Wildcard: Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs).

13

Rieko Ioane (Blues)

Not all are convinced he is a midfielder but Ioane is a class act.

Wildcard: Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Highlanders).

12

Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)

Our first-choice second five now and for years to come.

Wildcard: Riley Higgins (Hurricanes).

11

Caleb Clarke (Blues)

Nit-pickers think he doesn’t do enough. But no defence in world rugby relishes facing Clarke.

Wildcard: Macca Springer (Crusaders).

10

Stephen Perofeta (Blues)

The one position with more questions than answers from next year. Mo’unga gone, B. Barrett presumably gone, McKenzie uncertain, Carter still stubbornly sticking to retirement. It seems Perofeta’s jersey to lose.

Wildcard: Ruben Love (Hurricanes).

9

Folau Fakatava (Highlanders)

Replacing the GOAT will not be easy but Fakatava has some magic dust.

Wildcard: Cam Roigard (Hurricanes).

8

Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)

Perhaps the new full-time captain?

Wildcard: Peter Lakai (Hurricanes).

7

Dalton Papali’i (Blues)

Perhaps the new full-time openside?

Wildcard: Billy Harmon (Highlanders).

6

Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)

The search for consistency on the blindside continues.

Wildcard: Dom Gardiner (Crusaders).

5

Patrick Tuipolotu (Blues)

A steady hand following the end of the glorious Retallick-Whitelock era.

Wildcard: Fabian Holland (Highlanders).

4

Scott Barrett (Crusaders)

The search for consistency on Maintaining the two-Barrett minimum.

Wildcard: Zach Gallagher (Crusaders).

3

Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes)

Made remarkable progress in 2022 and seems set for a long career.

Wildcard: Ollie Norris (Chiefs).

2

Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs)

The most exciting new All Black in years.

Wildcard: George Bell (Crusaders)

1

Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)

The pride of Southland is only going to get better.

Wildcard: Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders).

Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Josh Lord, Akira Ioane, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku.

hayden.meikle@odt.co.nz