All Blacks' (likely) Squad Fitness (form?) Updates

In response to LondonTiger's Lions' fitness thread, here's my crack at the NZ squad prospects. Any updates appreciated


Updated June 16th

Player	Position	Notes
Dane Coles	Hooker	Concussion. Looking unlikely for the Lions now
Codie Taylor	Hooker	Misfired in the lineouts for the Crusaders vs Lions. Excellent game vs Samoa
Liam Coltman	Hooker	Injury cover for Coles. Good for the Highlanders vs the Lions. Not selected vs Samoa
Nathan Harris	Hooker
Joe Moody	Prop	Scrum & defence good vs Samoa
Wyatt Crockett	Prop
Kane Hames	Prop	Maori Squad
Owen Franks	Prop
Charlie Faumuina	Prop
Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen	Prop	Not selected
Ofa Tu'ungafasi	Prop	Backup prop as he can play both sides of the scrum at a pinch
Brodie Retallick	Second row
Sam Whitelock	Second row	In good form prior to sitting out a 2 week ban for striking the (Golden) Lions player who took him out in the air
Scott Barrett	Second row	Back from injury for a good 30 mins off the bench vs Samoa
Luke Romano	Second row	Has slipped behind Barrett, but playing fairly well
Patrick Tuipolotu	Second row	Not selected
Jerome Kaino	Back row	Back from knee surgery & played well vs Samoa
Liam Squire	Back row	Broken thumb. Due back mid June
Stephen Luatua	Back row	Not selected
Sam Cane	Back row
Ardie Savea	Back row	Returning to the 'Canes' bench after concussion June3. Has been In imperious form at both 7 & 8
Kieran Read	Back row	Broken thumb. Due back early June - not expected to play before the 1st test
Luke Whitelock	Back row	Not selected
Elliot Dixon	Back row	Released to play for the Maori
Matt Todd	Back row	Injury cover selection
Akira Ioane	Back row	Injury cover for Abs, released to play for the Maori
Vaea Fifita	Back row	Injury cover for Abs. Good off the bench vs Samoa
Aaron Smith	Scrum half
TJ Perenara	Scrum half
Tawera Kerr-Barlow	Scrum half
Augustine Pulu	Scrum half	Not selected
Beauden Barrett	Outside half
Aaron Cruden	Outside half	Missed Samoa test due to leg injury for Chiefs vs Canes
Lima Sopoaga	Outside half	Hamstring kept him out until mid-May. Average for the Highlanders vs Lions, good off the bench vs Samao
Ryan Crotty	Centre	Rib cartilage injury. May be back for the 1st test
Anton Lienart-Brown	Centre
Sonny Bill Williams	Centre
Ngani Laumape	Centre	Bolter - playing like a young Nonu for the Canes this season
Jack Goodhue	Centre	Injury Cover for Crotty. Excellent Super Rugby season, had some good moments for the Crusaders vs the Lions
Malikai Fekitoa	Centre	Not selected
Charlie Ngatai	Centre	Missed a year of rugby due to concussion. In the Maori squad
George Moala	Centre	Not selected
Julian Savea	Wing	Not at his best yet. Normally peaks around August so WIP
Waisake Naholo	Wing	Excellent for the Highlanders vs the Lions
Nehe Milner-Skudder	Wing	In the Maori squad
Rieko Ioane	Wing	Excellent for the Blues vs the Lions
Seta Taminavalu	Wing	Not selected
James Lowe	Wing	In the Maori squad
Ben Smith	Full back
Israel Dagg	Full back
Damien McKenzie	Full back	In the Maori squad
Jordie Barrett	Utility	Decent on debut off the bench vs Samoa

There's a pile of useful stats here for those minded to look too http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/statscentre.cfm

Update, Dane Coles is concussed on top of his calf injury.

NZ definitely having the worst of the pre-tour injuries

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:NZ definitely having the worst of the pre-tour injuries

Not in numbers, but maybe in importance - though not sure.

Looking at your list and mine both have 7 players out with injury (though your NZ list is bigger). Both skippers currently injured. Both missing key players (Coles, Murray). Both missing talismanic back rowers (Kaino, O'Brien), both missing prolific wings (Milner-Skudder, North)

Updated the table in the OP - concussion symptoms for Cruden & SBW, broken thumb for Squire, sprained ankle Ben Smith

NZ Herald's Kiwi team of the week last week (May2) is here http://www.nzherald.co.nz/highlanders-rugby-team/news/article.cfm?c_id=223&objectid=11848414

I'll update this week when available

Plenty of bolters in the pack!

1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
2 Codie Taylor
3 Charlie Faumuina - Forward of the Week
4 Alex Ainley
5 Scott Scrafton
6 Steven Luatua
7 Dillon Hunt
8 Akira Ioane (honorary mention Liam Squire)
9 Aaron Smith - Back of the Week
10 Richie Mo'unga
11 Patrick Osborne (honorary mention George Bridge)
12 Ryan Crotty
13 Jack Goodhue
14 Waisake Naholo
15 Ben Smith (honorary mention David Havili)

I see the ABs are set to play France in the UAE next year. Odd one.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:I see the ABs are set to play France in the UAE next year. Odd one.

Ker-ching

It's the equivalent of the Chicago game vs Ireland - I presume that Dubai have fronted up on cash. And they have that nice stadium they use for the Dubai 7s each year

If AB`s have a weak area it is in the combinations in mid field,Dagg is fit
but not match fit.
Back row IF they can`t start Matt Todd a 7 I`d rate in the Hooper/Pockok
class,never has a bad match.Luke Whitelock at 8,Barrett at 6,not mention
Cane,Savea,Shields,Ioane.
Mid field who do you leave out,10`s they`ve about 8 could do job,back 3
lots of players who could do a job.
For me will Hansen ignore the defectors as he did Piutau,and blood the
youngsters at some points.

emack2 wrote:If AB`s have a weak area it is in the combinations in mid field,Dagg is fit
but not match fit.
Back row IF they can`t start Matt Todd a 7 I`d rate in the Hooper/Pockok
class,never has a bad match.Luke Whitelock at 8,Barrett at 6,not mention
Cane,Savea,Shields,Ioane.
Mid field who do you leave out,10`s they`ve about 8 could do job,back 3
lots of players who could do a job.
For me will Hansen ignore the defectors as he did Piutau,and blood the
youngsters at some points.

Yes you never know with Todd, Mr consistent. I think Cane and Savea are locked in for this series bar injury and that would make it interesting. Ioane's too soon. Too inconsistent, can go missing on defence and can be over aggressive off the ball.

His brother could make the wider squad, can play both centre and wing and is in stunning form, scoring just about every match, two last week.

Agree with the midfield. No one near Nonu or Smith yet unless L Brown backs up from last year. Crottys smart and like Todd super reliable.

No Luatua then Alan? Not a Dixon fan and Squires out so it's a bit raw of Kaino and Read done start.

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:

GunsGermsV2 wrote:I see the ABs are set to play France in the UAE next year. Odd one.

Ker-ching

It's the equivalent of the Chicago game vs Ireland - I presume that Dubai have fronted up on cash. And they have that nice stadium they use for the Dubai 7s each year

They probably want to buy rights to the haka...

Jeez those Barrett kids are good https://youtu.be/7gggo0Z0rjw (note, any NHers under 18 should probably cover their eyes )

NZH team of last weekend: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11852418

1. Pauliasi Manu (Blues) Honorary mention: Chris Eves (Hurricanes)

2. Liam Coltman (Highlanders)

3. Charlie Faumuina (Blues)/Owen Franks (Crusaders)

4. Tom Franklin (Highlanders)

5. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) - Forward of the Week

6. Brad Shields (Hurricanes)

7. Matt Todd (Crusaders) Honorary mention: Sam Cane (Chiefs) and Dillon Hunt (Highlanders)

8. Akira Ioane (Blues) Honorary mention: Luke Whitelock (Highlanders).

9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs)

10. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) Honorary mention: Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders)

11. James Lowe (Chiefs) - Back of the Week. Honorary mention: Reiko Ioane (Blues)

12. Tim Bateman (Crusaders) Honorary mention: Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs)

13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders) Honorary mention: Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs)

14. Waisake Naholo (Highlanders) -16 carries for 129 metres made, 12 defenders beaten, 4 line breaks, 3 off loads and 2 tries including the match winner.

15. Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)

Naholo seems to be nailing down a wing spot.

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:NZH team of last weekend: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11852418

1. Pauliasi Manu (Blues) Honorary mention: Chris Eves (Hurricanes)

2. Liam Coltman (Highlanders)

3. Charlie Faumuina (Blues)/Owen Franks (Crusaders)

4. Tom Franklin (Highlanders)

5. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) - Forward of the Week

6. Brad Shields (Hurricanes)

7. Matt Todd (Crusaders) Honorary mention: Sam Cane (Chiefs) and Dillon Hunt (Highlanders)

8. Akira Ioane (Blues) Honorary mention: Luke Whitelock (Highlanders).

9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs)

10. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) Honorary mention: Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders)

11. James Lowe (Chiefs) - Back of the Week. Honorary mention: Reiko Ioane (Blues)

12. Tim Bateman (Crusaders) Honorary mention: Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs)

13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders) Honorary mention: Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs)

14. Waisake Naholo (Highlanders) -16 carries for 129 metres made, 12 defenders beaten, 4 line breaks, 3 off loads and 2 tries including the match winner.    

15. Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)

Think Lowe is off to Leinster next year.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:NZH team of last weekend: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11852418

...
11. James Lowe (Chiefs) - Back of the Week. Honorary mention: Reiko Ioane (Blues)

12. Tim Bateman (Crusaders) Honorary mention: Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs)

13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders) Honorary mention: Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs)

14. Waisake Naholo (Highlanders) -16 carries for 129 metres made, 12 defenders beaten, 4 line breaks, 3 off loads and 2 tries including the match winner.    

15. Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)

Think Lowe is off to Leinster next year.

Yep.

Mutter mutter mutter

Signed A. Tasman Makos-Fan

Read to go into the first test cold. Sign of confidence for sure and not many players could pull it off, he's probably one that could.

Im not convinced that Read will start for the ABs. His form hasnt been great as it is and now he will have been off due to injury. Cant see Hansen selecting him for the first test.

Is there anything better than the Barrett display team at the moment?
What does that family have in their genetic makeup?

Dunno guns. His form was very good if not exceptional in the games he played between his wrist and thumb injuries. He'll be playing the first test I reckon because a 'thumb' injury doesn't really stop anyone from doing anything. He'll be fit as a fiddle and well up for it.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:Im not convinced that Read will start for the ABs. His form hasnt been great as it is and now he will have been off due to injury. Cant see Hansen selecting him for the first test.

With Squire unlikely to be fit for the 1st test I expect Read will be in. He was really good in the game he got injured in, and will have been able to do all his conditioning work while off. Though I expect Savea will be trialled at 8 vs Samoa

On the plus side, Kaino may be fit in time for Blues vs Lions

ebop wrote:Dunno guns. His form was very good if not exceptional in the few games he played between his wrist and thumb injuries. He'll be playing the first test I reckon because a 'thumb' injury doesn't really stop anyone from doing anything. He'll be fit as a fiddle.

He wont be match fit though. Do you think he was exceptional in the two tests v Ireland?

The NZ Herald gave him a six for the Dublin test

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751676

TV NZ gave him a 4/10 for the Chicago test

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/player-ratings-staunch-irish-break-all-blacks-2016-winning-streak

He's the captain of the ABs and a thumb injury with 6 weeks rehab behind him is not gonna stop him playing one of the more important games of rugby. To think otherwise kind of undermines the essence of the game imo.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

ebop wrote:Dunno guns. His form was very good if not exceptional in the few games he played between his wrist and thumb injuries. He'll be playing the first test I reckon because a 'thumb' injury doesn't really stop anyone from doing anything. He'll be fit as a fiddle.

He wont be match fit though. Do you think he was exceptional in the two tests v Ireland?

The NZ Herald gave him a six for the Dublin test

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11751676

TV NZ gave him a 4/10 for the Chicago test

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/player-ratings-staunch-irish-break-all-blacks-2016-winning-streak

You need to look at the most recent SR games for form. He was good. And digest Chris Rattue with a grain of salt because he's a rugby league man at heart and contrarian. He constantly has a pop at the current NZR regime despite them delivering two RWCs. He has a pop at NZ as much as he does NH rugby.

Thats fine Ebop but international rugby is a step above and playing Ireland is the closest he has experienced lately to what it will be like playing the Lions in the summer. Of course he is a good player so there is every chance he will come back all guns blazing. Only time will tell.

Yeah you're right about test matches. The Chicago test I think you can say Ireland showed up the ABs. Not just Read.

Everyone is talking about Beauden Barrett so I am very interested to see how much he lives up to the hype in as big as stage as this.

In 2005 there probably wasnt as much noise around Dan carter in the lead up to the Lions series. He also had a couple of years international rugby behind him but went on to put in probably the biggest performance of his career scoring scored two tries, converted three, kicked two penalties and 33 points which is a real rarity in international rugby.

He then went on to become world player of the year for the first time that year and never looked back.

Barrett is also a wonderful attacking player but does have some weaknesses, goal kicking being the most obvious one. What impressed me most about him when the ABs played Ireland wasnt the obvious things  like his attacking abilities it was his try saving tackle on a rampaging Sean O'Brien and also the fact that his goal kicking was actually very good.

As such a really interesting side story for me will be how much he will live up to his predecessors performance v the Lions all those years ago.

Barrett will tear it up. He had 4 crossfield kicks for try assists last week and I think 3 a few weeks ago.

Scottrf wrote:Barrett will tear it up. He had 4 crossfield kicks for try assists last week and I think 3 a few weeks ago.

He did one against Ireland too

ebop wrote:Dunno guns. His form was very good if not exceptional in the games he played between his wrist and thumb injuries. He'll be playing the first test I reckon because a 'thumb' injury doesn't really stop anyone from doing anything. He'll be fit as a fiddle and well up for it.

Yes surprised at that. He's had a couple of awesome matches for the Crusaders so far.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:Everyone is talking about Beauden Barrett so I am very interested to see how much he lives up to the hype in as big as stage as this.

In 2005 there probably wasnt as much noise around Dan carter in the lead up to the Lions series. He also had a couple of years international rugby behind him but went on to put in probably the biggest performance of his career scoring scored two tries, converted three, kicked two penalties and 33 points which is a real rarity in international rugby.

He then went on to become world player of the year for the first time that year and never looked back.

Barrett is also a wonderful attacking player but does have some weaknesses, goal kicking being the most obvious one. What impressed me most about him when the ABs played Ireland wasnt the obvious things  like his attacking abilities it was his try saving tackle on a rampaging Sean O'Brien and also the fact that his goal kicking was actually very good.

As such a really interesting side story for me will be how much he will live up to his predecessors performance v the Lions all those years ago.

His defence front on has really improved from the days He'd get run over all the time. But as last years World player of the year he's easily the best here at the moment, winning several matches for the Canes they would definitely have lost without him. He's a blimmin magician and as a Blues fan it was so annoying watching him dance all over them where the rest of his side was completely outplayed.

Taylorman wrote:
His defence front on has really improved from the days He'd get run over all the time. But as last years World player of the year he's easily the best here at the moment, winning several matches for the Canes they would definitely have lost without him. He's a blimmin magician and as a Blues fan it was so annoying watching him dance all over them where the rest of his side was completely outplayed.

I don't know what's going to be worse tomorrow morning, watching BB vs the Crusaders in the 1st half, or having to head out and miss the 2nd half

OP updated, injuries to Matt Todd & Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipolotu back, Dagg almost there

It was a boring enough game I thought. Both sides looked nervous and forced things a bit.

I think the Lions have a real chance of beating NZ..

I heard someone else say the ABs are there for the taking. The CEO of the Lions was on the radio in the weekend and he expects the Lions to win the series. We like it when we hear this kind of talk.

Well I guess you need some good news at this point.

Of course they are their for the taking, your Head Coach is saying the same thing.

That's right, we're there for the taking. It'll be like taking candy from a baby for the Lions.

ebop wrote:That's right, we're there for the taking. It'll be like taking candy from a baby for the Lions.

Was in Chicago. Just need to rattle Barrett with some high ball, get in the red zone and slot those 3 pointers while Moody is inevitably in the sin bin.

Yup. That sounds easy enough. When the Lions win the series will it be a clean sweep?

ebop wrote:Yup. That sounds easy enough. When the Lions win the series will it be a clean sweep?

Depends on how dirty Canterbury are this tourney.

ebop wrote:Yup. That sounds easy enough. When the Lions win the series will it be a clean sweep?

I guess with Gwlad we'll see a mouse slowly backing out the door as the tour progresses, or, if they win matches, a brightly coloured Peacock running around with its head cut off.

Either way it will be worth the seat.

Taylorman wrote:

ebop wrote:Yup. That sounds easy enough. When the Lions win the series will it be a clean sweep?

I guess with Gwlad we'll see a mouse slowly backing out the door as the tour progresses, or, if they win matches, a brightly coloured Peacock running around with its head cut off.

Either way it will be worth the seat.

meanwhile a totally and utterly plucked kiwi bird will be seen crawling majestically out of the stadium muttering something like 'my stomach hurts".

Gwlad wrote:

Taylorman wrote:

ebop wrote:Yup. That sounds easy enough. When the Lions win the series will it be a clean sweep?

I guess with Gwlad we'll see a mouse slowly backing out the door as the tour progresses, or, if they win matches, a brightly coloured Peacock running around with its head cut off.

Either way it will be worth the seat.

meanwhile a totally and utterly plucked kiwi bird will be seen crawling majestically out of the stadium muttering something like 'my stomach hurts".

 Sounds like a bit of a Lions tail.

ebop wrote:I heard someone else say the ABs are there for the taking. The CEO of the Lions was on the radio in the weekend and he expects the Lions to win the series. We like it when we hear this kind of talk.

I believe the ABs are there for the taking too. I dont think there is any point in showing up if you dont believe you are going to win be that foolish or not.

Hopefully having two French referees will help level the playing field when comes to ensuring the ABs pay for indiscipline. Hard to say but I suspect this will be any area where the Lions can expose the ABs. However, a start like the first test in SA in 2009 and the Lions can forget about a series win or any win I'd say.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:Hopefully having two French referees will help level the playing field when comes to ensuring the ABs pay for indiscipline. Hard to say but I suspect this will be any area where the Lions can expose the ABs. However, a start like the first test in SA in 2009 and the Lions can forget about a series win or any win I'd say.

 The All Blacks have never lost a test with Peyper, Garces or Poite as referee.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

ebop wrote:I heard someone else say the ABs are there for the taking. The CEO of the Lions was on the radio in the weekend and he expects the Lions to win the series. We like it when we hear this kind of talk.

I believe the ABs are there for the taking too. I dont think there is any point in showing up if you dont believe you are going to win be that foolish or not.

I think you might be misunderstanding the phrase 'there for the taking'

Achievable, obtainable. Ready to take advantage of.

Guns, unfortunately you can't have your favourite referee in charge because I think our record with him isn't so great. He's really really good at levelling the playing field.

ebop wrote:

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

ebop wrote:I heard someone else say the ABs are there for the taking. The CEO of the Lions was on the radio in the weekend and he expects the Lions to win the series. We like it when we hear this kind of talk.

I believe the ABs are there for the taking too. I dont think there is any point in showing up if you dont believe you are going to win be that foolish or not.

I think you might be misunderstanding the phrase 'there for the taking'

No not really. Maybe a slightly different interpretation that you. You dont think the ABs have any weaknesses?