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X-factor meets experience in former All Black's preferred World Cup squad
By Ned Lester
We are just five months away from the 2023 Rugby World Cup and halfway through Super Rugby Pacific’s regular season. The season to date may serve as a small sample size in the context of the year as a whole but plenty of rugby has been played and a number of players have made compelling cases for their role in the All Blacks‘ World Cup campaign.
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Some of those players have been rewarded with an endorsement from former All Blacks halfback Steve Devine, who named his “way too early” preferred All Black squad for the World Cup.
The selections were based on form in 2023, meaning injured players were unlikely to be selected.
Injuries to the likes of Fletcher Newell, George Bower and Angus Ta’avao made the Props selections easy enough said Devine, who selected just five Props, citing Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s ability to play both sides of the scrum as sufficient cover. Joining Tu’ungafasi, experienced campaigners Joe Moody and Nepo Laulala as well as 2022’s breakout stars Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax.
A familiar trio made up the Hooker selections, with the vast experience of Dane Coles and Codie Taylor complimenting the youthful X-factor of Samisoni Taukei’aho. Devine went on to say leaving Coles’ Hurricanes teammate Asafo Aumua on the outside looking in would not be the case if it weren’t a World Cup year.
Just three locks were selected, again with experience prioritised as Sam Whitelock, Brodie retallick and Patrick Tuipulotu edge out Chiefs youngsters Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord.
Scott Barrett’s presence in the loose forward selections makes up for the slim pickings at lock, he’s joined by captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea, along with up and comers Dalton Papali’i, Ethan Blackadder and Hoskins Sotutu.
Members of the 2022 All Blacks in Luke Jacobson, Akira Ioane and Shannon Frizzel were all considered while Cullen Grace and Dominic Gardiner were also strong candidates who Devine said just couldn’t fit into the 33.
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The halfbacks selections will be one of the most hotly contested come World Cup time and Devine again favoured experience, citing Cam Roigard as unlucky when naming his trio of Aaron Smith, Finaly Christie and Brad Weber.
No surprises in the No 10 selections with Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett named.
Midfield selections include past and future League star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, alongside Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Anton Lienart-Brown.
Damian McKenzie is named in the outside backs while offering cover at 10, and is joined by Chiefs teammate Shaun Stevenson as well as Crusaders pair Will Jordan and Leicester Fainga’anuku along with Mark Telea.
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The 31 selections leave two roster spots open, Devine named his top candidates to complete the squad in Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Levi Aumua and Caleb Clarke.
Here’s the full selected team:
Props:
Joe Moody
Ethan De Groot
Tyrel Lomax
Nepo Laulala
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Hookers:
Samisoni Taukei’aho
Dane Coles
Codie Taylor
Locks:
Sam Whitelock
Brodie Retallick
Patrick Tuipulotu
Loose forwards:
Sam Cane
Dalton Papali’i
Ethan Blackadder
Scott Barrett
Hoskins Sotutu
Ardie Savea
Halfbacks:
Aaron Smith
Finlay Christie
Brad Weber
First five-eighths:
Richie Mo’unga
Beauden Barrett
Midfielders:
Jordie Barrett
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Rieko Ioane
Anton Lienert-Brown
Outside backs:
Mark Telea
Leicester Fainga’anuku
Shaun Stevenson
Will Jordan
Damian McKenzie
Nope..
Will Jordan only there on reputation, haven't seen him in 2023...
Replace the 2 blues props with Taimiti Williams and one if the Chiefs props. Replace half backs Weber and Christie with Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima. Replace RTS with Alex Nankivell in the centres. Leave Beauden Barrett out completely, replace him with Perofeta. Replace Dane Coles with Asofa aumua. I think there are better locks that Patrick Tuipoluto around. Damien Mackenzie is a 10 not an outside back. Caleb Clarke should be in the outside backs along with the exciting new Chiefs winner (who's name starts with the letter N). I would not include Thomas Umanga-Jensen especially after his performance against the Force in Perth.
I agree with a lot of what you said. But I wouldn’t include Clarke. He’s lazy on defence. Are you talking about Narawa or Nanai-Seturo? Because they’re both exceptional. Aumua is a great hooker and has to go.
Roigard has to go. Drop either Finlay or Brad. RTS is a No as well. Not sure I would take Beaudie either. His form is terrible. Slot DMAC in there at flyhalf and take another bolter in the outside backs. Sick of players out of form but still getting selected.
If you are picking on form, how can you pick Jordan.
RTS won't go either
Interesting
Just as well you aren't a selector, the team you picked would get beaten by Australia, South Africa, Argentina, losing all games, then get caned by France 🇫🇷 in the first game at Rugby World Cup 2023.
Missing out on a semifinal spot, then playing off for 5th spot only to be beaten up by Japan.
The selection seems fair enough but wouldn't have Sotutu. He hasn't done enough consistently to deserve a spot - defence iffy.
There are others I would include.