Fabien Galthie names France team for Italian job

Bottom line is this: the playing field across the provinces is far from level and arguing otherwise is both futile and laughable.

NZR and the public would much rather have him than not but he’s made a sensible decision for himself at this stage of his career - if he was 25, it’d be a much different situation.

Emoni deserves a decent crack after multiple strong super seasons, Sevu whilst a brilliant super rugby player has been found wanting against some of the better teams in internationals but is obviously a very experienced operator. Razor obviously likes Fihaki who’s been blooded in camp so there’s 3 players ready to roll. Then Reiko can play wing, Will Jordan is already one of the best 14s in the world (i’m looking forward to his growth as an international fullback of course). That’s 5 players ready to go for June.

Then there’s 8 very good uncapped players who could put their hand up (be baby’d) in Talea’s absence: Tavatavanawai, Tangitau, Springer, Taumoefalau, AJ Lam, Carter, Naholo, Nanai-Seturo.

I imagine that’s why the public isn’t overly panicked about the situation. This is of course an opinion.

It doesn’t look good. First it appears that Razor has that new age cooperate mentality and has chosen to prioritize the contracts of his favourites at the Crusaders, Reece, rather than any potential long term prospects of Tele’a playing at the next RWC. There is zero chance of Reece lasting that long, as a one dimensional winger already near the age of 30 (with recent news he ousted MacDonald because he wanted Reece selected over Tele’a). Now we’re hearing that a utility at the Crusaders, one ranked bottom of the pile in stats this year, is going to be included in his squad in Mark’s place.

I think it really is just another instance of recent examples how NZR are mismanaging players, on recent player movement/contracts I can only assume he wasn’t offered the normal rate, and that’s why he’s had to take this contract overseas. The unknown at the moment is how money in hand is being valued inside NZR with the current world financial environment.

I think they’ll look to Reece/Narawa and Clark to go with some consistency rather than aiming to find a new breakout star. Just one man’s opinion.