Taylor v Taukei'aho: Former All Black names his starter

Samisoni Taukei’aho’s selection in the All Blacks back in 2021 was questioned at the time, with fans confused why Asafo Aumua had lost his place in the pecking order.

Those questions were short-lived. Taukei’aho’s impact was immediate, scoring two tries on debut and going on to throw his 115kg frame around in a way that an underpowered All Blacks forward pack desperately needed.

The Chiefs hooker is dominant in the collision, looking like a cheat code for front foot ball in both domestic and international fixtures. The set piece work was more than up to All Blacks standard as well, both the lineout and scrum have been humming with Taukei’aho in the thick of the action, especially once new forwards coach Jason Ryan entered the picture.

While Taukei’aho’s rise has been steady, his predecessor Codie Taylor’s form has stumbled. Taylor was in unstoppable form in 2021, leading Super Rugby Aotearoa in tries and tackles while anchoring a strong, league-beating set piece.

Some hints from Taylor and All Blacks staff alluded to potential off-field distractions for the hooker which contributed to a monumental drop in form in 2022. An appearance off the bench in Christchurch against Argentina drew considerable criticism, as Taylor’s poorly thrown lineouts and general lack of presence contributed to Los Pumas’ first-ever win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil.

Fast forward to 2023, specifically the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs and Taylor’s form is well and truly back to World Class level.

Going head-to-head in the final, Taylor and Taukei’aho battled in a tight contest that ultimately went the way of the Crusaders.

“I think Codie Taylor has returned, not just to his best form, his best ever form.,” Jeff Wilson told SENZ.

“He’s gone another 80 (minutes). That’s what he’s done in another playoff game, that’s some sort of engine. You don’t see that from hookers.

“So for me, having the impact of a Samisoni Taukei’aho coming off the bench for the All Blacks in the last 30 minutes of a big test match would be incredibly dynamic.

“And I think they’ll be looking at it that way, hopefully not just with him, but a number of other players. The likes of a Damian McKenzie if he’s not starting, coming off the bench.

“That’s one of our great competitive advantages, and I’d love to see that happen.

“I saw him (Taylor) on the sidelines warming up, and I don’t know if he’s just put on a little bit of extra size, but he looks three, four, maybe five kg heavier than he’s looked in a long, long time and he carried it well and used it well.

“I think if you look at his semi-final performance and his final performance in Super Rugby, it was immense.”

Taylor did indeed play the full 80 minutes in the final after playing 72 minutes in the semi-final – he was replaced in the 65th minute but returned in the 73rd after an injury to Brodie McAlister.

The “bomb squad” is a popular option in World Rugby, bringing on explosive players to finish the game and punish any tiring opposition legs. Were Taukei’aho asked to play that role, he’s certainly got the physicality to make a difference.

Although it would disrupt what has proven to be a formidable front-row combination of Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax on either side of Taukei’aho.

Ian Foster and Jason Ryan will reveal their take on the debate when the first starting XV of the All Blacks’ season is announced next week.