At a glance
of form contenders and another selection conundrum. Does Plumtree pick Ioane at centre, where he has been playing the house down for the Blues, or on the wing where he has started all of his test rugby for the All Blacks?
Playing Ioane on the left wing, with Sevu Reece an automatic selection on the right side, would allow the North to start Hurricanes tackle-buster Ngani Laumape alongside Anton Lienert-Brown in midfield.
But a bolder call might be to recognise Ioane’s desire to be a long-term centre, pick him there outside the outstanding LienertBrown,
and reward dynamic Blues youngster Caleb Clarke for a standout Aotearoa campaign with the start at No 11. The decision may offer some insight into Foster’s preferences moving forward.
Blues right wing Mark Telea also hovers as an in-form option, and in midfield the likes of the Blues’ TJ Faiane and Hurricanes’ Vince Aso are also well worthy of consideration.
The North pack looks more straightforward, with the chief head-scratchers at lock and prop. Standout Blues back-rower Hoskins Sotutu should start at No 8, alongside national duo Sam Cane
Potential squads:
North Island: Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Anton LienertBrown, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Cane (capt), Ardie Savea, Josh Goodhue, Patrick Tuipoulotu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Tom Robinson, Dalton Papalii, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, Mark Telea.
South island: Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Brad Weber; Shannon Frizell, Dillon Hunt, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock (capt), Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone, Tyrel Lomax, Gareth Evans, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku.
and Ardie Savea, while Dane Coles will likely run out at hooker.
Blue skipper Patrick Tuipulotu – in the form of his life – will be one lock, possibly alongside franchise team-mate Josh Goodhue, though the more mobile Vaea Fifita and Tom Robinson might also be considered.
The powerful Ofa Tu’ungafasi looks set to start at prop, either on his preferred tighthead side if Karl Tu’inukuafe’s hamstring is OK, or at loosehead if Angus Ta’avao (also on the injury comeback trail) gets the nod on the right.
The South’s backline looks like it will pack plenty of punch, with the tightest call likely at fullback between rising young stars Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan. A back three of Barrett, at fullback, the explosive Jordan on one wing and hardworking George Bridge on the other has all sorts of merit. The rest should pick themselves.
Up front, it’s in the loose where Mooar and Feek might have the most to think about. Shannon Frizell (over Gareth Evans), Dillon Hunt and Crusaders youngster Cullen Grace shape as potential starters at this stage, behind a strong tight five where the tightest call could be between Josh Dickson or Mitchell Dunshea to partner Sam Whitelock in the second row.
Dickson is a physical beast, though Dunshea’s mobility might tempt the coaches to keep the Crusaders combination intact.
Plenty to ponder with injuries likely to throw major spanners in the works as this exacting Aotearoa competition plays out.