Whitelock is the obvious captain
Sam Whitelock would get the captain’s wings and take charge of the first All Blacks team named for 2021. With regular skipper Samcane, who this month had surgery to fix a pectoral injury and could be unavailable for up to six months, it wouldn’t be right to deny Whitelock.
Lock Whitelock has played 122 tests, and guided the Crusaders to three championships from 2017 to 2019.
He deserves to replace Cane. Injuries and playing sabbaticals to Japan have reduced the options after eight rounds of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
This team won’t thrill everyone, and that’s the point.
Selections should be disputed, scorned or celebrated. You can never please everyone.
The midfielders named in this runon team could cause some heartburn.
The options to fill the No 12 and 13 spots have been reduced because of injuries to All Blacks Jack Goodhue (gone for the year) and Braydon Ennor (due back soon).
But it’s not as if the talent pool has been drained.
There’s no crisis.
All Blacks get injured. That, unfortunately, is the reality.
The relentless nature of SRA means the casualty ward is never empty, but it also erases the rough edges off the next wave of talent coming through.
Fullback:
PLAYING XV
Unchallenged. Beauden Barrett’s decision to chase the yen in Japan makes this an easy call.
Halfback: Aaron Smith Highlanders coach Tony Brown is getting the best out of Smith in SRA. What a treat it has been.
No 8: Luke Jacobson
Has been sidelined by concussion but when fit, he brings plenty of heat with or without the ball. Could be a sensation in future years. Ardie Savea not considered due to injury.
Openside flanker: Dalton Papalii Fine turnover merchant, and can also carry effectively. With Cane injured, Papalii can start.
Blindside flanker: Shannon Frizell Has been in great formfor the Highlanders. In better nick than Akira Ioane, the man he lost his All Blacks’ No 6 jersey to late last year.
Lock: Sam
Whitelock
(captain)
More than just an experienced grafter. Still a lineout ace and isn’t a shirker.
Lock: Scott Barrett
Possibly burdened by Crusaders’ captaincy job but still combative. Patrick Tuipulotu’s recent injury lay-off counts against the Blues skipper.
Tighthead prop: Nepo Laulala Remains one of the premier No 3s in the land.
Hooker: Codie Taylor
Has been amachine for the Crusaders. Like an extra loose forward in terms of workrate.
Loosehead prop: Karl Tu’inukuafe A serious foot injury rules Joe Moody out. Tu’inukuafe gets his chance to work the first 50minutes or so.
RESERVES
Dane Coles: The veteran hooker is a good man to bring on for the final quarter.
Alex Hodgman Another Blues prop, at loosehead, is next cab off the rank.
Ofa Tuungafasi: A tighthead prop who can tickle-up the opposition with his set-piece work and carries.
Tupou Vaa’i: The lock has been an integral part of the resurgent Chiefs. Should keep getting better.
Lachlan Boshier: Why not? With Tom Christie (Crusaders) and fellow Chief Cane injured, the uncapped Boshier can offer his jackal skills in the rucks. Du’plessis Kirifi lucks out.
Brad Weber: Does everything that’s expected of him. His leadership skills are a bonus.
Rieko Ioane: Covers centre and wing. Unquestionable potential.
Damian Mckenzie: Perhaps should be starting at No 15 ahead of Jordie Barrett. A close call. Can also cover No 10.
No 8: