NEW ZEALAND SQUAD ANNOUNCED | RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2024

The fear when Smith retired has gone. Roigard. Ratima. Hotham. That’s a decent set of 9s for this World Cup cycle.

Cannot wait for the ABs to touch down. The highlight of the annual rugby calendar for us bokke fans. Good to see Sam Cane back in action. Tim - if you were overwhelmed by the atmosphere at the games against Ireland, be prepared to experience something special when we play the ABs. Greatest rivalry 🤝

As a kiwi, I do not understand the hate towards Sam Cane. You are spot on in regard to being a serious talent to get to 95 tests as an All Black. In South Africa his hardness and experience is going to be invaluable. We are seeing a carefully managed and exciting transition from old to new in the ABs. Hard to be an All Black coach; planning for a 4 year world cup cycle but also having to deal with the the expectation of having to win every test!

I doubt that there's any sentiment in selecting Sam Cane, he is bringing talent and experience to the table

I’m not surprised Christie has been replaced. The youth is looking good in that area. Looking lite at lock though, especially with Barrett out for the start of the RC with broken finger. Need to get some minutes in Darry’s legs at international level anyway. Josh Lord at 205cm is in as cover too. I’d also argue that ABs front rows is at least as good as SAs in scrummaging. Possibly even an edge off the bench. Wouldn’t have said that two years ago. Cane selection good. Defence wins games and he’s the best tackling forward we have. Good squad overall.

Sam Cane has a great work rate

First Five-Eight and Second Five-Eight because 5/8 is between halfback and wingers. Wingers used to be called Wing 3/4 so 5/8 is the fraction between the 2 positions. All makes sense when you consider the final back position is fullback.

Scott Robertson hasn't picked Sam Cane because he wants him to have 100 caps. He's picked Sam Cane, because he's an absolute beast on defense. If you look at the history of coaching and the #7's he's coached, they have all been work horses, players that just keep on going and going. Matt Todd, Tom Christie and Ethan Blackadder came to mind when saying that. I'm glad that Finlay Christie isn't in the squad, Cortez Ratima and Noah Hotham, along with Cam Roigard (injured) are the future of the #9 in the Black Jersey. And Will Jordan, need I say more? David Havili is actually really solid. He's down the pecking order in regards to the midfield, but he's still very good at this core role and has a massive boot on him if required.

Razor has zero sentiment. He has picked Cane as Razor’s teams always have a 7 who tackles everything that moves. Matt Todd at the Crusaders. Tom Christie at the Crusaders. Cane habitually tops the ABs tackle count.

Roigard will be the starting 9 for the ABs over the coming years. Ratima will be hot on his heels.

Old names were Half back, Centre three quarters, Wing three quarters, Full back. So Five eighths is between half and three quarters...

Sam Cane is a quality player who was never going to be given due respect because he followed Richie M but could never be Richie McCaw. He’s worked his butt off for everything he ever did and the ABs know that.

Having All Blacks in SA is always so special.🇿🇦

5/8 is the 'fraction' between 1/2 & 3/4 so between a 1/2 way line and a 3/4 line --- would be the 1st 5 & 2nd 5 --- of course !! 🏴

Havili lmfao. Havili can cover 10/12/13/15 but he's 4th or 5th best in each position. Should've given Harry Plummer a go who's the best goal kicker in the country and covers the same positions and was arguably the MVP of Super Rugby

As a NZ fan, our depth at prop is the best that I've seen in my lifetime. However, the lack of depth at lock concerns me. I fear that the Springboks are going to eat our lunch in the lineout, when we play them over there.

I love come back stories, Sam Cane & Will Jordan.

Us kiwis don't know how good Sam cane was, even just his experience without playing would be invaluable . I can see him playing

Cane is a genuine ball winner and has a massive work load.

I don't understand the omission of Quinn Tuaepae