RWC 2023: Picking the form All Blacks XV

As Super Rugby Pacific draws to a close and the international games and Rugby World Cup are fast approaching, Planet Rugby picked it’s form XV for New Zealand and it’s clear that those in stronger form are largely on the periphery of the squad, which makes for an interesting side.15 Shaun Stevenson: Without doubt the standout full-back this campaign, Stevenson has consistently impressed us and we believe he cannot do much more to push his way into the All Blacks squad. Whether it’s for the Chiefs or Maori All Blacks, he delivers the goods and with the All Blacks not having a nailed on full-back, could now be the time for Stevenson to make the shirt his own?14 Emoni Narawa: Injuries to Sevu Reece and the absence of Will Jordan, who has now thankfully returned, opened the door on the right wing this season. Narawa is in dazzling form in a hot Chiefs side and it would be no surprise to see him picked by the All Blacks this year. A lethal finisher who looks the real deal.13 Rieko Ioane: Daniel Rona has had a solid campaign at the high-flying Chiefs but we feel Ioane has been the most consistent number 13. An established figure in the All Blacks midfield, Ioane has developed his game in recent seasons as he converted from a wing to centre and now looks very much at home in this position.12 Jordie Barrett: It became apparent last year that Barrett’s future home lay at inside centre and he’s now settled at 12 spot for the ‘Canes. His power, creativity and booming boot are better served closer to the action. Anton Lienert-Brown’s return to action last weekend is massive for both the Chiefs and New Zealand moving forward.11 Caleb Clarke: Such a consistent performer, he has proven his worth to the Blues and All Blacks numerous times. Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga’anuku is of course a rampaging threat of similar impact and has caught the eye with nine tries thus far in 2023. But Clarke just got the nod due to his linebreaking ability – a statistic he tops at the moment in Super Rugby Pacific.10 Damian McKenzie: Possibly one of our biggest selection calls, as he usurps both Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett, but on form it is hard to ignore how well McKenzie is performing. Often thrown from 15 to 10 and back again, it must be pleasing for the player to be pretty much locked in as a fly-half as he matures in years. He’s led this Chiefs side to the summit and it’s going to take a brave Ian Foster to tell him he’s not at least in the starting conversation.9 Cam Roigard: There is growing noise around the consistent young Hurricanes scrum-half. Aaron Smith and Brad Weber are reliable options, but going on Super Rugby Pacific form, it’s hard to argue that the seven-try Roigard has been the pick of the crop.8 Ardie Savea: It will come as little surprise due to his incredible consistency that Savea is our form number 8. A player who empties the tank round after round, he gets the nod over the Chiefs’ Luke Jacobson. Hoskins Sotutu has also stood out, but in patches.7 Sam Cane: It’s a credit to Cane that he has put himself ahead of rival for the All Blacks shirt, Dalton Papali’i. In truth Papali’i hasn’t let his performances dip, which shows just how well Cane is playing at the moment. His physicality on either side of the ball are the hallmarks of Cane’s game and he looks full of confidence.6 Pita Gus Sowakula: Could the All Blacks look again at the outstanding Chiefs flanker? It’s an interesting question as Sowakula is still eligible ahead of his move to Clermont at the end of the NPC season – or the Rugby World Cup – and if he maintains this form then surely Foster will make the call. Highlanders back-row Shannon Frizell is next in line while Ethan Blackadder’s awful luck with injuries continues.5 Sam Whitelock: The great All Black remains a class operator in the line-out, and whilst he has missed some of the season, the Crusaders always look better with him commanding the set-piece. There is no doubting his quality and his influence ahead of the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup.4 Brodie Retallick: The hard-working grit of the experienced campaigner has been a constant throughout his careerason. Retallick is an accomplished second-row in every sense and he has been vital for the Chiefs in their record run. Just behind him, the Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett has grown tremendously with the leadership mantle in Christchurch.3 Tamaiti Williams: The Crusader has been a formidable presence in the tight exchanges and around the field. While we’ve also been impressed by Tyrel Lomax at the Hurricanes, Williams’ form has been off the charts.2 Samisoni Taukei’aho: New Zealand is well stocked at hooker as the likes of Codie Taylor and Asafo Aumua are in decent form while there is always Dane Coles to lean on. But if the All Blacks can keep Chiefs wrecking ball Taukei’aho fit then he is surely their present and future in the two jersey. He has pretty much everything, as his set-piece, pace, power and eye for the try-line make him a special talent.1 Ethan de Groot: The 24-year-old Highlander is looking fit and playing brilliant rugby. His tackle counts are always high, and his scrummaging notably improved. Outside of De Groot is Crusaders star Joe Moody who admittedly is sometimes guilty of a high penalty count.– Abridged from Planetrugby

RWC 2023: Picking the form All Blacks XV

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RWC 2023: Picking the form All Blacks XV

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