Chiefs v Brumbies: Live updates from the Super Rugby Pacific semifinal
Chiefs team to face the Brumbies
The Chiefs have made several changes to the side that lost to the Blues in Hamilton last weekend, with four players returning to the starting XV.
Captain Luke Jacobson has been named at openside flanker after being a late withdrawal last week due to injury, while Wallace Sititi starts at No 8. Kaylum Boshier has been named on the bench, with Simon Parker unavailable due to an ankle injury.
In the tight five, Ollie Norris will start at loosehead prop with Jared Proffit named on the bench, while Jimmy Tupou replaces Josh Lord as locking cover, with Lord ruled out under concussion protocols.
There is one change in the backline, with Quinn Tupaea returning at second five-eighths, seeing Gideon Wrampling move back to the bench.
'This week is about fronting up physically, staying disciplined, and backing our style to rise to the occasion,' Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said.
Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho 3. George Dyer 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi 5. Tupou Vaa'i 6. Samipeni Finau 7. Luke Jacobson (c) 8. Wallace Sititi 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Leroy Carter 12. Quinn Tupaea 13. Daniel Rona 14. Emoni Narawa 15. Shaun Stevenson.
Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister 17. Jared Proffit 18. Reuben O'Neill 19. Jimmy Tupou 20. Kaylum Boshier 21. Xavier Roe 22. Josh Jacomb 23. Gideon Wrampling.
Unavailable: Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone), Simon Parker (ankle), Liam Coombes-Fabling (hamstring), Fiti Sa (shoulder), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (toe), Rameka Poihipi (knee, season), Kaleb Trask (ankle), Malachi Wrampling (hamstring), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (shoulder), Sione Ahio (ankle).
Brumbies team to face the Chiefs
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has named an unchanged line-up from the side that eliminated the Hurricanes in Canberra last weekend.
'The boys are peaking at the right time. I thought they played really well on the weekend,' Larkham said.
'The selection is based on performance, but we also certainly want continuity going into the finals. And it's a nice to have at this stage of the season.
'We'll make sure that we keep our emotions in check this week. The boys can get a lot of confidence out of the way that we're playing. There's a lot of stats that show that we're playing very good footy and we've also shown consistency throughout the season.
'We're certainly expecting a few more people for finals footy on Saturday. We know when we get to Hamilton, they'll be very loud with the cowbells and they're very passionate about their team over there. It'll be a great atmosphere for both teams to play in front of.'
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper 2. Billy Pollard 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) 4. Nick Frost 5. Tom Hooper 6. Rob Valetini 7. Rory Scott 8. Tuaina Taii Tualima 9. Ryan Lonergan 10. Noah Lolesio 11. Corey Toole 12. David Feliuai 13. Len Ikitau 14. Andy Muirhead 15. Tom Wright.
Bench: 16. Lachlan Lonergan 17. Lington Ieli 18. Feao Fotuaika 19. Lachlan Shaw 20. Luke Reimer 21. Harrison Goddard 22. Jack Debreczeni 23. Ollie Sapsford.
Unavailable: Charlie Cale (back), Austin Anderson (jaw), Lachie Hooper (knee), Harry Vella (knee), Blake Schoupp (Achilles, season).
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NZ Herald
4 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Women's Rugby World Cup: Squads, full schedule, how to watch – all you need to know
Black Ferns v Japan, 1.00am, Sandy Park, Exeter Black Ferns v Ireland, 1.45am, Brighton Hove and Albion Stadium Forwards Loosehead prop Kate Henwood (36, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 10 Tests) Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (27, Blues, Waikato, 7 Tests) Chryss Viliko (24, Blues, Auckland, 13 Tests) Hooker Atlanta Lolohea (22, Blues, Canterbury, 7 Tests) Vici-Rose Green (22, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 2 Tests) Georgia Ponsonby (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 31 Tests) Tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale (26, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 22 Tests) Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (20, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 1 Test) Amy Rule (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 30 Tests) Second row Laura Bayfield (26, Matatū, Canterbury, 1 Test) Alana Bremner (28, Matatū, Canterbury, 29 Tests) Chelsea Bremner (30, Matatū, Canterbury, 22 Tests) Maiakawanakaulani Roos (23, Blues, Auckland, 33 Tests) Back row Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (23, Blues, Auckland, 29 Tests) Jorja Miller (21, Black Ferns Sevens, Canterbury, 2 Tests) Kaipo Olsen-Baker (23, Matatū, Manawatū, 12 Tests) Layla Sae (24, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 14 Tests) Kennedy Tukuafu (28, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 30 Tests) Backs Halfback Iritana Hohaia (25, Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 17 Tests) Maia Joseph (23, Matatū, Otago, 11 Tests) Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (25, Black Ferns Sevens, Tasman, 2 Tests) First five-eighths Kelly Brazier (35, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 43 Tests) Ruahei Demant (30, Blues, Auckland, 45 Tests) Centre Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt (21, Blues, Auckland, 25 Tests) Amy du Plessis (26, Matatū, Canterbury, 21 Tests) Theresa Setefano (30, Blues, Auckland, 19 Tests) Stacey Waaka (29, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 27 Tests) Wing / fullback Renee Holmes (25, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 23 Tests) Ayesha Leti-I'iga (26, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 26 Tests) Braxton Sorensen-McGee (18, Blues, Auckland, 3 Tests) Katelyn Vahaakolo (25, Blues, Auckland, 17 Tests Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (34, Blues, Northland, 27 Tests) 1991 - USA 1994 - England 1998 - New Zealand 2002 - New Zealand 2006 - New Zealand 2010 - New Zealand 2014 - England 2017 - New Zealand 2021 - New Zealand Pool A England Australia USA Samoa Pool B Canada Scotland Wales Fiji Pool C New Zealand Ireland Japan Spain Pool D France Italy South Africa Brazil All the matches will be aired across Sky Sport and Sky Open. Every game is live on Sky Sport. The three Black Ferns pool games will be delayed on Sky Open while their potential semifinal and final will be live and free-to-air. A detailed view of the new Women's Rugby World Cup Trophy. Photo / World Rugby Images Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Rosie Galligan, Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward. Backs: Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Abby Dow, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt, Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Helena Rowland, Emily Scarratt, Jade Shekells, Emma Sing. Forwards: Katalina Amosa, Bree-Anna Browne, Emily Chancellor, Annabelle Codey, Piper Duck, Ashley Fernandez, Brianna Hoy, Asoiva Karpani, Lydia Kavoa, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Ashley Marsters, Tania Naden, Bridie O'Gorman, Siokapesi Palu, Faliki Pohiva, Adiana Talakai, Tabua Tuinakauvadra. Backs: Lori Cramer, Waiaria Ellis, Georgina Friedrichs, Caitlyn Halse, Tia Hinds, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Manu'a Moleka, Layne Morgan, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith, Maya Stewart, Caitlin Urwin, Samantha Wood. Forwards: Glory Aiono Samuelu, Utumalama Atonio, Joanna Fanene Lolo, Avau Filimaua, Nina Maria Foaese, Tori Iosefo, Madisen Jade Iva, Cathy Leuta, Ana Mamea, Faith Nonutunu, Christabelle Onesemo, Demielle Onesemo, Sinead Ryder, Ana-Lise Sio, Sui Pauaraisa, Ti Tauasosi, Jennifer Taylor. Backs: Ana Afuie, Denise Aiolupotea, Lutia Col Aumua, Michelle Curry, Drenna Falaniko, Linda Fiafia, Davina Lasini, Saelua Leaula, Fa'asua Makisi, Taytana Pati Ah Cheung, Keilamarita Pouri-Lane, Melina Salale, Faalua Tugaga, Harmony Vatau, Karla Wright-Akeli. Forwards: Emerson Allen, Catie Benson, Tahlia Brody, Hope Cooper, Rachel Ehrecke, Charli Jacoby, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Rachel Johnson, Maya Learned, Alivia Leatherman, Georgie Perris-Redding, Hope Rogers, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Paige Stathopoulos, Freda Tafuna, Hallie Taufoou, Kathryn Treder, Kate Zackary. Backs: Cassidy Bargell, Kristin Bitter, Gabby Cantorna, Erica Coulibaly, Cheta Emba, Nana Faavesi, Mckenzie Hawkins, Emily Henrich, Sariah Ibarra, Alev Kelter, Ilona Maher, Bulou Mataitoga, Olivia Ortiz, Charlotte Sharp. Forwards: Tyson Beukeboom, Gillian Boag, Pamphinette Buisa, Caroline Crossley, Sophie de Goede, Olivia DeMerchant, Fabiola Forteza, McKinley Hunt, Brittany Kassil, Taylor McKnight, DaLeaka Menin, Maya Montiel, Mikiela Nelson, Courtney O'Donnell, Karen Paquin, Laetitia Royer, Gabrielle Senft, Rachel Smith, Emily Tuttosi. Backs: Olivia Apps, Fancy Bermudez, Alysha Corrigan, Paige Farries, Claire Gallagher, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Sarah-Maude Lachance, Justine Pelletier, Taylor Perry, Julia Schell, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Florence Symonds, Alexandra Tessier. Forwards: Jade Coates, Nunia Daunimoala, Alfreda Fisher, Manuqalo Komaitai, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu, Rusila Nagasau, Karalaini Naisewa, Mereoni Nakesa, Selai Naliva, Salaseini Railumu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Loraini Senivutu, Asinate Serevi, Bitila Tawake, Bulou Vasuturaga, Sulita Waisega, Carletta Yee. Backs: Ema Adivitaloga, Ilisapeci Delaiwaau, Verenaisi Ditavutu, Salanieta Kinita, Kolora Rosi Lomani, Kelerayani Luvu, Salote Nailolo, Alowesi Nakoci, Josifini Neihamu, Setaita Railumu, Michella'e Stolz, Repeka Tove, Mere Vocevoce, Litiana Vueti. Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Becky Boyd, Sarah Bonar, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Evie Gallagher, Adelle Ferrie, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm, Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Molly Poolman, Lana Skeldon, Alex Stewart, Emma Wassell, Molly Wright, Anne Young. Backs: Leia Brebner-Holden, Beth Blacklock, Rhea Clarke, Coreen Grant, Rhona Lloyd, Caity Mattinson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Walker, Evie Wills. Forwards: Katherine Baverstock, Alex Callender, Gwen Crabb, Maisie Davies, Georgia Evans, Abbie Fleming, Kelsey Jones, Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis, Branwen Metcalfe, Carys Phillips, Alaw Pyrs, Gwenllian Pyrs, Molly Reardon, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Tilly Vucaj, Kate Williams. Backs: Keira Bevan, Carys Cox, Hannah Dallavalle, Meg Davies, Lleucu George, Jasmine Joyce, Courtney Keight, Kerin Lake, Seren Lockwood, Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Kayleigh Powell, Catherine Richards. Forwards: Claire Boles, Beth Buttimer, Ruth Campbell, Eimear Corri Fallon, Linda Djougang, Brittany Hogan, Neve Jones, Ivana Kiripati, Siobhán McCarthy, Sadhbh McGrath, Edel McMahon, Clíodhna Moloney MacDonald, Sam Monaghan, Grace Moore, Niamh O'Dowd, Ellena Perry, Fiona Tuite, Aoife Wafer. Backs: Enya Breen, Amee Leigh Costigan, Aoife Dalton, Méabh Deely, Stacey Flood, Nicole Fowley, Eve Higgins, Emily Lane, Anna McGann, Nancy McGillivray, Dannah O'Brien, Béibhinn Parsons, Aoibheann Reilly, Molly Scuffil-McCabe. Forwards: Kyoko Hosokawa, Sachiko Kato, Masami Kawamura, Wako Kitano, Ayumu Kokaji, Hinata Komaki, Sakurako Korai, Asuka Kuge, Miharu Machida, Manami Mine, Iroha Nagata, Nijiho Nagata, Jennifer Nduka, Seina Saito, Ayano Sakurai, Yuna Sato, Kotomi Taniguchi, Otoka Yoshimura. Backs: Megumi Abe, Nao Ando, Mana Furuta, Sakurako Hatada, Haruka Hirotsu, Komachi Imakugi, Mele Yua Havili Kagawa, Kanako Kobayashi, Rinka Matsuda, Misaki Matsumura, Sora Nishimura, Ayasa Otsuka, Moe Tsukui, Minori Yamamoto. Forwards: Lourdes Alameda, Inés Antolínez, Cristina Blanco, Sidorella Bracic, Alba Capell, Mónica Castelo, Mireia de Andrés, Laura Delgado, Eider García, Nerea García, Nuria Jou, Elena Martínez, Ana Peralta, Valentina Pérez, Lía Piñeiro, Anna Puig, Marieta Román, Victoria Rosell, Gemma Silva. Backs: Maider Aresti, Amalia Argudo, Claudia Cano, Ana Cortés, Lea Ducher, Anne Fernández de Corres, Tecla Masoko, Claudia Peña, Claudia Pérez, Zahía Pérez, Clara Piquero, Bingbing Vergara, Alba Vinuesa. Forwards: Larissa Aleves, Franciele Barros, Camilla Ísis, Eshyllen Coimbra, Íris Coluna, Dayana Dakar, Isabela Gomes Saccomanno, Larissa Henwood, Natalia Jonck, Julia Leni Lima, Giovana Mamede, Letícia Medeiros, Taís Prioste, Ana Carolina Santana, Leticia Silva, Pamela Soares Santos, Mercelle Souza, Samara Vergara. Backs: Giovanna Barth, Luiza Campos, Marina Fioravanti, Maria Gabriela Graf, Raquel Kochhann, Isadora Lopes, Aline Mayumi, Mariana Nicolau, Carolyne Katrine Pereira, Edna Santini, Bianca Silva, Leila Silva, Yasmim Soares, Fernanda Tenório. Forwards: Makarita Baleinadogo, Rose Bernadou, Axelle Berthoumieu, Manon Bigot, Allana Brosseau, Léa Champon, Khoudedia Cissokho, Annaëlle Deshaye, Charlotte Escudero, Madoussou Fall Raclot, Manae Feleu, Téani Feleu, Agathe Gérin, Hina Ikahehegi, Assia Khalfaoui, Taïna Maka, Marie Morland, Séraphine Okemba, Élisa Riffonneau. Backs: Kelly Arbey, Carla Arbez, Émilie Boulard, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, Morgane Bourgeois, Alexandra Chambon, Joanna Grisez, Nassira Konde, Marine Menager, Carla Neisen, Lina Queyroi, Lina Tuy, Gabrielle Vernier. Forwards: Ilaria Arrighetti, Giordana Duca, Valeria Fedrighi, Alessandra Frangipani, Elisa Giordano, Laura Gurioli, Isabella Locatelli, Gaia Maris, Alessia Pilani, Alissa Ranuccini, Sara Seye, Francesca Sgorbini, Desiree Spinelli, Emanuela Stecca, Sara Tounesi, Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini, Beatrice Veronese. Backs: Alia Bitonci, Gaia Buso, Beatrice Capomaggi, Giada Corradini, Alyssa D'Inca, Francesca Granzotto, Veronica Madia, Sara Mannini, Aura Muzzo, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Beatrice Rigoni, Michela Sillari, Sofia Stefan, Emma Stevanin. Forwards: Nolusindiso Booi, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Micke Gunter, Lindelwa Gwala, Luchell Hanekom, Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Danelle Lochner, Lerato Makua, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Nomsa Mokwai, Yonela Ngxingolo, Babalwa Latsha, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Anathi Qolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke, Vainah Ubisi. Backs: Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandré Dolf, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Tayla Kinsey, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Chumisa Qawe, Nadine Roos, Maceala Samboya, Unam Tose, Eloise Webb, Mary Zulu. Saturday August 23 England v USA, Pool A, Stadium of Light, Sunderland, 6.30am Australia v Samoa, Pool A, Salford, 11pm Sunday August 24 Scotland v Wales, Pool B, Salford, 1.45am Canada v Fiji, Pool B, York, 4.30am Ireland v Japan, Pool C, Northampton, 11pm Monday August 25 South Africa v Brazil, Pool D, Northampton, 1.45am New Zealand v Spain, Pool C, York, 4.30am Saturday August 30 Canada v Wales, Pool B, Salford, 11pm Sunday August 31 Scotland v Fiji, Pool B, Salford, 1.45 am England v Samoa, Pool A, Northampton, 4am USA v Australia, Pool A, York, 6.30am Ireland v Spain, Pool C, Northampton, 11pm Monday September 1 New Zealand v Japan, Pool C, Exeter, 1am Italy v South Africa, Pool D, York, 2.30am France v Brazil, Pool D, Exeter, 3.45am Saturday September 6 Canada v Scotland, Pool B, Exeter, 11pm Sunday September 7 USA v Samoa, Pool A, York, 12.30am Wales v Fiji, Pool B, Exeter, 1.45am England v Australia, Pool A, Brighton, 4am Japan v Spain, Pool C, York, 11pm Monday September 8 New Zealand v Ireland, Pool C, Brighton, 1.45am Italy v Brazil, Pool D, Northampton, 2am France v South Africa, Pool D, Northampton, 4.45am Sunday September 14 Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D, Quarter-final, Exeter, 12am Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A, Quarter-final, Bristol, 3am Monday September 15 Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C, Quarter-final, Exeter, 12am Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B, Quarter-final, Bristol, 3am Saturday September 20 Semifinal 1 (Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2), Ashton Gate (Bristol), 6am Sunday September 21 Semifinal 2 (Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4), Ashton Gate (Bristol), 2.30am Saturday September 27 Bronze Final, Twickenham (London), 11.30pm Sunday September 28 Final, Twickenham (London), 3am
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Top Four beckons for Southland Boys'
Southland Boys' have made the finals of the National First XV Championship and will chase glory for the second time in three years. They beat Christchurch Boys' 32-29 in Invercargill on Saturday and will join the regional winners of the Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes competitions in the Top Four series later this month. Southland Boys' won the national championship in 2023 when the then 15-year-old Jimmy Taylor drilled a late drop goal to help set up the 32-29 win over Westlake Boys'. Taylor was at it again a couple of weeks ago when he banged over a drop goal to seal a 27-26 win over King's in the final of the Southern Schools Rugby Championship to clinch a berth in the South Island final. Christchurch Boys' headed to Invercargill following a 52-0 demolition job on rival Christ's College in the Crusaders final. The visitors opened up a 12-3 lead, but the home team rallied. Lock Jack McKeay crashed over from a quick tap penalty, and Taylor nailed an important penalty before the break to give his side a 13-12 lead, coach Jason Dermody said. "Just to go into the break with the lead was big," he said. "We had a bit of a breeze behind us, which was good, so we could kick the ball deep into their half. "There were a couple of big periods of defence, obviously, at the end again, where we didn't give away a penalty. "Just real proud of the boys. We won it through defence again." McKeay was back in the action early in the second spell when he drove over from close to the line. Then flanker Josh Cairns picked the ball up from the base of a ruck and ran in unopposed to give Southland some breathing space. Christchurch Boys' roared back with two unconverted tries. The game was back in the balance until Zeke Hammond-Siolo scored a tremendous try. A Christchurch Boys' clearance missed touch, and Southland Boys' spun it wide to the left winger. He hit the ball at pace, gave it the in-out to get around his marker, fended off the next and skipped through the last would-be tackler to score a 40m try. There was one more twist. Christchurch Boys' halfback Hiro Fuchigami scored a brilliant solo try to set up a tense final few minutes. He sold a dummy then busted through around the ruck and ran 20-odd metres to score between the posts. Southland Boys' defended desperately and held on. — Christchurch Girls' cruised to a 73-12 win over St Hilda's Collegiate in the South Island secondary schoolgirls final in Christchurch.
NZ Herald
12-08-2025
- NZ Herald
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson faces wing selection challenge
If a fake news story went out on social media that a secret factory had been found in New Zealand where world-class wings were being made, half the rugby world would have been inclined to believe it. But those good old days feel a long time ago, and the All Blacks of 2025 look to be building an impressive talent pool in most positions – bar the one they are famed for never having to try overly hard to fill. It doesn't feel like head coach Scott Robertson has to rip the whole thing up and start again, but he does have to be open to thinking about making some personnel changes after the Rugby Championship if the current cohort continue to underwhelm. The All Blacks need potency on their wings. Their ultra-fast game plan needs genuine finishers on each flank – be it through power, pace, elusiveness or – ideally – a combination of all three. Both wings have to be competent under the high ball – a non-negotiable in the box-kick-heavy world of international rugby – and both wings have to be adept chasers, able to compete in the air and win back possession. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson wants potent wingers for his side's fast game plan. Photo / Photosport Playing wing effectively for the All Blacks these days is a combination of glamour and grunt work and throughout the July series, no one wing delivered on both fronts. Rieko Ioane's instincts were rusty in the first test, where his kick-chase was poor and his timing off. He looked sharper and more alive to opportunity in the second test, but now that he has been officially listed as an outside back rather than as a midfielder, he needs to show definitively throughout the Rugby Championship that he can be the same potent force on the wing that he was between 2016 and 2018. His Blues teammate Caleb Clarke is going to have to hope he can recover in time to deliver a much-needed reminder that he can be the everything man the All Blacks are looking for. He brings a proven ability to compete for high kicks, but his body of work over the past 18 months has been inconsistent and, with Leicester Fainga'anuku set to become eligible for the end-of-year tour, there's maybe a hidden reality that only one of Ioane and Clarke are long-term propositions. Robertson will likely want a mix of body types and skillsets in his mix, and Fainga'anuku, Ioane and Clarke could all be put under the umbrella of power wings – and being broadly similar as they are, retaining all three for the 2027 World Cup may not be possible. The pressure is building on Ioane and Clarke to freshen and strengthen their case for continued inclusion, which is the same for Sevu Reece, who must surely be the most vulnerable of the current contingent. Sevu Reece (left) and Rieko Ioane are both hoping for spots as wingers with the All Blacks. Photo / Photosport Robertson, fairly, decided not to invest in Mark Tele'a this year after the Blues wing announced he will be moving to Japan in 2026, but by the same token, Reece doesn't inspire as being any more likely to still be in selection contention by the next World Cup. Reece, it could be argued, is holding his place partly because Robertson and his selection panel have not yet been convinced that any of the younger, emerging wings such as Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter, Chay Fihaki or Caleb Tangitau are quite ready yet. But there is also this lingering possibility that Robertson sees Reece as a Cheslin Kolbe figure – a small but powerful, fast-footed runner with the ability to pull off the impossible in confined spaces. If he does see Reece in a similar light to the magical South African, he's probably the only one. Reece doesn't induce the same sense of possibilities – his top-end speed isn't there, his instincts are not as sharp and his skillset is not as diverse. It says something problematic about the All Blacks that they continue to try to manufacture an inferior product to the Springboks in a position they used to lead the world. There seems to be more upside and less risk in the All Blacks experimenting with Narawa and Carter during the Rugby Championship than there does persevering with Reece. But whatever choices get made, the All Blacks need to rekindle that sense of fear they used to induce every time they started moving the ball towards the wing. Gregor Paul is one of New Zealand's most respected rugby writers and columnists. He has won multiple awards for journalism and written several books about sport.
