Josh Fusitu'a, Ruben Love, George Bower, Beauden Barrett. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
All Blacks squad announcement
23 June
Coastal Rugby Club, Taranaki
Live blog updates on RNZ
Analysis - We're only two and a half weeks away from the naming of the first All Black squad of the year, so time is running short for those players on the fringes. The die is now cast for anyone in that category from the Hurricanes, as they were knocked out of the play-offs, but still there was enough in this weekend to give Scott Robertson a bit to ponder before we head to Taranaki to learn who will be taking on France in three tests in July.
George Bell
George Bell scores the winner against the Brumbies. Photo: Mark Evans/ActionPress
One of the more intriguing 'remember me' performances. Bell had completely dropped off the radar due to injury and the very good form of Ioane Moananu in his place at the Crusaders. However, two very good weeks in a row - including scoring the winning try against the Brumbies - is a reminder that while Bell's call up last year was a surprise, he will most likely be still in Robertson's thinking for this season.
George Bower
Photo: PhotoSport / Martin Hunter
Another player to not only come off the bench for the Crusaders but also be part of an incredibly dominant scrum that never even let the Reds get a sniff in Christchurch. Bower hasn't played test rugby since late 2022, leading many to speculate a switch of national allegiance to Fiji, but with this sort of scrummaging form, he may well find himself back in black. His Crusaders connection to Robertson certainly won't hurt either, if experience is needed in an emergency.
Beauden Barrett
Beauden Barrett of the Blues tackled by Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Given that the squad naming is taking place at the Barrett family's home club, it's a pretty safe bet all three brothers will be named on 23 June. However, while Scott is obviously starting as captain, there is a slight question mark over what role Jordie and Beauden will initially play in the match day squad. On the evidence of his performance against the Chiefs, it will be a very tough call to leave Beauden out of the starting 10 jersey, given that his tactical kicking in a test-match intensity was the difference between the Blues' advancing to the semi-finals or having their season end then and there.
Josh Fusitu'a
Joshua Fusitu'a. Photo: Aaron Gillions/ActionPress
Another prop who played an important set piece role was Fusitu'a, whose momentum lately has included winning the Blues player of the year award. Every set piece in the Blues' victory over the Chiefs was crucial, as it gave the opportunity to garner penalties that Barrett either kicked for goal or converted into large territorial gains. At 24, Fusitu'a has a long career ahead of him, however a call up now would give him ample time to work his way up the propping rotation at a managed pace.
Ruben Love
Ruben Love. Photo: Andy Radka/ActionPress
We all know how good Love's all round game is, especially since his shift to first five this season was a major part in the Hurricanes finally getting their act together. Even though he moved back to fullback to accommodate the returning Brett Cameron, Love was still entrusted with the goal kicking, which he's handled superbly. The All Blacks are blessed with a number of test match quality kickers, but this particular skillset is one that gives Love just that much more of an advantage as a utility player.
Daniel Rona
Daniel Rona. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress
While this would fall into the bolter category, a call up for Rona would be justified on his incredibly consistent form this season. Most of the chat has been around a recall for his midfield partner Quinn Tupaea, but Rona's performance in a losing effort against the Blues was the Chiefs' best. There is a lot of traffic jostling to get into the midfield selections, so this may be more of being added to the official depth chart rather than a direct selection in June.
